Roll call - Who's Here these Days?

[Lulu54]

We have picked up so many new folks around here and of course our long time community members are still here.  I am thinking it might be helpful to start this new thread and have everyone give a brief introduction of themselves  - perhaps the who, what, when, where and why of what brings you to this forum?  Please help to keep this up on page one so we can get a larger snapshot of who is present.  


It doesn't have to be anything elaborate - I'll start as an example.


I'm Lulu54, and was diagnosed with RRMS in 2008. I am on copaxone and my MS appears to be stable for now.  My diagnosis was fairly easy because I have a classic MRI with lesions/enhancing lesions in all the right places and a neurologist who doesn't believe in delaying treatment.  Also, I am one of several co-community leaders here on the MS community and am passionate about advocating for all of us.

Who's next?

[sdtbftone1]

My nameis steven.i was diagnosed with RRMS October 2000. I retired from teaching children with special needs June 2003. Was awarded SS disability 2006 summer. Since I also have ADD, I am constantly on l
The lookout for anyone who has an MS DX and also has ADD. Cognitive impairment is my major problem, to quote Jeffrey Gungold " . . . my wheelchair is in my head . . ."

I have found quix 1 posts very informative.

[Quixotic1]

I'm Quix and I began right at the beginning of this forum in April, 2007.  This was right after my diagnosis of RRMS.  I was a practicing pediatrician until 1999 when I was floored by intractable vertigo, something we now know was the beginning of my MS at age 47.  I was diagnosed by the 8th neuro I saw for my problems.  And, yes, that formed a lot of my scorn for neuros who declare a specialty in MS, but know piddly about it.

I was first on Avonex, stopped due to cost, but also found out it was causing suicidal ideation.  Now, newly on Tysabri and seeing a boost in energy.

Major problems, spazzing right leg with weakness and drop foot requiring a brace.  Total bigtime incontinence with periodic major, epic flooding.  I dance with Trigeminal Neuralgia (bilateral).  Increasing paresthesias, a flirt with the HUG, bigtime fatigue and blurry brain.  Hand Eye coordination laughable.

Most lesions are brainstem and cervical.  They are few and small.

I am newly back to the forum after being very scarce for nearly a year.  You guys are my life's passion.

Mama Quix

[Lulu54]

oops! I just picked inadvertently Johnnymutt's answer as the best answer - and even though his reply made me smile, everyone's answer is the BEST ANSWER.  So please don't be offended - I really don't select a best answer because I appreciate everyone taking the time to write a reply.

Thanks everyone for jumping in and letting us know who is here.   I'm especially happy to hear from all you lurking inthe shadows. I'm glad you are still here and still finding value in the many words written.  

[MsmsinFl]

I'm MSMSINFL, and was diagnosed with RRMS in 2009 at the age of 59.  I live in Central Florida.

My only-ever symptom (loss of sensation on one side) was the one that sent me to the ER, where I was diagnosed ASAP based on MRI & clinical exam;  I then had 5 days of inpatient IVSM which resolved the symptom by day 2.  

I subsequently got a confirmatory opinion at Mayo Jacksonville, and now have a local MS neuro, who is OK.

I've been on Rebif 22mcg since diagnosis  and my MS appears to be stable for now, with no side effects from Rebif.

My diagnosis was fairly easy because I have a classic MRI with lesions/enhancing lesions in all the right places and a neurologist who is very aggressive about starting DMD & doesn't believe in delaying treatment.

[Jacksmom516]

Hi I am Jacksmom -(Tracy)  I found this forum in August of this year once I was referred to a neuro by my orthopedist.  I have been seeing different orthopedists for 6 years now all of whom said I had a torn tendon in my foot and they have sent me to countless physical therapy appts! It has only been since this last one that they thought something else is going on - have had 2 of four MRI's Waiting on blood work results to look for mimics.  Biggest sx are foot drop, severe limp and balance problems. Also do have Thyroid disease.  In hindsight have probably had this issue for some time since I have always had balance and tripping issues but everyone just said I was clumsy! Have not had any vision or hearing issues as of yet nor any reall cognitive issues but have noticed my memory isnt what it used to be!

Do love this forum as well as limboland forum.  You have all become a 2nd family to me to help me understand what is happening and that everyone here can understand me!  The people in my everyday life do not get it because they do no live it every day like all of you!