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?

[Deb61]

I've been here since '08.  I have found that this is the best forum for support and information.  I have posted on other forums, but are none that come close to this one.  

I was diagnosed in January or February of 2008 and started Copaxone March 2008.  I've had many years of symptoms which may have not all been MS related.  I have a complicated medical history because I have more than one autoimmune problem--including hypothyroidism and arthritis.  Because some symptoms didn't seem MS related, the doctors all thought that my problems were autoimmune related, so I saw only rheumatologists. Many of the odd-ball symptoms that didn't fit MS went away after starting Synthroid for hypothyroidism.  I still didn't feel well, but the symptoms that were left, were MS-like (looking back).  

When my sister was diagnosed with MS, I began thinking that I too could have MS.  I saw a neurologist, but didn't order a new MRI (I had an old one done on a weak MRI machine) which was negative.  My sister insisted I see her neurologist.  I did, and the second MRI showed lesions to my amazement.  Anyway, after the third MRI (second with this neuro), I had more lesions and growth other lesions I had.  I was diagnosed that very same day and started Copaxone.  

Copaxone is said to be failing me, which I'm sad about.  I have like not having the side effects.  However, I cannot have more lesions eating away at my brain.  I will be starting a new medicine soon (Rebif or Tysabri).  I won't know anything until next week.

Sorry so long.  Probably no one wants to read this (I probably woudn't), but if there's one person that's suffering out there that this could benefit, I guess it's okay.

Deb

[Jifr]

Hi there. Jifr here.  AKA Jen.  

I joined when I was looking for some info after getting my first 3T MRI.  Quix answered for me. :-)  I have brain, C & T spine lesions.

Dx April 2001. 8 months to diagnosis from my first attack (the entire right side of my body went numb).  I had attack after attack.  3 in all, at least, by the time I was diagnosed.

I've been on all the traditional DMDs.  I had my first dose of Gilenya in September of this year.  I have my fingers crossed that it will eventually get my MS under control again.  I've been having attack after attack or exacerbations and new symptoms every few months.

Let's see...everyone else gave demo info so:  I work in Insurance and live in Ohio with my Partner.  If I was a force of nature...people would probably say I'm fire.

Oh - and I'm a Taurus, too.  :-)  

[johnniebear]

  typo
should have read,

Until  I went to  a MS Neuro I didn't (HAVE)  any answers  ( UNTIL THEN)


sorry

[johnniebear]

WOW  I feel like  I'm on the MS  Hokey Pokey,


Early 50's, married,  two son's both are serving our Nation,  I have great dog Kouper

It all started in 2008,
I went to see a regular neuro for right eye pain & bloodshot eye,  she stated it wasn't normal and I had my first brain MRI,  it revealed two lesions on the brain and she said it normal and age related and don't worry about.

Fast forward a few years,  I  now have six brain lesion , on one MRI one of the lesion  enhanced  and two lesion on the  spine and delayed VEP.
No DMD'S yet,    I meet DIT, DIS.
  
Here's  where the The Hokey Pokey  begins,    
                      
                      
                     please sing along if you know the words

You  have MS and now you don't
You have RIS, now you don't have RIS,
you have probable MS, and now you don't
We think you had CIS and let's take that CIS back
thinking you need to  read up on  DMD'S and you will start  on them, and now you won't

And  that's how your MS works... and that's what it all about.


Until  I went to  a MS Neuro I didn't any answers, I  fired a few Dr along this path,   I think this November I will start  on DMD'S.  
I'm Keeping my finger crossed.  



take care
John

[Millsinc]

I am Tricia 31yrs. From the caribbean and been dx in Feb of 2010. Joined the forum in 2010 but went domaint for a while and rejoined earlier this year. I am taking the betaferon injections every other day and climbing the MS hill slowly but surely each day. I am so grateful for this community and the friends here as I sometimes feel alone not knowing anyone in my country or close with this disease. You all provide me with a wealth of info and I keep learning something new that helps me understand MS and its complications more and more.

Thank you and keep good all

~Mills~

[sllowe]

I'm here - and been so since 07. Found this site like many others -  I was   looking for sound information and I received it. I was dx'd quickly, and very much believed the doctors were wrong. Though I was aware that the sh it that hit the fan with my body, and mind, I thought I just had a stroke, and I was going to get better, or be left with limitations. Part of my thinking was right, hahah But, it wasn't a stroke. Spine and brain lesions, and positive LP later I was dx'd the same year.

I am happy to be apart of a community that give so much of themselves for the simple reason that they are passionate about others. I'm also grateful for those who are here to learn and be apart of others struggles  - makes things more bearable.

Grateful to be a part of your forum family :)
-Shell