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?

[maestro1959]

Hello.  I am Bethany/Beth.  I was diagnosed with PPMS in July 2010.  I have bi-lateral footdrop and balance problems.  Because of mobility issues I now use a wheelchair about 95% of the time.

I take Gabapentin for nerve pain and Zanaflex for spasticity in both legs, and Duragesic patch for pain.

Beth

[Valerie64]

I'm Val, been around a couple of years now, diagnosed last year with 'mild' (love that!) MS, legs affected mostly, lots of rubbish symptoms including wicked L'Hermittes, currently taking lots of Gabapentin (Neurontin in the states I think) and Tizanadene for stiffness plus dyclefenic...just plodding on....

[Cosmobirdy]

I'm Rita, and I've been a member of this forum since Oct. 2007.  I was diagnosed with RRMS in Feb. 2008.  Immediately went on Rebif, but had alot of side effects, and continued to go downhill at a rapid pace.  Was put on Tysabri in Oct. 2008, and have been on it ever since.  I will get infusion #40 next month.  It has been a very up and down course for me, but I just try to ride with it as best as I can.  This forum is such a wonderful place, full of compassionate, supportive and knowledgable people!  

Rita

[rendean]

I am Ren (Rendean),

I joined in Jan. of 2009.  I was finally diagnosed with RRMs in April of 2009. My MRIs have stayed the same for the last several years and have atypical lesions making getting the dx even more difficult. Despite the relative stationary MRI with only one new lesion, my symptoms continue to increase.

When my health permits I am one of the CLs. I have a nursing and paralegal background. I last worked as a nurse paralegal on June 2009 but not not by my choice but my employers. Long story.

I have a laundry list of symptoms and am currently taking Tsabri after a faled attempt of Copaxone. MY MS symptoms are held in check most days with a "cocktail" of low dose anti-seizure meds.

I am happily married to a wonderful man for over 31 years who fully understands and assists me with adapting to new MS symptoms including accompanying me on my MS and pain clinic visits and treaftments.

We have 3 young adult children. The oldest is in Pharmacy School, the middle is a senior at UGA student Scientfic Illustration and the last one is my son who is enrolled at a college that specializes in Air Traffic Control ( Air Traffic Management).

Since I cannot always be present on the boards for an extended time, feel free to PM with a specific question if you'd like my opinion on something.

Ren

[HVAC]

I am Alex, I am 48, I was diagnosed in 2009. I have documented Neurological problems since 1965, so if I was born today I would have pediatric MS. I guess I was in limbo over 40 years. I am not on a DMD.

I have permanent double vision, vertigo, trouble standing for any period, nerve pain, spasms, cognitive issues, I walk funny, get tired, and I keep losing weight. Once a month I go into myoclonic abdominal spasms for an hour or more. According to the MS Speciaists I have almost no MS at all.

I laugh a lot, have a great husband, friends, and lots of pets. One is a Service Dog and the other is in training to be a Service Dog. While I can I ride horses and am a volunteer advocate for those with disabilities.

Alex

[Red_Star]

I don't have MS but i joined after answering one question lol. I have permanent nerve damage from vitamin B12 deficiency due to autoimmune pernicious anaemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the conditions that mimics MS as B12 is essential for maintaining the myelin shealth around the nerves.  

It is found MS patients are commonly found to have B12 deficiency as well. From one website i read "There is a significant association between MS and disturbed vitamin B12 metabolism.  Coexisting vitamin B12 deficiency might aggravate MS or impair recovery from MS".  I use sublingual B12 spray daily which is amazingly effective. :)

A good episode on B12 misdiagnosis is on youtube - BBC Inside Out 30Oct2006 - Vitamin B12 Deficiency (pernicious anemia).