Aa
Hello. I'm new here!
WARNING! Newbie Alert.
(I am trying to conform to the suggested style for readability on the site,
but you will soon see I tend to be loquacious. I will be a work-in-process for a while.
Hopefully future comments will be brief, mostly. : )
Thanks for your support,)
Hello everybody!
My name is Jim. I am 56.and live in Harrison Twp. I am married (31 yrs) and have three beautiful girls, all grown-up now. Youngest is a senior at UD (my wife works at UD too), our middle-child was recently married, and my oldest is recently back in the job seeking mode after her med-field position was lost to a business closing.
My wife and I live with a dog, three cats, and a 4th feline temporarily housed while its’ owner starts fall classes. We’ll see what happens with that.
I retired a year ago from my job at the Sinclair Bookstore after I had an attack last June. The attack set me down a lot and I was unable to drive (we have stick-shifts), walking was curtailed a lot, and my hands and arms became extremely numb and spastic.
This was the kicker for me as I supervised the web-order area which required me to walk a lot (our department being in a building different than the bookstore) and I also handled processing the on-line orders and handled the web site. My neurologist immediately put me on mega steroids and I was able to recover a lot of my lost abilities, but not enough to be able to do my job regrettably. So it was early retirement for me.
Now I do gardening (just discovered we have hummingbirds!) and run around doing little shopping stuff (yes, I can drive again, just don’t drag-race as well anymore). Mostly trying to appear busy and earn my keep around here.
Otherwise I read lot and work on my PC’s. (I am the family pc tech for my daughters and friends). Just glad there is spell-checker because I hit more wrong keys (or miss them entirely) than before. But one cannot live, if one cannot surf!
As to my history with MS, I was very familiar with the symptoms as my father had it also. He had first been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in his early 50’s. When he lived past the five year period and was still alive, he was sent to Ohio State where they diagnosed him as a remitting-relapsing MS patient.
In my early 20's (early 1970’s) I had a few bouts with numbness. Part of an arm, a leg, hands or fingers. I was scuba diving then and had to have a physical for the class, so I asked the school referred doctor about it, but he just blew it off as pinched nerves
In 1985, I had an attack that made walking a hazard. It only lasted a few days, but it scared me. My regular family doctor sent me to a neurologist for testing. Back then, it was a spinal-tap to see if it suggested MS, but the only way to know for sure was an autopsy. I accepted their suggestion it might be MS and waived off the conformation until a later date. (much later, I was hoping).
Drug therapy was suggested then, but when I checked with my prescription plan, I found my out-of-pocket would be about $1200 a month. So much for that possibility.
After that I just went into a wait and see mode. Didn’t have any more major flair-ups until fall of 2008. A bit of an issue with walking (though that was kind of covered-up due to knee issues. Arthroscopic surgery on both within six months). My doctor sent me to my current neurologist (an amazing man I must say) who sent me for my first MRI. And the pictures showed a thousand deep dark secrets hiding in my brain. That was when I was officially diagnosed with MS. I was placed on Avonex.
After my last attack I was switched to Rebif. Been okay for a year now. And now your up to date with my story.
I have been blessed to been shown a path to find my way though this by an old (no offense Lulu54) friend who I rediscovered recently. She gave me a link this site and I thank her for it.
I look forward to reading the posts and articles linked here. It looks like you have an amazing community here and I am glad to join in on the conversations. Thanks for being here.
jeric19
(I am trying to conform to the suggested style for readability on the site,
but you will soon see I tend to be loquacious. I will be a work-in-process for a while.
Hopefully future comments will be brief, mostly. : )
Thanks for your support,)
Hello everybody!
My name is Jim. I am 56.and live in Harrison Twp. I am married (31 yrs) and have three beautiful girls, all grown-up now. Youngest is a senior at UD (my wife works at UD too), our middle-child was recently married, and my oldest is recently back in the job seeking mode after her med-field position was lost to a business closing.
My wife and I live with a dog, three cats, and a 4th feline temporarily housed while its’ owner starts fall classes. We’ll see what happens with that.
I retired a year ago from my job at the Sinclair Bookstore after I had an attack last June. The attack set me down a lot and I was unable to drive (we have stick-shifts), walking was curtailed a lot, and my hands and arms became extremely numb and spastic.
This was the kicker for me as I supervised the web-order area which required me to walk a lot (our department being in a building different than the bookstore) and I also handled processing the on-line orders and handled the web site. My neurologist immediately put me on mega steroids and I was able to recover a lot of my lost abilities, but not enough to be able to do my job regrettably. So it was early retirement for me.
Now I do gardening (just discovered we have hummingbirds!) and run around doing little shopping stuff (yes, I can drive again, just don’t drag-race as well anymore). Mostly trying to appear busy and earn my keep around here.
Otherwise I read lot and work on my PC’s. (I am the family pc tech for my daughters and friends). Just glad there is spell-checker because I hit more wrong keys (or miss them entirely) than before. But one cannot live, if one cannot surf!
As to my history with MS, I was very familiar with the symptoms as my father had it also. He had first been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease in his early 50’s. When he lived past the five year period and was still alive, he was sent to Ohio State where they diagnosed him as a remitting-relapsing MS patient.
In my early 20's (early 1970’s) I had a few bouts with numbness. Part of an arm, a leg, hands or fingers. I was scuba diving then and had to have a physical for the class, so I asked the school referred doctor about it, but he just blew it off as pinched nerves
In 1985, I had an attack that made walking a hazard. It only lasted a few days, but it scared me. My regular family doctor sent me to a neurologist for testing. Back then, it was a spinal-tap to see if it suggested MS, but the only way to know for sure was an autopsy. I accepted their suggestion it might be MS and waived off the conformation until a later date. (much later, I was hoping).
Drug therapy was suggested then, but when I checked with my prescription plan, I found my out-of-pocket would be about $1200 a month. So much for that possibility.
After that I just went into a wait and see mode. Didn’t have any more major flair-ups until fall of 2008. A bit of an issue with walking (though that was kind of covered-up due to knee issues. Arthroscopic surgery on both within six months). My doctor sent me to my current neurologist (an amazing man I must say) who sent me for my first MRI. And the pictures showed a thousand deep dark secrets hiding in my brain. That was when I was officially diagnosed with MS. I was placed on Avonex.
After my last attack I was switched to Rebif. Been okay for a year now. And now your up to date with my story.
I have been blessed to been shown a path to find my way though this by an old (no offense Lulu54) friend who I rediscovered recently. She gave me a link this site and I thank her for it.
I look forward to reading the posts and articles linked here. It looks like you have an amazing community here and I am glad to join in on the conversations. Thanks for being here.
jeric19
Thanks for all the great welcoming posts. This is really a great place. I am trying to reply to each and everyone of you. Be patient with me. "I am only an egg."
Bon nuit!
Hello Jim, I'm adding my "Welcome!" to all the rest.
I've been known to write exxxxtremely long posts, so I'll just say that I'm glad you're joining us and enjoyed reading your post, though it could have been longer! :o)
Kathy
I've been known to write exxxxtremely long posts, so I'll just say that I'm glad you're joining us and enjoyed reading your post, though it could have been longer! :o)
Kathy
twopack- I might as well use that right leg for something - it sure the heck isn't good for much else these days and feels like a big 'ol tree stump anyway. If I stuff it full of food, I'll probably have squirrels move in.
Funny you mention about the "stay on forum" concept. Many of you are private about who you are, where you are, etc. And always for very good reasons. My life is pretty much an open book - everyone knows I have MS (work, family, friends, etc). I am more than willing to talk about this with anyone at anytime.
The important people in my life know about my space here on MedHelp - they would have to be oblivious to everything if they didn't notice the amount of computer time I spend.... LOL
I'm truly surrounded by people who love and care for me, and it helps them to help me to know everything that's going on around here. That said, I don't think any of my family lurks here, or at least not often - but maybe my dear friend in England who referred me here in the first place almost two years ago. She knows she can always get my update by checking here. (if you're reading this now, hi Lidia!)
I do ocassionally think about changing my picture, mainly because I'm tired of looking at me.
Jerics - this is what is known as highjacking a thread. I just rambled on about me when this is really about you and is your post. So sorry.
be well,
L
Funny you mention about the "stay on forum" concept. Many of you are private about who you are, where you are, etc. And always for very good reasons. My life is pretty much an open book - everyone knows I have MS (work, family, friends, etc). I am more than willing to talk about this with anyone at anytime.
The important people in my life know about my space here on MedHelp - they would have to be oblivious to everything if they didn't notice the amount of computer time I spend.... LOL
I'm truly surrounded by people who love and care for me, and it helps them to help me to know everything that's going on around here. That said, I don't think any of my family lurks here, or at least not often - but maybe my dear friend in England who referred me here in the first place almost two years ago. She knows she can always get my update by checking here. (if you're reading this now, hi Lidia!)
I do ocassionally think about changing my picture, mainly because I'm tired of looking at me.
Jerics - this is what is known as highjacking a thread. I just rambled on about me when this is really about you and is your post. So sorry.
be well,
L
Hi Jim,
I posted a response late last night in which I managed to be witty and welcoming. At least I almost did. But when I clicked on the green 'post comment' icon all I got was a "network connection lost' message. I'm going to blame the MS for my inability to remember much of it now.
Highlights were:
the wonderful paragraphing of your post (making length entirely acceptable);
my extension of sympathy, respect and appreciation (every personal story is unique but yours especially seems to combine a little piece of commonality with almost every member here);
recommendation of Dr. Q's 12-step support group (even though there's little evidence of recovery for any of it's members);
wondering if members who invite friends (old or new) need to agree to a "What happens on the forum, stays on the forum" contract;
your opinion on the rumor that Lulu has a wooden leg to accommodate all the food involved with the many social lunches apparently required of her volunteerism (and if she had cheesecake or ice cream yesterday);
how you could become our IT special consultant here (and help me get my wireless router working so I'm not chained to the desktop);
how we can assist you in maintaining the appearance of busyness;
and a reinforcement of my genuine welcome. It's so nice to meet you. Seems you fit right in (good tutorial lunch, Lu). I hope we see you around lots.
Mary
I posted a response late last night in which I managed to be witty and welcoming. At least I almost did. But when I clicked on the green 'post comment' icon all I got was a "network connection lost' message. I'm going to blame the MS for my inability to remember much of it now.
Highlights were:
the wonderful paragraphing of your post (making length entirely acceptable);
my extension of sympathy, respect and appreciation (every personal story is unique but yours especially seems to combine a little piece of commonality with almost every member here);
recommendation of Dr. Q's 12-step support group (even though there's little evidence of recovery for any of it's members);
wondering if members who invite friends (old or new) need to agree to a "What happens on the forum, stays on the forum" contract;
your opinion on the rumor that Lulu has a wooden leg to accommodate all the food involved with the many social lunches apparently required of her volunteerism (and if she had cheesecake or ice cream yesterday);
how you could become our IT special consultant here (and help me get my wireless router working so I'm not chained to the desktop);
how we can assist you in maintaining the appearance of busyness;
and a reinforcement of my genuine welcome. It's so nice to meet you. Seems you fit right in (good tutorial lunch, Lu). I hope we see you around lots.
Mary
Jim, hopefully by now you have recovered by our marathon lunch. As I told you, this really is a special place to be filled with incredibly special people.
All,
the rest of the backstory: Jim was a frat brother of my husband's and we all went to college together way back in the days.... It has easily been 15 years or more since we had seen each other - we had a marathon luncheon today trying to get caught up on all sorts of life items.
He popped up on facebook through a mutual friend's page, and put 2+2 together from my comments that I also have MS. Of course I directed him here, believing this is the best place on the web for those of us living with this disease. :-)
best to all, L
All,
the rest of the backstory: Jim was a frat brother of my husband's and we all went to college together way back in the days.... It has easily been 15 years or more since we had seen each other - we had a marathon luncheon today trying to get caught up on all sorts of life items.
He popped up on facebook through a mutual friend's page, and put 2+2 together from my comments that I also have MS. Of course I directed him here, believing this is the best place on the web for those of us living with this disease. :-)
best to all, L
Hi, Jim, Welcome. I, too, have had symptoms for many years, but was only diagnosed last year when I could no longer ignore them.
Tysabri's starting to help, now after the 6th infusion.
You've found a cool place. There are great people here.
Tysabri's starting to help, now after the 6th infusion.
You've found a cool place. There are great people here.
Well hello Jeric, Welcome!
I very much enjoyed reading about your journey.
I was dx'd in 07 (my timeline is around here in archives somewhere) and have been on Rebif (mostly) since. I have to believe it helps, or I won't take it.
I also believe this forum was blessed from the start and that is why it's the best community for all those we call family here each and every day.
So nice to hear of your reconnection w/Lu, and how it's lead you here. Looking forward to having you around. The ratio of men to women is against you, but since you are a friend of Lu's I'm sure you'll survive, lol
-Shell
I very much enjoyed reading about your journey.
I was dx'd in 07 (my timeline is around here in archives somewhere) and have been on Rebif (mostly) since. I have to believe it helps, or I won't take it.
I also believe this forum was blessed from the start and that is why it's the best community for all those we call family here each and every day.
So nice to hear of your reconnection w/Lu, and how it's lead you here. Looking forward to having you around. The ratio of men to women is against you, but since you are a friend of Lu's I'm sure you'll survive, lol
-Shell
Hi Jeric,
And welcome to our forum.
There's ALWAYS someone here to answer your questions - no matter how trivial it might seem - we're always here, to give advice and to point in (for advice etc) the right direction if it's the health pages or whatever.
My posts may well be brief, but that's the English (I'm Welsh) for you - stiff upper lip and all that:)))))
However, delighted to 'meet' you,
Debs (now living in the South of France)
And welcome to our forum.
There's ALWAYS someone here to answer your questions - no matter how trivial it might seem - we're always here, to give advice and to point in (for advice etc) the right direction if it's the health pages or whatever.
My posts may well be brief, but that's the English (I'm Welsh) for you - stiff upper lip and all that:)))))
However, delighted to 'meet' you,
Debs (now living in the South of France)
Hi,
I just wanted to say welcome to the group as well. This really is an awesome group - you will find so much information and so much support here. Lulu definitely steered you to the right folks!
BTW, I'm in your area, too ... I'm down in Middletown. In fact, I was just with Lulu on Saturday - she's amazing, isn't she?? :) We have a number of people here who are in the Miami Valley, and also in Ohio in general. I think you will feel right at home here....
Sorry you have MS, but I'm glad you found us...
Rita
I just wanted to say welcome to the group as well. This really is an awesome group - you will find so much information and so much support here. Lulu definitely steered you to the right folks!
BTW, I'm in your area, too ... I'm down in Middletown. In fact, I was just with Lulu on Saturday - she's amazing, isn't she?? :) We have a number of people here who are in the Miami Valley, and also in Ohio in general. I think you will feel right at home here....
Sorry you have MS, but I'm glad you found us...
Rita
Hi,
Just wanted to welcome you to this fabulous forum. The support here is like no other.
Feel free to ask anything or rant about anything as long it's not a personal affront to someone. There will always be someone here among the masses that understands and "gets it".
Glad to have you here,
Ren
Just wanted to welcome you to this fabulous forum. The support here is like no other.
Feel free to ask anything or rant about anything as long it's not a personal affront to someone. There will always be someone here among the masses that understands and "gets it".
Glad to have you here,
Ren
welcom to our forum,
I too am in limboland. I am not sure sometimes if I want a name to this or not, kinda like our Doc friend he is gonna have to be a hottie for me to sign up for this. But this is a great place to vent, laugh and celebrate successes.
I am truly happy I found this FAMILY.
Keep in touch,
Missy
I too am in limboland. I am not sure sometimes if I want a name to this or not, kinda like our Doc friend he is gonna have to be a hottie for me to sign up for this. But this is a great place to vent, laugh and celebrate successes.
I am truly happy I found this FAMILY.
Keep in touch,
Missy
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi Jim,
Welcome to our little corner of the web, we do have wonderful people in our community! I'm sure many others will also give you a warm welcome when they get on line. I see you've basically had MS for over 30 years already but only recently dx (08), hmmm I dont know if i'd be that patient but we'll see.
I'm a limbo lander and one day expect to have a name for my demon, but that wont happen any time soon, i've given up on dr's, just taking a break from the diagnostic merry-go-round for a while.
Also a cat lover, now down to one with a few neighborhood felines who dont seem to realise they dont live here, the Tom thinks its fine and dandy to sleep in my wash basket instead of going home. lol
Cheers.......JJ
Oh i'm from OZ (Australia and not the mythical place lol)
Welcome to our little corner of the web, we do have wonderful people in our community! I'm sure many others will also give you a warm welcome when they get on line. I see you've basically had MS for over 30 years already but only recently dx (08), hmmm I dont know if i'd be that patient but we'll see.
I'm a limbo lander and one day expect to have a name for my demon, but that wont happen any time soon, i've given up on dr's, just taking a break from the diagnostic merry-go-round for a while.
Also a cat lover, now down to one with a few neighborhood felines who dont seem to realise they dont live here, the Tom thinks its fine and dandy to sleep in my wash basket instead of going home. lol
Cheers.......JJ
Oh i'm from OZ (Australia and not the mythical place lol)
And a big, conforming welcome to our group. Any friend of Lulu's is always under suspicion, but we'll give you a whirl and see.
Thank you so much for the easy reading. However, we no not prize succinctness (succinctity??) LOng posts are the most interesting by far. So, don't hold back. This comes from the President and Founder of the support group for people who talk too much, ON-AND-ON-ANON. I am known for truly epic tomes.
You and I are also of similar ages and I was diagnosed in 2007. So far I am not happy with this disease and am wondering if I can send it back. I don't remember signing a contract. The salesman must have been a real hottie. I, too, had to quit my profession (pediatrician) in 2001 due to the cognitive slowing and the fatigue. My days are now spent doing fiber crafts whilst in my recliner (as holder of the World Endurance Indoor Reclining title) and messing around here answering questions and trying to make this aggravating and MySterious disease a little more understandable.
We, too, live with a gaggle of cats. Seven right now, but just put #8 down a week ago. My niece is boarding her two while she samples a large number of the National Parks. I am looking forward to losing our boarders as it has lead to an inordinate number of boundary markings. I live with my sister who runs her tail off as caretaker for me and our 87 year old parents who are fit and pretty independent, but who can't drive. I am currently laid up with a ruptured ankle and a spiral fracture of the fibula executed last week when I got too deep into a squat and my legs wouldn't hold. :((
This is a great bunch of people. We are useful for general talk, fun and games, information (good, solid, evidence-based info), support, unlimited understanding, and the occasional weenie roast of bad neurologists, plus ice cream on demand. You are right on time as we are acquiring men-type members quite rapidly now, and the estrogen is nicely tempered.
You are invited to look around, read the Health Pages if in search of knowledge:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/MS-Information-and-Resources-Index/show/22?cid=36
is a good place to start. For finding past discussions on topics you can the the "Search this Community" feature. But, posts and questions are the best way to do all of the above.
Welocme again,
Quix, I stopped trying to correct all of my typos eons ago.
Thank you so much for the easy reading. However, we no not prize succinctness (succinctity??) LOng posts are the most interesting by far. So, don't hold back. This comes from the President and Founder of the support group for people who talk too much, ON-AND-ON-ANON. I am known for truly epic tomes.
You and I are also of similar ages and I was diagnosed in 2007. So far I am not happy with this disease and am wondering if I can send it back. I don't remember signing a contract. The salesman must have been a real hottie. I, too, had to quit my profession (pediatrician) in 2001 due to the cognitive slowing and the fatigue. My days are now spent doing fiber crafts whilst in my recliner (as holder of the World Endurance Indoor Reclining title) and messing around here answering questions and trying to make this aggravating and MySterious disease a little more understandable.
We, too, live with a gaggle of cats. Seven right now, but just put #8 down a week ago. My niece is boarding her two while she samples a large number of the National Parks. I am looking forward to losing our boarders as it has lead to an inordinate number of boundary markings. I live with my sister who runs her tail off as caretaker for me and our 87 year old parents who are fit and pretty independent, but who can't drive. I am currently laid up with a ruptured ankle and a spiral fracture of the fibula executed last week when I got too deep into a squat and my legs wouldn't hold. :((
This is a great bunch of people. We are useful for general talk, fun and games, information (good, solid, evidence-based info), support, unlimited understanding, and the occasional weenie roast of bad neurologists, plus ice cream on demand. You are right on time as we are acquiring men-type members quite rapidly now, and the estrogen is nicely tempered.
You are invited to look around, read the Health Pages if in search of knowledge:
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Multiple-Sclerosis/MS-Information-and-Resources-Index/show/22?cid=36
is a good place to start. For finding past discussions on topics you can the the "Search this Community" feature. But, posts and questions are the best way to do all of the above.
Welocme again,
Quix, I stopped trying to correct all of my typos eons ago.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Multiple Sclerosis Community
Top Neurology Answerers
Australia
ON
Queensland, Australia
Queen Creek, AZ
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
In this special Missouri Medicine report, doctors examine advances in diagnosis and treatment of this devastating and costly neurodegenerative disease.
Here are 12 simple – and fun! – ways to boost your brainpower.
Discover some of the causes of dizziness and how to treat it.
Discover the common causes of headaches and how to treat headache pain.
Two of the largest studies on Alzheimer’s have yielded new clues about the disease
