tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211527029075217366.post1054553580719130447..comments2023-08-15T12:34:42.248+01:00Comments on Victoria Mary Plum: Round upUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211527029075217366.post-25368752619231146032008-03-02T22:50:00.000+00:002008-03-02T22:50:00.000+00:00Victoria, you've definitely got a keeper there in ...Victoria, you've definitely got a keeper there in B. I experienced a severe case of optic neuritis in 2000, years after having vision/headache difficulties which led to my very first MRI in 1993.<BR/><BR/>But it was one week after going on a blind date in May 2005 that I had a doctor's appointment during which I mentioned tingling and coordination difficulties in my left hand. I'm a musician and that bothered me. Since I had swum pretty hard into a woman at the pool while doing laps, we both thought that it was likely a pinched nerve.<BR/><BR/>A month later my new sweetie began rubbing my back and that's when I realized that I couldn't feel one side. Back to the doctor, sent for MRIs, referred to neurologist, more MRIs, bloodwork, evoked potentials, spinal tap, 5-day IV steriods - all by mid-August. In Sept, a case of shingles and follow-up MRIs after which official diagnosis in October, and another big relapse over Christmas.<BR/><BR/>Throughout all of this my sweetie never faultered and has stuck around. We have discussed marriage, buying a home, and children, but haven't made any of it official yet. <BR/><BR/>I know what it's like to think that someone might just say 'to heck with it' and not want to deal with the MS. But love can be amazing and overcomes many obstacles.<BR/><BR/>Good luck with the move. You are both very luck people.<BR/><BR/>-LisaLisa Emrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10862232056342347990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6211527029075217366.post-6593240589794117892008-03-02T20:03:00.000+00:002008-03-02T20:03:00.000+00:00Hi Victoria, I find so much of me in you that it i...Hi Victoria, I find so much of me in you that it is scary!<BR/><BR/>Three months after I met my hubby, we lived together for a year before marriage. We knew there was something wrong with me but we didn't have a name for it. <BR/><BR/>In the 1970's, there were no MRI's and no definitive tests for MS. Diagnosis was made by observing symptoms, how many incidents documented and finally in 1976 with a CT Scan (which were brand new to the US). <BR/><BR/>I gave him the chance to back out of the wedding, emphasizing that I was "sick" and didn't know how it was going to pan out. Walking was a big problem, as was numbness on left side. He said he was in this relationship for the long haul - in sickness and in health. I reminded him many times since then that it would be more sickness then health!<BR/><BR/>We got married on Sept 18, 1976 and by Columbus Day (Oct 12, 1976), a diagnosis was finally made of MS. There was no cure for it; no approved treatment - just steroids. Plasmaphoresis was experimental and I endured that for two years and when it was clear that it wasn't helping, I stopped treatments. We were told to not have children as it would make the MS flare. Actually, quite the opposite is true - MS usually goes dormant during pregnancy and as long as the stressors are not too bad after delivery, MS rarely flares after birth of baby.<BR/><BR/>Through it all, my hubby has stood with me. We celebrated our 32nd anniversary in 2007 and we are still very very happy. We have two sons, ages 26 and 24. Our oldest is autistic, but high functioning. Many MS docs have told me there is not relationship between MS and autism - I didn't give it to him. Most likely he got it from innoculations as a baby and toddler. We didn't do the same innoculations with the 2nd son. So there might be some truth to it - I don't know. <BR/><BR/>Nowadays, there is much more info out there about MS and I think your fiance' is making a very informed decision in sticking by you. He loves you and that love will carry you both through the relapses and the well times.<BR/><BR/>I am so happy for you that you have found a mate who, knowing about the MS going in to marriage, will in all likelihood be your best friend for life. Much good luck to you both.<BR/><BR/>Hugs, AnneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com