MS Awareness Month

[casty33]

If anybody is interested, I'm told this is Multiploe Sclerosis awareness month. And for myself and Shockey, and anyone else who has the crazy condition, it is basically talking about any new studies for a possible cure. I hold very little hope for a cure, but I do believe those of us who have been stricken can be helped with a strong dose of physical and occupational therapy, plus the MS motto -- never give up.
Carry on and wish us the best, thank you very much.

 

[Gutter]

I was diagnosed with MS two years ago this month. The relapsing-remitting kind (less of severe of the three stages), and it could be unlikely that I progress to a higher stage since I was diagnosed relatively early and have been on treatment since.

I hold out great hope that there will be a cure within the next 20 years ... the specialist I see (who is highly regarded in the field) is pretty confident there will be one.

I look forward to the day when I don't have chronic tightness in my hands and neck again.

 

[casty33]

Good luck, Gutter. I hope it works for you. My form is secondary progressive, which is pretty constant. My legs are stiff all the time but I just had a three-week session at a rehab facility in Norwood, N.j., and am doing well, walking regularly with a walker. Physical therapy is great.
I keep learning about more people with MS and struggling. All I can say is hang in there and never give up no matter how bad it seems.

 

[shockey]

I was diagnosed with MS two years ago this month. The relaxing-remitting kind (less of severe of the three stages), and it could be unlikely that I progress to a higher stage since I was diagnosed relatively early and have been on treatment since.

I hold out great hope that there will be a cure within the next 20 years ... the specialist I see (who is highly regarded in the field) is pretty confident there will be one.

I look forward to the day when I don't have chronic tightness in my hands and neck again.

only my best wishes to you, gutter, as your journey begins -- and hopefully visits you infrequently and briefly. by the way, you have 'relapsing/remitting' m.s.-- though i did wmile at your 'relaxing/remitting' description, 'cause there's not much 'relaxing' about our condition. mine didn't develop into the 'progressive' form until about 15 years after diagnosis in '86. chances of you stiff-arming the degenerative form of m.s. are much more in your favor with the advancement of meds. i din't begin taking any of the pills until after 2000, when i was unfortunately too late to stem the tide. you're way ahead compared to casty and i; your outlook and attitude are also great antedotes.

 

[Gutter]

Yeah, my spell-check f'ed that up for me. Relapsing-remitting.

And I've said this to many people already, but I honestly feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. I force myself to the gym 3-4 times a week. Sure, my energy level isn't the greatest many days, but I feel if I can at least get a 2 mile run in (when I would love to do 4) that's at least better than nothing at all.

 

[shockey]

Yeah, my spell-check f'ed that up for me. Relapsing-remitting.

And I've said this to many people already, but I honestly feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. I force myself to the gym 3-4 times a week. Sure, my energy level isn't the greatest many days, but I feel if I can at least get a 2 mile run in (when I would love to do 4) that's at least better than nothing at all.

good for you. keep up the good work!

 

[cranberry]

I have a close friend with MS and I have nothing but admiration for the courage and fortitude each of you demonstrates with your will to keep going. Casty, Shockey, Gutter, you have an admirer. We can all learn something from you guys.

 

[Gutter]

Mavs planning to sign Chris Wright, who will become first player with MS in the NBA:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/mavericks-sign-pg-chris-wright-become-first-nba-171738806--nba.html


And in case you missed it, a great feature on Wild goaltender Josh Harding and his MS battle:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/wild/181297631.html?refer=y

Harding's symptoms at the diagnosis stage were basically the same as mine, tightness in the neck (which I figured was just a pinched nerve) and numbness in the hands.