In June of 2009 I was going through an extremely stressful divorce. My ex was being a jerk about my kids and life was just extremely awful. I had been considered disabled since 2006 for bipolar and depression so I was dealing with that as well. Anyway, one night I was at the ball field with my daughter. I became extremely agitated because a relative had come and started arguing with my 11 year old daughter while I wasn’t there. I went “blind” and couldn’t speak. I was taken to the hospital and was told I was having a bout of vertigo and they sent me home.
Well, the symptoms worsened the next day. I couldn’t see, and the vomiting started. Anyway, after another 2 days all my senses went at once. No speech, no sight, couldn’t stand. My mother thought I was having a stroke so off in the ambulance I went. The ER immediately did an MRI and a spinal tap. The delivery of the news was like something you would see on one of those “bad” doctor shows. This woman walked in, had my family leave, and told me the good news was I didn’t have a stroke or a tumor, but the bad news was that I had multiple sclerosis aka MS. She told me someone would be with me shortly and just walked out.
Once I saw the neurologist and got an explanation of what it is, I was crushed. I was a single mom, already on disability, being told I had another illness. Once I thought back on the symptoms, I realized I have had them all going back about 20 years but never in the combination I had that day. I ended up going with Copaxzone for my first try, but over a 2 month period I lost my hair. Secondly, they tried IVIG. I still had 2 relapses so I couldn’t see paying for something that wasn’t doing what they wanted. I still have frequent symptoms. The fatigue is awful. My vision, I think, is fading the worst. They are trying to convince me to go on Tysabri. I’m just really leery of trying to pay for a drug that may or may not work!
We are dealing with this day-by- day. I have an awesome family and friend support system. My children are just fantastic. I’m glad to have found this sight!
Carolyn
Ohio
Submitted 2-21-12
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.