After the birth of my 1st son I had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 12 years ago. Then after the birth of my 2nd son, 8 1/2 years ago I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome very severe and it lasted about a year. Both births were Caesarean Section via Nerve Block Epidural.

Then there were unexplained bouts of Dizziness that were treated with Antibiotics and Antivert, due to suspected ear infections that they never really found in the ER.

It was 8/27/95 that I had my 1st Optic Neuritis 10 days after surgery to have a cyst removed from my left wrist via a nerve block. Within 4 days I went completely blind in my left eye. They still could not say it was definate MS, even though there were plagues on the MRI.

Then it happened again this December 1996 Christmas Eve. I had Optic Neuritis again, and Nystagmous after a nerve block the DDS gave me. I finally went back to the DDS since, and now if there is a cavity or more I get the laughing gas with no problems. Do you blame me.

I now also have Bladder Retention which started over 2 years ago. I have and have had Parasthesia, Mild Spacisity, Eye blurriness with pain, Heat Sensitivity, Dizziness, Acid Reflux and Fatigue.

I hate what this has done to me and my life, but when I think about it people always say "you look so good." Thats why I came up with the motto "Always Smiling It Confuses People! After all I should be glad its not terminal. :-)

Currently I am not on any medicine, however I do follow Dr. Swank's MS Diet 80% of the time and I take some vitamin and herbal supplements which I feel helps me feel stronger.

For the past few years I thought I was worthless, useless, ect... I even decided to go on disability. Then I found out that because I had been so sick I needed a few more work years. That was probally the best thing that happened to me "as I didn't give up". Well I started working PT and now to date I work FT and I now personally consider myself in remmission. Don't get me wrong the MS give me a jolt every now and then when I overdo it. I take Antivert like candy. My bladder, well thats another story. Is it Intercystial Cystitis or MS? I was a candidate for bladder surgery but declined, as why chance ruining my remmission. When the bladder flares I take meds and tell myself it will soon pass. Recently I started Biofeedback therapy for my bladder. It has not only taught me how to do kegel excersises correctly, but it has also taught me how to meditate and breath through bladder and bowel spasms. It has helped me wonderfully and I belive it is an option for all to try. I also belive by changing my diet and lifestyle, and listening to my body. "RESTING WHEN NEEDED" I can live with this. Acepting MS is an ajustment.

I know at this time there is no cure. I just get by with hoping and praying for the best, and with the support of my family, my positive attitude, and my wonderful internet friends.

I got my computer in February of 1996. It was a delayed holiday gift for my children but guess who took it over and still does.

In my first days of surfing the web I found many wonderful sites with much needed information to help me understand all about Multiple Sclerosis. At that time this was all very new to me and I hadn't yet had a definite diagnosis.

One day I posted a note to one of the news groups asking if anyone that had Optic Neuritis ever had pain when it was going to rain, snow, during temperature changes etc.... That was how I first met MsGinny-O. Through corresponding via e-mail she taught me many things, and became a wonderful new friend. She led me to join some wonderful Listserve's (Mailing Lists for people like us with MS) Jooly's Joint then, and then TIE tookover. Then there was the Forum. To date the people that ran these wonderful groups have left due to none other than family obligations. Now there is a new group called the MSers Forum Moderator: Tom Copeland See homepage links to Subscribe or UnSubscribe. Ginny also started a new list for our friends, if you are interested drop her a note and tell her you heard about Ourspace through me.

In these groups I found wonderful caring people who share good, times, bad times, medical comparisons and updated medical information as well as wonderful Poetry, and Jokes.

Then one day in November 96 Laura K. posted a note asking if anyone lived near St. Agnes Hospital so they can visit a much cared about friend Dr. David Rosenblum. It was through her caring words and thoughts that I thought "If I can brighten up someone's day and let them know how many internet friends were there praying for him why not." I received and printed out about 100+ get well cards and pasted them to a poster board and brought it to him. That day changed my life.

I learned that I indeed had the signs of MS even then before the definite diagnosis. Dr. David taught me many things in that short visit. One being I had the Le'Hermittes Sign. He also taught me about IRC Channel #multiple_sclerosis, and The Forum. It wasn't until a few weeks later that I had the honor of meeting Laura K at Dr. David's bedside in the hospital. We hit it off immediately started corresponding more regularly and then I found a daily place to unwind and run away from my life's stresses. The IRC channel #multiple_sclerosis. I became addicted; and you will be too. Now that I am working I really don't chat much anymore but I found even more support at a time when nobody understood what I was going through. Not even me.

The medicines that are used to date to help halt our illness Avonex, Betaseron, and and Copaxone. These are costly medicines and I recommend checking first with your insurance company and getting a pre-approval. These are all recommended not only by the NMSS, but most Neurologists.