Distrubing and sad news

[lowcarbing4ever]

While I am trying to remain optimistic and think only about the baby, I am depressed. I had a fall about a week and a half ago, at work, and they thought at first that I had a small stroke because I was complaining of weakness on my left side and I was having problems with balance. I spent 5 days in hospital and they ran scan after scan, blood tests, MRI's, etc. They said that they could not understand or accept how someone at my young age would have a stroke.

Well, come to find out they were right, it wasn't a stroke. I just recieved the bad news: I have Multiple Sclorosis. I can barely type it, let alone say it out loud without crying. I don't even fully know what it is and that scares me all the more. I can't help but feel doomed. And these stupid doctors, they didn't even want to be the ones to tell me. Finally, the neurologist came to tell me what was going on because I was getting so mad that everybody seemed to be beating around the bush. I was in shock; I expected a lot of things but never that. And even she never really fully explained what it was, what I have to look forward to, nothing. It seemed that everyong just wanted it said and to disappear. She (the neurologist) did say that there are some treatment options available, but none of them can be used because I am pregnant and they would most likely kill the baby.

I have been reading some things on the web about M.S. and from what I have read, I am so depressed I feel like my life is over. I don't know how I am supposed to feel now or do.

[SandyL2002]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

Try not to get depressed... I know its hard... But you have to think of the positivie. A computer friend that I knew at one time had MS...and the one thing that actually makes her better...is to eat right and exercise...

[Discolemonade]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

Go to Montel Williams website, HE has MS too and there's a plethora of information there. BIG HUGS to you, it doesn't have to be the end of the world for you. There are ways to deal with it. Best of everything to you love.
XOXO

[ValidRouge]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

My best friend was diagnosed with it last year I think. I feel for you, I know what my friend has gone through (emotions).

[julirama723]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

One of my college professors had MS, and he was VERY vigilant with keeping himself healthy. He ate right, exercised regulary, and took his medication like clockwork. I had NO IDEA he had MS until his son mentioned it. Do some research, stay informed. Demand information from doctors! There is always hope. {{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}

[LC_Diva]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

(((((((JuJu))))))))

[zencyn]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

Information is your friend now! Research, research, research. Find a support group and maybe even a specialist. I agree with everyone else, eat right and exercise. Tons of people have vey successful lives with MS. Stay strong for you and your baby! And we are always here to lend a shoulder {{{hugs}}}

[Laurenfra]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

No advice just some ((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))

[CoolBlackChick]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

A know a lady who as had it for YEARS. She does NOT take care of herself by exercising and eating right. She has 3 healthy children, two of which are twins. lowcarbing4ever, I can only imagine how you feel. I truly believe that you are strong enough in your faith to handle this for you and your baby.

[Sashie]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

Hoping you are feeling better today...

[lowcarbing4ever]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

Thank you all so very, very much! After reading all this, I feel so cared for! I have been trying to be informed and went to a few websites. The news was not very encouraging but I read some interviews and saw a few videos of people who had it and basically from what they say, if there was anytime that was better to be diagnosed, this time is it. They have quite a few drugs that not only can help "attacks" of the disease but can interfere and slow down some of the devestating effects for years. As little as 15 yrs ago, there was NO drugs at all! From what I have read, after diagnosis, it is important to be treated with meds right away to halt further lesions on the spine and brain. Unfortunately, I have no insurance and apparently a lot of insurance companies will not pay for the drugs because they are so expensive. I looked up some at pharmacies and I could not believe how much they are! Most of them are injectables and they start at $1600/month for a vial. One was actually $3,000! There is no way on earth that I can ever afford that. What is the point of making drugs that are supposed to help people live, if you can't afford them?

Well, I have an appointment tomorrow with the doctor to find out what can I do ans see what she can tell me what to expect and other questions I have and to re-confirm my pregnancy (have to do that for WIC and Medicaid). I am trying hard to not get depressed for the baby's sake. I have been waiting 8 yrs for this little miracle and I don't wanna mess it up and risk losing it by worrying. Relying on faith has helped a bit; I just try to remember that God doesn't give us more than we can handle and miracles of healing occur every day. Thank you all so much for your support and caring, I can't tell you how much it means to me. I'll let ya'all know what happens tomorrow!

[hopejoy]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

Lowcarbing4ever, Wow, so sorry to hear your sad/bad new! That must've been quite a shock. It is true that the treatments today make the prognosis much better than 15 years ago. Didn't realize Monteil Williams had it too. Good luck with your doctor. Let us know how you're doing.
liz

[lowcarbing4ever]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

Well, i went to see my personal doctor and talked to her about the hospital, the diagnosis and all that and she was just as shocked as I was. I was a bit mad because I told the hospital doctors to let my doctor know what was happening and they assured me they would; she had no clue and she was also upset because she was affiliated with the hospital and she does some rounds there and she doesn't understand why nobody told her I was there. She is requesting all my files and MRI's so she can see for herself what they saw because she said it sounds to her that they were not 100% sure of their own diagnosis. She said she'll believe it when she sees it with her own eyes. But until then, she is trying to find me a good MS doctor and a high risk OB/GYN as fast as she can before my insurance ends, so we can get some initial bloodwork and prenatal in. I love this doctor, it will be sad for me to lose her for the next 5 months til my insurance kicks in from my work. She also assured me that when I get my insurance again, they usually will pay for the meds that I will require once the baby is born. That is a big relief in my mind. She also told me that she has an aunt that has MS and she told me a little of her story and what to expect. She said once the baby is born, I will need to be put on steroids and other meds and have blood work and MRI's from time to time to make sure no new lesions have occured; I will have to see a neurologist regularly. Dr. Biard told me for now, enjoy my pregnancy, stop worrying and we will try to work on this one step at a time until my insurance runs out and hopefully by then, we will have some things in place to pick up where we left off in a few months. I feel tons better after talking to her and even though I still have to live with the worry of MS, I know I can get help and have hope. I remembered today what the therapist in the hospital told me when I was being discharged from the hospital; which was, "you do not have to claim MS. Pray for peace of mind and healing and know that God will always be on your side and be your strength. You can have MS, but MS doesn't have to have you." I am thankful to have remembered that today and I am going to choose to always keep that as my motto. I finally feel as if the sun came out for the first time in 3 weeks.

[SlimNTrim]

Re: Distrubing and sad news

Despite the bad news, there is always a better and brighter day. If you wake up every morning and feel as if your doomed than that's what you'll be. You have to begin your day on a positive vibe and not let this illness have power over you. Having an illness is both physical and mental. You may have an illness in your body but in your mind it can be a harmless as a sneeze. Don't dwell on what horrible thing this can become. Trust me there is always some one that that is in a more worst postion than you are. Be happy smile and thank God for every living and breathing day you and besides you have a baby to worry about. Love you if no one else does.

[Quitstretchin']

Re: Distrubing and sad news

I'm so sorry JuJu, it is never a good feeling to get such difficult news.

I was diagnosed with a chronic illness not too long ago and put on some of the expensive medications you mentioned, as well as steroids. It's a touch situation to be in, because many chronic illnesses are unpredictable and create a lot of worry and stress. Enjoy your pregnancy, as you will never be able to reclaim these experiences and memories. You can get aggressive with attacking this MS later when you can actually do something about it (after the pregnancy)!!

There are always positive things to look at...even in the midst of something as tough as this. You say that you waited 8 years for this miracle to happen! How blessed you are that it DID happen for you before you found out about your illness or before you had to begin taking those meds that are toxic to an unborn child. My experience did not unfold that way and my husband and I were not able to successfully conceive before having to start my medication (boy were we trying!!!!! ) Take one day at a time and always talk, talk, talk....this keeps them pesky negative thoughts at bay and helps tame those days that depression wants to sink in! Good luck to you...