MS Stories
Name: Niamh
Age: 31
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2010
Location: Donegal
Email: niamhmccarron@yahoo.co.uk
Story: I was diagnosed with Relapse Remitting MS in July 2010. Looking back I'd symptoms for a couple of years. Initially it was the tiredness that made me think something was wrong. I could sleep for an afternoon, yet still be exhausted. Then I got pins/needles and numbness, on my right hand side from the top of my head to my finger tips. My GP initially thought it was a trapped nerve in my neck, and we tried anti-inflammatories first. After 3 weeks of traipsing in and out of her surgery, I had a new symptom- nodding my head was sending shocks to my feet. I was referred to Neurologist straight away, and after an MRI scan and course of IV steroids I was diagnosed. To be honest, I mainly felt relief- I KNEW there was something wrong... now I had an answer. I am now on Copaxone, and it's ok. I don't have many problems with the daily injections- you get used to them very quickly. I haven't had a full relapse, but I am having a bad time at the moment- pain, fatigue, off-balance. It's not hard to feel sorry for myself at times, but I know others have it a million times worse. I'd be interested in hearing from people with similar stories. Niamh
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Name: Maria
Age: 34
Do you have MS?: No
Year diagnosed: 2009
Location: Mid West
Email:
Story: hi i had a very sudden attack of vertigo in oct 2009 while i was 10 wks pregnant this lasted approx 2 months, fast forward to july 2010, 10 wks after i had my baby when the vertigo was back, this time with pins and needles , numbness, slurred speech ,headaches ,fatigue, gp started me on serc which had no effect and referred to neurologist. september 2010 saw neurologist who put episode down to post pregnancy hormones settling down, mri normal. 3rd attack november 2010 vertigo hot flushingpalpitations back to gp 2nd mri normal again. jan 2011 vertigo, headache arm pain and numbness, attended physio etc no relief. march 2011 saw neuro again was admitted given iv steroids x 1 week, had upper scope found h pylori, same treated, saw ent specialist had caloric balance tests all normal so he rulled out that the vertigo was not ear relatedblood tests showed b12 deficiency so was started on weekly injections for this its now march 2012 and here i am getting attacks every 2- 3 months of exhaustion, vertigo, loss of balance pins and needles i still take weekly injections for b 12 deficiency so it is clear to me that there is something else going on besides b12 deficiency . newest symptoms with attacks are bladder problems eye sight not as good, urinary frequency, stiff joints sometimes, lightheaded , feel drunk, can anyone advise me what to do next i have given up hope at this stage, please reply, thanks
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Name: Nicola
Age: 38
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2003
Location: Kilcock
Email: corbett.nicola@gmail.com
Story: Hi My name is Nicola. My story starts in April 1973, when I was born in the Coombe Hospital, in Dublin, Ireland. I was over a month premature and I weighted a little less than 3lbs. My Dad said that I was the size of a pint tumbler (glass) wrapped in a tea-towel. I may have been small but I was already a fighter. I am the eldest of 4 girls, we are all very close and I don't know what I would do without them. They really make me realise that family is the most important thing in life. I had an idyllic childhood and grew up with great friends and lots of cousins. My extended family is very big and we are all pretty close, this probably comes from how close my parents and their siblings are. When I was 29 years old, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and didn't know what it meant. I was getting ready to fight in the Irish National Eliminations for Kickboxing, (I was the current all-Ireland and World Kickboxing champion but every year, you had to fight to retain your place), when my left leg started to feel funny, it wasn’t particularly painful but it had some numbness and co-ordination issues . The next couple of years where hard for me, trying to come to term with the diagnosis and what it brings with it, my suddenly weak legs and irrational bladder made life harder, walking to the canteen was sometimes a challenge and getting to the bathroom was at times a priority due to lots of kidney infections. Then in 2007, I had a further blow, my Mum died suddenly, she had a brain haemorrhage and I felt like my left arm was taken away. She was so supportive, always there for me and her unconditional love made it easier for me to cope with my issues. Suddenly I had to find another way to deal with things. I first turned to food, which didn’t work and later to friends, family, Reiki and Counselling which worked. I have also thanked God that I work for such a wonderful company, HP have given me the tools to manage my illness (working from home when not well) and alleviated any worries about losing my job due to my condition. I have a job that I really enjoy and work with a manager who is very understanding and encourages me. I have colleagues who are aware of my condition and do anything to help while not patronising me. It is great to be able to work and not have it impacted, it really helps with self-esteem, remaining positive and leading a normal life. It is now 9 years since my diagnosis, and a lot has changed in my life, I can no longer kick box, run or walk a long distance but I wouldn't change a thing. MS has pushed me in all ways, mentally, physically and emotionally and initiated lots of lifestyle changes. I don't think that I would have my inner peace today, if MS hadn't shown up. For the past year, I have been trying to come up with an avenue to provide information to help people. I am no expert or doctor but I would really like to be a bright light to young people and their families, to help them realise that the diagnosis isn't the end of the world and can sometimes come along at the right time so that important stuff gets dealt with. So I set up a blog, it is called Nic’s MS in the City - http://msinthecity.wordpress.com/ I think that the biggest learning for me is that you can't segregate things, if you want to do your best to maintain your health, you need to look at everything, Mind, Body, Spirit, Diet, Stress etc, a holistic approach. Caroline Myss makes are very valid point when she says ‘Your biology is your biography ‘ (in other words your physical body (your cells) absorb the biography of your life and reflect back to you how that life has been). So you can't just look at the physical, you need the balance in all aspects of your life. So my life has been a bit of a roller coaster and maybe I could help you with MS or one of my experiences below :-) - Shy child - World Champion Kickboxer - 4th degree Bushido Martial Art Instructor - Lucan Rose (beauty pageant) - Image Consultant - Emotional comfort eater - MS patient - Single young female - Online dater - MS blogger?? Finally, if someone told me what life had in store for me, I don’t know if I would have appreciated it but I do now.
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Name: Melanie
Age: 27
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2011
Location: Cavan
Email: hyland.melanie@yahoo.com
Story: I suffered my 1st attack when I was 7 and a half months pregnant. I completly lost all power in my left side. I think it was the scariest time in my life! I made a full recovery within 3 months. I was officialy diagnosed in November 2011 and have been using avonex since which has been working well. Unfortunatly I am in he middle of a relapse now which has affected my balance. I have not lost any power which is good. Im in rehab at the min and hopefully will be sorted soon. Id love to hear from other people with ms as I dont know anyone who as it
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Name: Emma Clare
Age: 24
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2011
Location: Dublin
Email: emma.clare@nuim.ie
Story: I had a brain seizure out of no where in May 2011, there was no apparent reason why I had the seizure, i stayed in hospital for four days and had a CT scan. I was later admitted to another hospital a month later with symtoms all down my left side (numbness, weakness, tingling). i had an MRI, EEG, numerous blood tests and two lumber punctures, due to the bad side effects of the lumber i was kept in hospital for three weeks. My results showed that i had MS and have had it for roughly the last ten years. Looking back now i'v had so many sympoms over the years that i ignored. I havn't had another seizure since and am hoping not to as i could really do without epilepsy aswel! would like to hear from other people with similar stories :)
Name: Emma
Age: 29
Do you have MS?: No
Year diagnosed: Under investigation
Location: Midlands
Email: farnan19836@gmail.com
Story: Hi Everyone, I am having an mri scan on my brain and lumbar spine this week. I have had a crazy year going from doctor to doctor and living in the a e department. My symptoms started with fatigue, aches and pains, trouble with my left leg headaches, bad bladder control, swelling of legs, blurred vision, trouble swallowing sometimes... Doctors made me think i was mad and then diagnosed me with thyroid disease. I started thyroid medication but symptoms persisted so I changed Gp's. One visit to the new Gp and i am now being investigated for ms. I am very nervous about the next few weeks cause I don't know what's next. My head feels like my brain is swelling inside it and the pain goes dowin into my neck. Two weeks ago i came home from work and my partner had to carry me to the toilet because my two legs spasmed and were so painful - it was excruciating, and embarassing. Hopefully my tests will come back good, but after reading some of your stories its not looking great for me is it? The Doctor i am seeing at the minute is lovely, he listened to me and reassured me that i was not imagining things. Good luck to you all, xxx
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Name: Caroline
Age: 31
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2007
Location: Roscommon
Email: yiyain@yahoo.co.uk
Story: Hi my name is Caroline. I have ms since 2007.I tried befaferon and i hated it i kept relapsing on it but only tried it for 4 months. i started Avonex yesterday for the first time now i feel really sick. I was wondering has anyone else had this problem or has anyone any advise on Avonex would really appreicate help :) I had a relapse at the beginning of january which was the first time since 2009! MS effects my legs and arms they get weak and tingly and i get a really bad burning pain in my left side. Thanks for reading my story :)
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Name: Emma
Age: 24
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2011
Location: Dublin
Email: grimes.emma@gmail.com
Story: Hi, my name is Emma and I've only recently been formally diagnosed with ms. My first attack was a few years ago with optic neuritis. I was sent to a hospital in Dublin and they eventually sent me for an mri. They found a lesion on my brain but never pursued it. They said it wasn't enough to base a conclusion on and never followed it up. My next attack came about a year later and I went numb down one side. I was admitted to my local hospital and after a week of tests a neurologist told me I was to have a lumbar puncture and an mri that there was a possibility of ms. I don't know how to explain how I felt when the lumbar came back positive. Kind of overwhelmed and a little bit hopeless. My doctor and the ms nurse were good though. They helped me understand that ms was a very common problem and there were things that could be done to change how it affected me. Over the course of 8 months or so I was monitored with mri's they showed more lesions popping up so I was started with copaxone. My job is very demanding with constantly changing shifts and even with the medication it's becoming increasingly difficult to do simple things like getting out of bed in the morning.
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Name: Maria
Age: 33
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2011
Location: Malaga, Spain
Email: inglesmasrapido@gmail.com
Story: just recently diagnosed and it is progressing rapidly, had many strange symptoms for years and was at hospital on so many occasion and no body could find out what it was was diagnosed a few months, it is progressing very rapidly and i am unable to function,, my side of my body is paralysed, i am so sleepy and my cognitive skills are greatly impaired, have lost various jobs because of it and was recently teaching as a language teacher but my cognitive skills are so impaired cant continue, im from dublin originally but over here a few years,,, was non resident here and paid tax in ireland last time 3 years ago, i am entitled to nothing in spain and am living in very bad circumstances and have no family in ireland,, my question is if anyone can tell me if i went back to ireland would i be entitled to disability benefit and can i work part time with that, and how long does it take for the payment to be affectuated,, id appreciate someones help i am in a very bad way and just would like to go back to ireland
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Name: Denise
Age: 35
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2010
Location: Ireland
Email: dee_finn@hotmail.com
Story: I was diagnosed with MS in 2010, i had symptoms of fatigue for a long time, but in 2009 i started to have a lot of numbness & tingling in my arms & hands & face, mostly my right hand side, i also started to get numbness & tingling in both my legs from the knees down, i had hurt my back around the same time & assumed it was the cause of the problem in my legs, i was referred for an mri & then referred onto a neurologist for further tests, i was diagnosed quite quickly & while it was a huge shock i was relieved i wasn't imagining things, I started using Copaxone in May 2010 & came off it in November 2010 due to pregnancy, My little boy was born last month & i've just started back on Copaxone again, somedays i find it very hard to accept having MS, before i was diagnosed i did a lot of walking & jogging, i now find i have to listen to my body & the energy to do all the things i loved isn't there anymore. i sometimes feel being on the treatment makes me feel more exhausted. But i try to have a positive outlook & i think most of the time i succeed, my main priority is to be strong for my baby & ensure i can look after him - its hard not to feel tired with a new baby. My husband & family are a great help & support to me, i would like to hear from people with similar situations.
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Name: Dee
Age: 41
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2009
Location: Carlow
Email: fitatforty008@hotmail.com
Story: hi my name is dee i was diagnosed with ms 2 years ago. I started having numbness in right hand side and pins and kneadles. Was going on for a while came to a head one day while i was out shopping with my daughter when my leg got really numb and i started to drag it. I tot of ms straight away as i knew a girl who had ms and that was a common thing i noticed happen to her. I tried to push the tot to one side but my daughter was up set so i agreed to make an appointment with the doctor. I was admitted to hospital for tests where i spent 15 days durning which time my movement went compeltely and i ended up on a strong course of steriods through a drip and got around using a frame. I did a lot of physio in and out of hospital and now use a stick. I am on the avonex injection and find it helps. I have good days and bad but my motto is each day i can get up and at it is a good day. There is one thing i wont allow my self to do and that is feel sorry for my self. Dont worry be happy.
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Name: Marie Buckley
Age: 45
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2010
Location: Kerry
Email: mariebuckley65@hotmail.com
Story: Hurt my back at work in march was sent for an xray, phsio, painkillers etc, etc, then after 6 weeks of not getting better my left leg went weak. I was told by a friend to demand a mri. I did so and while waiting to be called on morning I got up & I FELT as I was 20 stone weight but the more I walked the lighter I got. I was admitted to hospital instantly a mri & catscan done & after a while was diagnosed with ms. I started the ribiff injection 3 times weekly have no bad attack since. I went to Australia last month on my own for 3 weeks I was tired but i felt ok.tomorrow i start back to work after 18 months for 4 hrs aday. my advice is stay positive & as active as you can the med is crap for the first 3 to 6 months but give it a chance its great. I still have a day that I walk to one side feel rotten but by & large feel good. Live life as best you can & keep in good form.
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Name: Lorna Murray
Age: 28
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2011
Location: Dublin
Email: lorns@eircom.net
Story: i have recently been diagnosed with MS, my first symptom was optic neuritis. i have always been very healthy and active. i went to fitness class two or three times a week and really enjoyed running. it was march when i had optic neuritis and since my vision has completely returned to normal. the symptoms i have daily are tingling in my legs and slightly in my hands. i am not currently taking any medication and am in the very early stages of pregnancy. i would really like to talk to somebody or people who may have been in a similar situation. i feel quite well and am still very active and if i am honest and have found it very difficult to accept my MS diagnosis. i would like to hear other peoples opinions about medication and treatment options. Lorna
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Name: Frances
Age: 50
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2011
Location: Dublin
Email: frances@o2.ie
Story: Just got diagnosed a couple of months ago with MS, it took few months to diagnose me. Started last year had differculty with walking. Went to my GP who sent me for a MRI scan, which showed inflamation in the brain. Was then sent to nuerologist, who brought me into hospital for lumbar puncture.. I was put on steriods, Methylprednislone, have now decided what medication to put me on it is called Rituxumab, haven't started it yet, just have my first relapse which was numbness in my leg…... not sure how to deal with any of this at all what I am supposed to do etc etc. I would love to hear from others who have used these drugs and how it helped
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Name: Trish
Age: 28
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2011
Location: Cork
Email: trishawisha@gmail.com
Story: I was diagnosed in February with numbness and tingling down one side, also fatigue. Had two MRI, thankfully didnt have to have Lumbar puncture. I have been on Copaxone now for 4 1/2 months. Its tough going. I have a physically demanding job so Im am looking to go back to study. I would love to hear from others about they're stories.
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Name: Noelle Mcginley
Age: 31
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2008
Location: Donegal, Ireland
Email: noellemcginley1@gmail.com
Story: have already submitted my story but have since changed my email if anyone wants to email me feel free
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Name: Deirdre
Age: 38
Do you have MS?: No
Year diagnosed: not diagnoised
Location: laois
Email: deimur1@gmail.com
Story: Hi I have suffering symptoms like ms but i have all the test done and was told it was not ms, but when the doctors seen me he told me it could be ms but that i have a good prognosis as it is only mild. how can someone said it mild when you have difficulty walking. I am feeling much better but i am having difficulty with my swallow. I do have headaches too now but all ok. The last time i had a mri was November and all was clear. I dont no where to go from here. can anyone help
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Name: Oonagh
Age: 26
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2011
Location: Kerry
Email: oonaghsullivan@gmail.com
Story: Just got diagnosed less than a month ago with MS, it took 6 months to diagnose me. Started first with blurred vision, so went to the opticion, who sent me to a eye epecaliast. He sent me for an MRI scan, which showed inflamation in the brain. Was then sent to nuerologist, who brought me into hospital for lumbar puncture (wasn'r sore at all :)) then was diagnosed.... Just decided what medication i want to take, haven't started it yet, just have first relapse... not sure how to deal with any of this in a way, what i'm supposed to do etc etc.....
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Name: Carmel Gilligan
Age: 41
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2005
Location: Midlands
Email: Carmel_gilligan@operamail.com
Story: Hi All, I wrote my story before so I won't bore you all with it again. What I am looking for is information. Is there anyone else out there who has been denied Tysabri treatment because they live outside the catchment area of their Neurologist. I have been denied it and I went public on the issue because I am furious. I need Tysabri really badly. I don't want anyone else to have to fight like this so please get in touch I won't mention names but I am desperately trying to get this out into the public arena. I am prepared to go on national radio/tv znything that will put pressure on the HSE to provide this treatment to all MS patients who need it. I would welcome any ideas. Contact me so that I don't feel so
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Name: Sharon
Age: 30
Do you have MS?: Yes
Year diagnosed: 2006
Location: Mullingar
Email: smbernie@hotmail.com
Story: I was 26 when i was told i had ms up to then wasn't sure what was happening . was thinking i was going mad , was kinda happy when i was told i wasn't mad but sad , upset , angry at everything at the same time . kept saying why ??? but now i have kinda come to terms with ms because my daughter she shows me every day how greatfull i should be for everything .ms makes u open ur eyes to everything u have taken for granted for to long ...small things like remembering weather u had breakfast , taken ur tablets because u have so many now ..waking with a pain in your head 5 days a week . but it could be worse . it can always be worse . sorry about spellings was never very good at them ...lol
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Name: Mark
Age: 39
Year Diagnosed: Yes
Location: Dublin
Email: mark-conroy@hotmail.com
Story: I have ms, would like to talk to other people with ms.
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Name: Lydia Smith
Age: 27
Year Diagnosed: November 2010
Location: North Dublin
Email: amarulil@hotmail.com
Story: was diagnosed with MS three weeks after my first (known) symptom presented itself. It has only been 3 months, so things are very new to me. I have had loads of different symptoms and some are still with me now, despite being on Copaxone medication since November. I would love to hear from others with MS, both newly diagnosed and people who have been managing it for years.
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Name: Noeleen D
Age: 41
Year Diagnosed: 2010
Location: Athy
Story: Sun 7 Mar, I went for a long walk down town and on the way back I felt my left foot dragging slightly, sort of like the way it would feel to walk after being curled up on the sofa for a while. But it was nothing major and I actually put it down to new boots I was wearing! Later on I got a sensation of static in my right hand (again, right side) that felt like I'd touched the plug pins of my hairdryer after plugging it out. The sensation seemed to last but again it didn't alarm me. I had experienced it at other times and it was most noticeable when washing my hair, a tingly feeling, a nuisance! This particular feeling lasted days, can't remember if beyond 3 weeks. The right foot/leg was dragging the next day again. It seemed to feel heavier this time but again I walked downtown, testing it out to see would the dragging go away by itself, was it a random thing. I attended a vtos meeting and when I had to sign my name my right arm felt so limp around the inside of the elbow, I just couldn't hold the pen properly even though my grip was firm as always, and my handwriting was all over the place, couldn't keep it on the line. I knew something was up, vaguely serious, and sussed it was neurological but again decided to wait and see. I had to go to Carlow and even managed to drive my own car there and back. Same thing happened in the post office with my writing. Got myself home. Tried to work on my laptop that evening and couldn't use the mousepad properly. I and my right arm got very tired from the effort of keeping the fingers on the right keys (I was so determined to beat whatever was wrong, and stubborn, that I actually completed the assignment I'd been putting off for months!). I had difficulty the following morning in eating my cereal, trying to get the spoon up to my mouth and trying to feed myself (table manners huh) .. brushing my teeth posed the same problem. Standing in the shower, it was an effort to turn around and I was conscious that I might stumble or fall over (I didn't). I went to my doctor and I suppose I made a bit light of it, for he sent me away after testing my reflexes. I went for a walk and felt like Quasimodo for the 15 minutes very slow walk back home. Went back to the doctor and explained it was getting worse whatever it was and it was tiring me. I asked for a blood test but this time he went me to Naas A&E straightaway with a letter, preferring me to be examined properly. Here they tested my balance (standing like a stork on one leg - not my strongest point at best of times!) and attempting to walk a straight line and more reflex tests. They said there definitely is something wrong so they kept me in. Did an ECG, then a CAT scan the following morning. This came back clear so they did an MRI in Clane. Some more tests like a neck scan, looking at the circulation. Then a few days later, a lumbar puncture. For this I was advised to drink loads of caffeine in the form of Coke and coffee to prevent pain but I had to lie very still for 4 hours straight after the LB and then as it was evening I avoided the caffeine thinking it would keep me awake. Well, the pain in the back of my neck, from the Thursday night to the following Monday night! Stronger painkillers solved that and the original symptoms also faded away and I was back to normal as I have been since (now mid-Sept). A 2nd MRI was done because, I was told, the dye for the 1st MRI hadn't worked, this time on my spine as well as brain. Fast forward to consultant in Tallaght and diagnosis. Very reassuring consultant and MS nurse. Really put me at my ease and have a philosophical outlook about it - for all I know I could've had this for who knows how long, 10 or 20 or 30 years and it only appeared this year, and the nature of it means that I might not get another episode for another 10 minutes, 10 months, or 10 years. So life resumes, luckily for me no symptoms (apart from one that lasted a mere 5 minutes). I do get stressed by situations and it's easy to forget that stress is not good for MS. Another MRI in Nov followed by a second visit to the consultant, to see if the MS has progressed. I am pleased to find out that using PowerPlate is beneficial for MS (as I really want to tone up) so it shuts up the doom merchants in my family! I was told that in the future I may have to inject myself - that's another day's work!
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Name: Darren
Age: 30
Year Diagnosed: 2002
Location: Donegal
Email: roche_darren@yahoo.ie
Story: my name is darren i was diagnosed in 2002 with relapse and remitting ms,my symptons were double vision snd my left side was all weak,for a long time i was as normal as anyone i had a few relapses but id recovered from them fine,i was on avonex for 4 years but the side effects were too much so i changed to rebif i find the sideaffects controllable,i got a relapse at the start of the year and my eyes havent recovered properly my balance isnt too bad its just my eyes im like a man after a load of beer its that kind of feeling and i know myself its very hard to describe to doctors i just find my driving is restricted and its something i find hard to deal with,im married with 3 beautiful kids and my wife cant do enough for me she is fantastic i would just like to hear from someone with a similsr story.
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Name: Damien
Age: 33
Year Diagnosed: 2010
Location: Kildare
Email:
Story: I was diagnosed in 2010 after a long battle for somebody to listen to me. I had some small episodes in the previous 5 years, pins and needles in my legs , feet on 2 seperate occasions then in May 09 I got a blind spot in my right eye, went to the Eye and Ear emergency to be told nothing wrong go home. Within days the second eye went the same I went back to the Eye and Ear to be told the same thing. Went to GP and was told It was all in my head nothing wrong with me. Back to eye and ear and finally after stressing my point to them that I had other symptoms (I knew at this point it was MS in my own mind) I was sent for an MRI, January this year I got to seen in Talaght hospital and was booked for a Lumbar Puncture that week. Every came back that I had RR MS. I know it sounds silly but its a relief. I have been episode free now for 15 months but have the odd symptoms mostly bouts of eye pain. I am Betapheron and have to say its all going well at the moment so fingers crossed. As a great man once said I have MS but MS doesnt have me.
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Name: Noelle
Age: 30
Year Diagnosed: 2008
Location: Donegal
Email: noellemcginley1@hotmail.com
Story: I was diagnoised in sept 2008 but i had symptoms from 2004. I was on the waiting list for a neuroligist for a year and a half. meanwhile the docs thought i had arthritis and were treating me for that. I have two children and get alot of fatigue but the kids keep me busy. I take interferon injections and for anyone going to take them its not scary once you start believe it or not you do get used to it its just part of normal routine. At the minute i am not keeping to bad thank god and i just wanted to share my story. when i feel down i always think there is somebody else out there worse of than me and i am thankful for my husband and kids and our family.
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Name: Rachelle
Age: 24
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2010
Location: Ireland: Kerry
Email: rachellenfenit@hotmail.com
Story: Finished work one day about 6 weeks ago and I started getting pins and needles on the soles of both my feet, next day my two arms started feeling numb. went to my doctor and she sent me to a & e. They sent me home and told me that it was all in my head, went back to my doctor the next day and she rang the hospital and made them admit me for tests. Had a MRI and Lumbar puncture(nasty) then had nerve conductive studies and a VED. two days later I was told you have MS. Legions in my brain and neck. Due to start daily injections soon but feel kind of angry at the way I was diagnosed, If it wasn't for MS Ireland I would be lost as the hospital weren't too great at explaining things to me. I had heard of MS before but never really taken in much about it. But the one piece of great advice I was given was to stay positive and take each day as it comes. The numbness is gone from my hands now but my legs are still giving me trouble.
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Name: Yvonne Langan
Age: 38
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2009
Location: Ireland: Galway
Email: bobby2001@eircom.net
Story: Hi everyone, I went to my doctor in 09 with tingling down my back,legs and arms whenever i bent my head down and numbness down my right arm and hand. I'd had similar symtoms previously which had my alarm bells ringing. I kinda new something was up and started researching on the internet and had my prepared for the worse or so i thought. Doctor sent me for an MRI in April and got the results back fairly quickly that leasions had shown up so i had to go for another one which included the head and where they inject something into you, this more or less confirmed that i had MS. It was a big shock let me tell ya even though i thought i had prepared myself. I then went into hospital for a lumbar puncture, not for the faint hearted but let me tell you one thing, you are intitled to have a local anaestetic which makes the whole procedure just about bareable. I'm injecting 3 times a week with Rebif interferon and at the beginning i used to take parecetemol an hour before injecting and an hour after to counteract the flu like symtoms but now i don't bother as i feel fine. I still suffer from fatigue but i'm lucky enough that i changed my working hours to suit me 8.30-4.00 so i can get home early and have a snooze. I also have heaviness down my right arm and slight numbness in my fingers but if thats i have i can live with it. The most important thing is like many of the guys on here say.... Try Try Try to keep a positive attitude, you'll have bad days we all do but all i can think is there's a whole lotta people worse off than me... God Bless xxxx Please feel free to email me.
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Name: Geraldine Carey
Age: 54
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 1987
Location: Ireland: Clonmel
Email: geraldine2thepaddock@eircom.net
Story: I am married with four children and three grandchildren. I am using a wheelchair still driving my health is very good, I exercise daily so important. I go to the hyperbaric oxygeon chamber weekly (it has given me back normal energy).It is imprtant to maintain a positive attitude to life it brought me through, if anyone would like to email me.
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Name: Carmel
Age: 40
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2006
Location: Ireland: Midlands
Email: carmel_gilligan@operamail.com
Story: Hi All My name is Carmel. Like most people I had many symptoms before I got my diagnosis. Numbness and pins and needles weakness in my right side. I must admit I ignored them because I had such a crazy life at the time. Three children working full time studying ye all know the story. Finally I had to give in to the symptoms and get something done. I got up of the chair one night to discover I couldn't use my legs. Very scared I turned up at my local hospital only to be made more frightened. The doc on duty ws convinced I had a stroke. At 36 I went crazy shouting at them that it was not possible. I was to fit and healthy and never had high blood pressure in my life. Thankfully a more experienced doc came on the scene and ordered an MRI scan. This confirmed my worse nightmare. There were several lesions on the brain. I got refferred to a neurologist very quickly. ( I was one of the lucky ones) I left hospital on a walking frame feeling like my life was over. I was a very angry woman. How the hell was I supposed to live like this. I had the added pressure of been the main earner in my family. Whats more I am a health care professional I had done my final year project on MS and knew exactly what was ahead of me. It took me two years to finally tell my siblings the whole story. I was started on Betaferon I hated it from day one. Having flu symptoms three nights a week was not doing anything to help me cope with the extreme fatigue. After two relapses while on this treatment I had had enough. I changed to Copaxone I didn't like the idea of injecting every day but I decided to give it a go. And boy am I glad Idid .I never looked back. Yes it has side effects but not nearly as bad as Interferons. I have had relapses but they were no where near as bad as the earlier ones. I am now stable and feeling quite good. I am a lot more optimistic about my future now. I know my limits. I try to focus on what I can do. I have grieved for my past life and I think its important that we all do that because no matter what people say we have lost a lot. I regret not telling people earlier about my illness because I feel I isolated a lot of people when I should have been allowing them in to help. But thats just the silly sort of person I am. This diagnosis put a huge strain on my marraige because of the way I dealt with it. So a warning to all newly diagnosed people: D'ONT ISOLATE PARTNERS OR FRIENDS YOU WILL REGRET IT. Thankfully my family friends and children are fully in the picture and its a much nicer place to be. Would like to hear from others in similiar situations.
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Name: Anne
Age: 55
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 1990
Location: Ireland: Midlands
Email:
Story: I'm writing my story in the hope of giving encouragement to all those lovely young people who have written their stories here. I was diagnosed with MS in 1990 after 4 years of tests and misdiagnosis. I had my first symptom, a slight dragging feeling in my left leg three months after my son was born in 1986. My diagnosis was that the type of MS I had was Primary Progressive which would not involve any periods of remission. I was devastated. I had a three month old baby and a full time job and all I could see in front of me was progressive ill health. But I will try to make a long story short. My progression has thankfully been very slow. My left leg is much weaker but I can still walk quite well. I get very fatigued and as a result I gave up full time work in 1995 but other than some weakness in my left hand I have developed no new symptoms over the years. I'm not on any medication as there is none available for Primary progressive MS. I rest when I need to, try to avoid stress as much as possible and avoid pushing myself to do things I know will lead to exhaustion. My children have grown up, gone to college and done well for themselves.They have never thought of me as having a bad illness. I would not like to preach to anybody but I believe that a positive attitude has a lot to do with staying well. I would say to young newly diagnosed people, "It's a horrible diagnosis but where there's life, there's hope and everybody's different. Especially now with so much new medication coming onstream, you have a great chance of living an active, productive and happy life. May God bless you all"
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Name: Brid Ni Dhaoine
Age: 46
Do you have MS: No
Year Diagnosed:
Location: Ireland: London
Email: revitalise01@hotmail.com
Story: My sister has MS. Recently I have been suffering severe fatigue and blurred vision. Could this be ms? Any advice would be appreciated
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Name: Olivia
Age: 30
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: October 2008
Location: Ireland: North Dublin
Email: oliviamaire@yahoo.co.uk
Story: I had just gone back to work after having my son and my eye was really sore. Thought it was just eye strain from being back at the computer, went to the optician when the sight started going and was sent straight into the Mater. After a day in the eye and ear clinic i was finally told they thought I might have MS but weren't sure and would have to have MRI's and lumbar puncture. Had first MRI in September, and initial diagnosis of MS on Halloween. Then had lumbar puncture and another MRI due to further symtoms and got given the full clinical diagnosis in Jan 09. Been on Avonex since Oct 08. Hate needles so once a week (at least :P) I'm a nervous wreak. In the mean time I've had twins. So tired all the time but just started on Provigil so fingers crossed!!!
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Name: Ruth
Age: 25
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2006
Location: Ireland: Dublin
Email: rcarey85@gmail.com
Story: I was diagnosed with MS in March 2006. Like so many others it was after visiting my doctor with symptoms for a few years befor my diagnosis. I think the best way to handle MS is to stay positive. I heard a great saying the other day on tv "I have MS, MS doesnt have me" and i just think this is a great. I have been luck to have only one relapse since my diagnosis almost 4 years ago now. I think this is down to positive thinking and my medication. I have left my email address if you would like to talk to me and share your story as i do not know any other person around my age with MS.
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Name: Jill
Age: 32
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2001
Location: Ireland: Westmeath
Email:
Story: I was diagnosed with m.s in 2001, having undergone numerous neurological exams, I was immediately put on avonex which i stayed on for two years but came off it then as i could'nt cope with the side effects on top of the m.s symtoms. I have seen my neurologist once and have not seen my consultant since the day he diagnosed me although i have rang up seeking appointments, i feel completely let down by the system, surely they need to see me and check my health reguarly?
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Name: Jerona
Age: 64
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: Sept 2007
Location:Louth
Email: jeronajackson@yohoo.co.uk
Story: After visiting my Mam in Holland in Oct 2005 I found that i could not see anything through my right eye my doctor sent me to the Mater ther I was told after an mri scan that I could have ms that was Jan 2006; I was upset but then there are 3 cousins in Holland with ms all on my Mothers side. Then I had to have more test Mri lumber punture blood test etc. then on the 13th Sept 2007 i was yes yiu have ms my youngest daughter was with me it still was a shock although i was earlier told that i could have. I am on a daily injection of Copaxcone. My daughter has been a great support and the people in the local ms society couldnt have been more helpfull and have made friends with some lovely people so it hasnt been all bad love to hear from any one.
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Name: Marie
Age: 33
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2007
Location: Donegal/Dublin
Email:
Story: Initial symptoms started in about 2002 when I woke up one morning and found I was dragging my left leg and was extremely dizzy. Went to work as usual but was completely out of it (looked and acted like someone who was drunk). Needless to say was sent home. My leg continued to drag so eventually went to the doctor whereby I was sent for MRI and Spinal tap to test for MS. At that time test results apparently came back negative therefore the whole experience was put down to a viral infection. 5 years later however my leg started to drag again, I lost my balance (couldn't even stand still in on spot!!), had really bad pins and needles and numbness in my body. This time sent for scans again, this time they also scanned my spine and found the majority of the lesions were located there and was diagnosed with MS. Since then thankfully most of the effects have gone and have not relapsed again. I've remained positive in my outlook to life and life has pretty much returned to normal, still working and socialising and whilst some of the simple activities in life that others take for granted i.e walking, using stairs, may cause a few more difficulties if anything the diagnosis has made me re-think what is important in life and enjoy every minute. I meet the most wonderful and supportive boyfriend after my diagnosis and we're getting married in June. Life goes on after MS, make the most of it guys and remain positive.
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Name: Katie
Age: 24
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2009
Location: Ireland
Email:
Story: Been living with this for 2 years but finally got the official diagnosis recently. Initial onset was out of the blue following stressful period. Woke up screaming one night with trigeminal neuralgia down one half of my face. Since then no attacks, but get that familiar tingle in my cheek if I eat too much sugar or over exert myself with exercise. Next step is to figure out should I keep my quality of life and continue as normal, playing sport, working, etc or suffer the side effects of the drugs.
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Name: Karen Murtagh
Age: 33
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2006
Location: Louth
Email: karenmurtagh159@hotmail.com
Story: I had my first symptom in march 2005, lost the sight in my right eye. I was sent to the Mater hospital and was admiittes for tests ct scan lumbar puncture and mri scan. I was told I had optic neuritis and possibly ms. I was finally diagnosed in December 2007. I started Rebif 3 times a week. I was very upset by the news and there is a history of ms in the family all female and me being the third person with ms. I have had a few relapses over the years. I try to stay positive and get on with life. I get good support from my ms nurse and my family.
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Name: Aisling Hickey
Age: 26
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2009
Location: Cork
Email: aislinghickey@ymail.com
Story: Was diagnosed a couple of months ago, it started with optic neuritis, I was shocked, I went to my own doctor about a year ago and he put different symptoms down to stress. I would like to hear from someone if possible
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Name: Rayna
Age: 27
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2003
Location: Meath
Email:
Story: I was diagnosed with MS is 2003 when my eyesight got very blurred and I started stuttering, i was lucky that my symptoms were gone by the time i received a diagnosis. Since then I had one relapse which needed Steriods and at the moment im going through what the nurse called a pseudo-relapse due to taking tamiflu, it is worse then the actual relapse I had!! It is affecting my legs which Im finding really hard,luckily enough I have a brilliant boyfriend and son and both are taking really good care of me!! I hope everyone is keeping well and thank you all for all of your stories, its nice to know im not the only one living through this!
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Name: Sinead
Age: 33
Do you have MS: Yes
Year Diagnosed: 2007
Location: Dublin
Email: sineadsmartt@yahoo.com
Story: Hi I was diagnosed with MS in July 2007. I went to the doctor complaining of headaches and he sent me for a MRI Scan. 2 days later i was told that something showed up on the scan and I would need further tests. The following week I went to St Vincents to get a lumber Puncture done and a few weeks later I was told " you have ms". It was a really hard time for me but my husband and my family were great. My Mam was with me for every appointment and my symptoms subsided which was great. Sadly in May 2008 my mam was diagnosed with cancer and only survived 13 weeks. My life fell apart! Then I had several attacks and went on steroid treatment twice in a very short space of time. I was told to go on Tysabri which I did and after the first infusion I felt great and thought all my prayers had been answered! But on my second infusion I had a reaction and was immediatly taken off it. I got very down for a period of time. Now my consultant is recommending Campath. Which I agreed to go on but had to wait 3 months until I get it because I had Tysabri. I'm due to go into hospital in October for thiis treatment and would love to hear from anyone who is on Campath as I'm a little nervous. All your stories are very interesting. No one patient is the same and positive attitude is key factor. Thanks Sinead
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Name: Rita Smith
Age: 46
Do you have MS: No
Year Diagnosed: 2009
Location: Waterford
Email:
Story: Symptoms started August bank holiday. First noticed in hand, tingling sensation and numbness. Now with me all the time. I have also a numbness in the lower let, starting from the foot but no pins and needles. Sent for MRI and thank God it was clear. However my GP has indicated that I have early onset of MS and that it would be a while before it is diagnosed. I am due to see a neurologist soon. Is this how those of you who have been diagnosed started. Are your symptoms similar? Thanks you
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