Anyone have experiences with MS?

[Necee419]

MS is a disease that affects mostly women. My husband has this dreadful disease. He was diagnosed with MS 5 years ago, two years before we met. At the time he had painful tingling in his fingertips and didn't know what it was. After being diagnosed, his girlfriend at the time, whom he lived with, started cheating on him. Her excuse was that she had three kids of her own and wanted a man to take care of her, not one she would wind up having to take care of. When we met, he told me about the MS right away. He wanted to give me the chance to "escape" while I could. We have been together 3 years and got married earlier this year. In that time, his condition has gotten slightly worse. He is currently on Rebif, a subcutaneous injection therapy that he takes 3 times a week. He walks with a very pronounced limp and he has had two very serious relapses that have left him unable to walk. With the miracle of a 5 day steroid treatments, he was able to recover both times. He is a teacher and has to be on his feet all day. Most days he comes home exhausted. My husband is the love of my life. We have been through some tough times because of his disease and it has been emotionally draining at times. But through it all, we have emerged stronger and more united. It is very difficult for him sometimes. Society finds it acceptable for women to be weak and feeble but not men. Whenever he feels weak, he feels like he is failing me and that I deserve better. What he fails to see is that he is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I wouldn't trade him for a truckload of healthy men. Sorry for getting so sappy, but this makes me rather emotional. Does anyone else have any experiences with MS? We need to find a cure for this horrible disease that robs young people of their independence, self esteem and ultimately, their dignity.

[Janet]

What a great post!!! Sure sounds like you are both very, very lucky to have each other!

[Necee419]

Thank you. Sometimes it gets really hard. Whenever we go to his neurologist and we see people in the waiting room in wheelchairs, it hits me hard. I know that one day that could be him. We keep our faith and pray that it never gets to that point but it is very possible. The worst part of this disease is that it can attack any part of your body. You can lose your sight, hearing, ability to walk, talk, etc. It is really scary. A few famous people like Terri Garr, and Montell Williams have it and they bring awareness about the disease and are helping raise money to find a cure. We hope that one day they'll succeed.

[Taurus Babe]

My boyfriends mother had MS. Also a good family friend has it and suffers from a limp and sometimes shaky hands (from what I know). It is a terrible disease. Sounds like you and your husband are very lucky to have found each other...

[Tink]

Necee, I used to take care of a woman who had MS. She was a retired RN and weighed over 300 lbs which didn't help her condition any. She taught me a bit about the disorder, such as it can change like the weather. One of the major symptoms associated with it is depression and as with your hubby, good support and acceptance can be a major help or hinderance.

Your guy is lucky to have you. Bless you for being able to see past the problems to the real man. Sounds like God knew what He was doing when He put the 2 of you together.

HUGS

[Sherry Lynn]

My oldest brother and a dear friend have it, and the weather really does cause problems. It's the barometric pressure causing the muscles and bones to expand and contract...

I saw this on Geraldo at Large yesterday and found it on the Internet. When you get to the site, look in the top right corner for the MS Treatment video.

www.geraldoatlarge.com

And you're close to this doctor, too.