Happy Birthday!! I am sorry to hear about the MS. Please whatever the doctor says, take your meds. My daughter-in-law doesn't and it bothers me. I feel if she took them maybe she would feel better and handle things better in her life. She got MS about 1 month after her first son was born 13 years ago. My son married her about 4 years ago. She doesn't handle grocery stores and crowds well at all.

Good luck. Maybe having the band and losing weight will help, also.

I am so sorry you're going through this. I also have MS.

The best advice I can give you is to get on a disease modifying drug (often referred to as a DMD) ASAP. This is really important because they slow progression of the disease and the sooner you get on one the better your prognosis will be.

Yes, there are 4 types of MS. Relapse/Remitting (RRMS), Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive, and Progressive Relapsing. The majority of people start off RRMS (which is what I still am, too). In fact, that is another reason the DMD's are so important, to keep people from turning from RRMS to Secondary Progressive.

May I ask, did you have both an MRI and a spinal tap to be diagnosed?

I was given some advice about cleaning up my diet. Having less stress and more relaxation could be a tool as well. There are said to be occasions where some symptoms can be reactions to additives and preservatives etc. Check with your medical people and do some research. Praying for you to get divine direction on this matter.

I am so sorry you're going through this. I also have MS.

The best advice I can give you is to get on a disease modifying drug (often referred to as a DMD) ASAP. This is really important because they slow progression of the disease and the sooner you get on one the better your prognosis will be.

Yes, there are 4 types of MS. Relapse/Remitting (RRMS), Primary Progressive, Secondary Progressive, and Progressive Relapsing. The majority of people start off RRMS (which is what I still am, too). In fact, that is another reason the DMD's are so important, to keep people from turning from RRMS to Secondary Progressive.

May I ask, did you have both an MRI and a spinal tap to be diagnosed?

I've only had the MRI's. He said I likely didn't need the spinal tap because of all of the results from the MRI's. I went in initially on Monday and came out with a diagnosis by Thursday. He's insisting on me getting a second opinion which I'm fine with. I want so badly to believe it's some kind of vitamin deficiency or lyme disease. As much as I believe a spinal tap will hurt, I'd rather have it to be sure.

I've only had the MRI's. He said I likely didn't need the spinal tap because of all of the results from the MRI's. I went in initially on Monday and came out with a diagnosis by Thursday. He's insisting on me getting a second opinion which I'm fine with. I want so badly to believe it's some kind of vitamin deficiency or lyme disease. As much as I believe a spinal tap will hurt, I'd rather have it to be sure.

Honestly? I'm no doctor, and spinal taps aren't fun, but I'd insist on one. As you wisely stated, there are many other diseases and illnesses that can mimic MS. Lyme Disease is a common one and unlike MS, it's 100% curable.

I think the second opinion is a great idea, btw. I know this is hard but it's really good you're taking such a pro-active approach.