tananarose

Steve, I have relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis, I was diagnosed 12 years ago, and have been in remission for the last 2 years. I am scheduled to have my surgery for lap band on Sep 23. I totally know what you are talking about with the lumbar puncture, I will never ever have another one, unless the do one on me when I am unconsious. I would like to talk and share the experiences with you also. When my oldest daughter was born I had something similar to you happen with the numbness in the legs, I woke up and both legs were numb, but the doc told me it was from a UI medicine that I was on. I also had a bout with optic neuritis (problems with the eyes when I was about 11 years old) I was told that it was all made up because my sister had just had eye surgery. I look forward to talking with you about this journey with the band and ms. Has your neuro talked with you about Avonex a weekly intermuscular injection, Beta Seron (sp?) every other day sub q injection, Copaxone daily sub q injections? these injections help slow the progression of the ms. I started with the Avonex, but the side effects never went away, so I changed to the Copaxone (I never thought I would be able to give myself an injection). If you have any questions about my experiences with the ms please feel free to ask. Johanna

Hi my name is Johanna, I live in Fairbanks, AK. I am waiting to be medically cleared from my Dr, and then the approval from Medicare. I am ready for this to be done and to get my surgery date. I have to travel 6 hours to Anchorage for my surgery, and then stay 10 days after. I am getting this done because I have 3 grandkids and want to be able to be active with them. And I do not want to end up like my dad. I was also have MS and would like to hear from others who have MS and been banded. Johanna

I used to live in NP around 1987, I drove school bus then. I was raised in Delta. When did you live there? Johanna

My understanding of the Medicare coverage is they cover a certain percent, varies by the plan, then if you have a secondary insurance, I have AK Medicaid, the secondary ins will pick up the rest. The medicare website might have the info for your dad. Their web site is www.medicare.gov