The Latest

Yeah, so I know Mom let some of you know, but I guess I'd better tell everyone else that
yesterday I was diagnosed with MS. I've been having some numbness in my fingertips since I became pregnant with Joe and about 2 weeks ago I began losing vision in my right eye. I went to the eye doctor and he told me my eyes were fine and that I needed to go to a neurologist (that was scary). I went to the neurologist and was put on IV steroids for retro bulbar neuritis. I looked that up and realized that it was very common in people with MS. My vision has cleared up considerably. Last Friday I had an MRI and yesterday my neurologist met with Matt and I and confirmed that I have MS in it's early stages. My doctor is very upbeat about the treatments that are available and is encouraging me to be involved in my treatment. Unfortunately for now all of the medications (there are only 4) are injections. Only two of the medicines are useful in delaying the progression of the disease. I'm going to try one of them next week and hopefully will be able to tolerate it. The medications commonly cause flu like symptoms, but hopefully the side effects will subside with continued use. It is possible that the medication will help me to lead a normal life with very few setbacks. I am looking forward to starting my treatment and getting on a path of healing. This is a lot to deal with, but I was shocked to learn that 1 in 2,000 people has MS! That's a lot of people! There are a lot of medical dollars connected with this disease and there is a lot of research being done. So, sorry to bombard EwingUniverse with some unfortunate news, but I know you all love me and want to hear how I'm doing. I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable discussing this with me. I love you all and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer