As it's a Day for Announcements.....

[julesapple]

.....can I make a little one, please?

Yesterday we had confirmation of something I have suspected for a wee while; I was officially diagnosed with MS - Multiple Sclerosis. It is a bit of a relief to be honest, to know exactly why I am sometimes uncoordinated, clumsy and bumbling. I'm not too far along - at the tip of a very gradual slope, as it were, and I could stay this way for many years. We just don't know how things will proceed.

Only the BH and I know so far. Until I know exactly what MS will do and what the future holds, I'm not telling the family. But I needed to say something to someone cos it's a tiny bit of a shock too.

Meanwhile.....I shall carry on regardless!

[Fleurisa]

Hi Julesapple, I was diagnosed with Clinically Isolated Syndrome in 2009, so I know a bit of what you have been going through. I had symptoms for about 8 months that year, but I haven't had any symptoms since then. I hope yours go away too.

[PyreneesPlot]

That's tough, Jules. But as you say, good to know why you are the way you are. Love your attitude

[julesapple]

We can compare notes then! I'm still wearing 'L' plates...

I haven't any medication etc yet. It'll be another trip to the neurologist before they decide what is the best way forward.

[julesapple]

PP, it is a help.

And at least I was able to offer a good excuse when I dropped a �40 bottle of vintage Port in Costco yesterday - bless them, they didn't charge me for it!

[Fleurisa]

What symptoms have you got? Sounds like you have numb hands!

[julesapple]

Fleurisa,

Lack of sensation in my hands, pain in my lower vertebra, stabbing pains in my thighs, involuntary movements (but only when very tired) clumsiness, occasional staggering and my eyesight can be blurry or distorted. I had this for about two years but just thought it was my hypothyroidism and my age until it got worse. I have periods when I drop everything, or I can't make my hands do what I want them to. I know what I want to do, it just doesn't happen.

[bearded bloke]

Bummocks,that's a bugger Jules,but it's good you got a specialist on the case

[Fleurisa]

Fortunately I didn't have much pain when I was ill. I started with a blind spot in my vision, followed by tingling leading to my legs being slow and heavy. My left hand went numb, my balance was gone. I had the symptom described as the 'MS Hug' for a while and a bit of Lhermitte's sign. My symptoms came on quite quickly and with the luck of having a doctor who could recognise the symptoms I was diagnosed quickly via lumbar puncture and MRI.
Do you take vitamin D supplements? I get magnesium and calcium tablets from Boots, the magnesium is supposed to help with muscle cramps if you get those.

[bearded bloke]

A word to the wise here,I suspect there will be a Mod along shortly to remind us all that no matter how well intended,we are not qualified to diagnose each other or to offer advice on medicines

[veggiechicken]

((((Cwtches)))) to you both ............

[binley100]

Aw Jules , thats a bit of a bugger.......but you have a good attitude (and a specialist ) which will help. My Dads cousin was in denial over her parkinsons and kept seeing an alternative therapy bloke who did sweet FA and now she's much worse than she would've been if she'd seen the right specialist. Big hugs xx

[alldigging]

Bugger.
But best you know so you can get any info and help that's there.
There's always someone on here to talk to if you need it.

[The Cobra]

Only recently joined the forum, but I already know theres plenty of very nice folk on here, so as you say Jules, there will always be someone to talk to on here. All the best with the illness, and I thoroughly admire your positive attitude with it - many people should aspire to be like you

[Tripmeup]

All the best Jules...keep positive and hopefully it can be tackled in a positive manner by all..