Tina's Multiple Sclerosis Page

Welcome to my first home page. I am afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis . I had my first exacerbation in 1983. I woke up one morning and was completely numb from my waist down. I was lucky though because I could still walk. I went to my family doctor and he diagnosed me with Guillian Barre Syndrome, put me on a prednisone series and it gradually disappeared. I was active and had no signs or symptoms until 1991 when it happened again! I was in nursing school at the time and KNEW this was not normal behavior! Again I went to my family doctor and was put on prednisone. I went on a mission to find out what was wrong with me. Finally I told my doctor that I thought I had MS. He didn't want to believe it and he sent me for an MRI. Next thing I knew I was in a neurologists office receiving an "official" diagnosis. I recovered fully again from my symptoms and lived in a state of "oh I will stay benign" for all these years. In 1997 I noticed my walking was getting worse, I would have increased clumsiness and my balance was decreasing. I also was suffering more and more fatigue , which my family and friends STILL can't understand completely!! It's one of those "Well I get tired too!" Anyone with MS knows and understands what I am talking about... Well, I then decided it was time to see a neurologist again. He did another MRI and EVP studies and the whole 9 yards. Now I am termed as secondary progressive. I am taking betaseron injections and hoping and praying they are effective. Fatigue has gotten to be a problem for me and am no longer able to be working. My balance and staggering is increased and I have a notable loss of fine motor movements to both of my hands. My neurologist has put me on monthly IV methylprednisolone which helps for a few days and gives me a HUGE appetite!!

One of the most powerful fight against this dreaded disease is I have the most wonderful family and friends on my side. They are so supportive of me and yet don't treat me like I am an invalid! I am happily married to a wonderful man who is right there for me whenever I need something! He knows I want to keep doing things until I can't do them anymore! I also am Mom to three wonderful kids. Two are grown and married and my 12 year old daughter is still home with me. She inspires me so much and is the biggest little helper in the world. She will even give me my injections!! One day when I was having a bad MS day she went on the computer and made me a web page to cheer me up! She was only 10 at the time!