Hello everyone. I was diagnosed at the end of June and am new to all of this. I had definite symptoms in 2021, but after an MRI, I was told that the visible lesions were normal for a man of my age (I’m now 51) and that I was suffering from depression, which I wasn’t.
After managing to change doctors and be referred to a different hospital, things started to progress in regard to identifying the cause of my symptoms, which include memory issues, numbness in hands and feet, dizzy spells, confusion, and so on. The initial supposition was that I either had MS or had suffered an ischemic stroke, as there is no sign of lesions in my spine. After a lumbar puncture, it was found that I have MS.
I’ve not had any severe flare-ups, and the appearance of my symptoms has been gradual, rather than sudden. The ones that affect me the most are back pain and my cognition. I used to read a lot, but it definitely takes me longer to get through a book. I used to work as a security officer at the hospital I’m now being treated at, but the memory/concentration issues, coupled with fatigue and mood swings, have led to me now being out of work. I’m an independent horror author; however, my writing has slowed considerably due to being unable to maintain focus or becoming easily fatigued. I’m not on any treatment at the moment - apparently due to not having experienced (as far as I’m aware) any relapses or flare-ups. I’ve experienced my first MS hugs this month, and the only medication I’m currently on is for headaches/migraines.
So, that me. It’s my first time here and I wanted to introduce myself. Sorry if this has rambled on a bit or my words have gotten tangled or repetitive. It’s the most I’ve written in a while and just this short amount is causing a headache and muddling my thoughts a little. Anyway, the entire point of this was to say, “Hello.” I’m learning to take things at a steady pace and not try to push through the fatigue, etc. as that definitely doesn’t help me.
I’ve lost my train of thought, so I’ll stop here.
Mark.