New to the Island

[landspike]

Hello everyone!

This is my very first post, I really mean my first post ever!
I have a face book account, but even in writing, I am a man of few words.

I'm sure that like many of you, I found MSWorld by chance while looking for something or someone that can maybe not give me the answer to my many and sometimes debilitating symptoms for which I have yet to be diagnosed, but to provide a way to communicate what I feel.

My health has been declining for the last four years or so except for one of those year when I was on Prednisone and felt much better. Because of the risks associated with this RX and the fact that we don't have a DX to justify those risks, I was taken off it a couple of years ago. I've had MRI's, EMG, and other tests, but nothing has provided a diagnose. My PCG is very concerned because he has seen the decline in my health specially my balance and vision problems, not to mention pain that can sometimes be very severe. I studied martial arts for over ten years and lifted weights since I was 14, so I am very conscious of the lost of strength and balance. Needless to say, I always had a high tolerance to pain.

I have difficulty swallowing and one side of my vocal cords is paralyzed, yet, no DX.

In closing (for now I hope) not only is this my first post, but other than my family doctor, I have never said so much about what I'm going through in one sitting. I guess that even if no one else reads or replies, I feel that I came out of my little shell a bit.

Thank you to MSWorld and members for their wonderful work!

[woodstock]

Welcome Landspike and thank you for sharing! As you've discovered, it is very therapeutic just to talk about your symptoms and to touch base with folks who may have situations both similar to yours or symptoms that are slightly different.

[landspike]

Thank you for your kind words.

You would think that because we are using a computer, it would not feel so personal, but it does.

I always (still) try to be the tough guy, the protector, but it is getting to be more difficult and very tiring. I am constantly telling myself that it is OK not to be as strong as I used to be and do what I can and not think so much about what I used to be able to do.

[WillyNilly]

Hey Landspike, how are you?
Yeah, I get stuck in the "USED TO" rut now and again. Sometimes it's hard not to.

[dpmich]

Welcome Landspike! Sorry for you to be here for the reason you are, but you are not alone for sure. It is not easy to be a "tough guy" with this MS crap. I'm not a guy but I've always been pretty tough. Learning to cry uncle and get the rest you need or the help, is so hard to do. We understand that here. This is a great place to read, study and vent. Everyone listens and know how hard it is to open up.

[landspike]

Originally Posted by WillyNilly

Hey Landspike, how are you?
Yeah, I get stuck in the "USED TO" rut now and again. Sometimes it's hard not to.

Hi WillyNilly,

It's been a very painful week, but I managed to complete the week at work. Tomorrow My wife and I are going to the zoo, we'll walk for as long as I can and then maybe rent a scooter, will get to go out which we haven't done in a while.

How are you doing?

[landspike]

Originally Posted by dpmich

Welcome Landspike! Sorry for you to be here for the reason you are, but you are not alone for sure. It is not easy to be a "tough guy" with this MS crap. I'm not a guy but I've always been pretty tough. Learning to cry uncle and get the rest you need or the help, is so hard to do. We understand that here. This is a great place to read, study and vent. Everyone listens and know how hard it is to open up.

Hi dpmich,

Thanks for the warm welcome!

It came to mind while I was reading you post that heck! we are still tough! we are hanging in and haven't given up yet right? I am finding the site very useful.

Thank you!

[WillyNilly]

Originally Posted by landspike

Hi WillyNilly,

It's been a very painful week, but I managed to complete the week at work. Tomorrow My wife and I are going to the zoo, we'll walk for as long as I can and then maybe rent a scooter, will get to go out which we haven't done in a while.

How are you doing?

Hey- thats TODAY! I'd love to hear how your zoo trip goes. We don't have a "local" zoo, it's a couple hour drive away. Needless to say it's been YEARS since I've enjoyed that pleasure.
I think at this point I'd be sure to get that scooter. I know our zoo has ALOT of steep hills to visit various display/enclosures. I'd hate to get stuck at the bottom and send a partner or kid to get me a scooter/wheelchair later in the day and find them all rented out! I'd also hate for whoever is with me to miss different displays because I can't make it.
You're in Canada, right? I think Ontario? It dosen't show on this posting page. If thats correct I hope you'all on that other coast are having better zoo weather than we are here on the Pacific side.
ENJOY your trip and again, I'd love to hear about it If you post about it in a different board (like "The Good Life" board), please pop in here and let us know, I wouldn't want to miss it
And me? I'm great, I'm one of those tough guys (gals) too...

[moz205]

And a very warm, big welcome! I am newly diagnosed and just started treatment. I also just happened upon this site and have been so lucky and met so many caring people going through the same and more things I am. My best wishes to you and keep us posted. It's like a big happy family here so welcome!

[landspike]

Originally Posted by WillyNilly

Hey- thats TODAY! I'd love to hear how your zoo trip goes. We don't have a "local" zoo, it's a couple hour drive away. Needless to say it's been YEARS since I've enjoyed that pleasure.
I think at this point I'd be sure to get that scooter. I know our zoo has ALOT of steep hills to visit various display/enclosures. I'd hate to get stuck at the bottom and send a partner or kid to get me a scooter/wheelchair later in the day and find them all rented out! I'd also hate for whoever is with me to miss different displays because I can't make it.
You're in Canada, right? I think Ontario? It dosen't show on this posting page. If thats correct I hope you'all on that other coast are having better zoo weather than we are here on the Pacific side.
ENJOY your trip and again, I'd love to hear about it If you post about it in a different board (like "The Good Life" board), please pop in here and let us know, I wouldn't want to miss it
And me? I'm great, I'm one of those tough guys (gals) too...

Hi WillyNilly,

I hope you are doing well.

The zoo was great, we (I) didn't get to see all the displays, but we both had a good time, nevetheless.

Yes, I am in Ontario, Canada the weather has been very hot, which is good except for the heat (if you know what I mean)

The funniest thing happened, noone could figure out where the elephants were! I sure they were in a cool place.

The rhinos were very impressive!

I will try the board you suggested.

Till soon!