Breaking News...
Written September 6, 2018
Disclaimer: You might want to be sitting down while reading this...
Wednesday September 5th, 2018, was another day of traveling, tests and visit with the MS Specialist about the results. It was just like any other follow up. We left at 6 am to travel 2.5 hours to Bend, Oregon and ensure that we ate a healthy breakfast once we arrived. We took a 30-minute walk around a nearby park where I walked barefoot in their luscious green grass and even got to sit on the kids swings for a while. You may be thinking that all sounds very childish but in reality, it is very calming. Especially if you know that you do not like going to the doctors. I cannot walk around the house barefoot or wear sandals for more than 15 minutes a day because my feet are so sensitive. They have to have support/socks whether that be tennis shoes or my all-time favorite fluffy socks. I mean who doesn't like walking barefoot in the grass? RIGHT?! It feels like walking on cotton balls and so soothing with the coolness it provides.
Fun fact: When I am watering my front lawn, I always walk around barefoot. It makes me feel so grounded and calm.
10am came very quickly and before I knew it I was in the MRI room getting ready to lie on my back for 2 hours. I took in one of my thicker socks I normally wear and wore them throughout the testing. It's always cold in the test room and I still remember the first time I met my neurologist who said to me " You need to work on keeping your feet warm." My feet are constantly cold and achy but wearing these socks just seem to make everything alright. Once the MRI was finished, we had about an hour and half to do whatever we would like. So, what do we do with our time... Get a tea and check out the Barnes and Nobles store. Exciting right?! We thought so! It distracted us enough while I try to keep myself hydrated since they injected dye into my body. I want to flush it out as quickly as possible.
1:00pm rolled around and made its appearance. We made our way back to the doctor's office, checked in and at 1:30pm we were back in the room waiting for the doctor. The nurse took my blood pressure, and it was pretty high, but I was not sure if it was because of the dye which made me feel like I was having a hot flash or if my nerves were responsible for it. Doctor shows up shortly after the nurse leaves. I am pretty sure at the moment I stopped breathing and the room got extremely hot. The doctor sits down looks at my records and tells Beau and I...
We have NEDA which translates to No Evidence of Disease Activity. In other terms which may make more sense there are NO new lesions and NO active lesions. Kind of like being in REMISSION. BEST NEWS EVER!!! Like I told many "It was going to be a GOOD day."
I was SO excited that I started to cry and hugged Beau. If I could have, I would have yelled and screamed "FINALLY", but I was in a doctor's office. I cannot express how much relief and joy I have right now. Beau and I feel as if we have been blessed. It has been a rough road and to have a break with good news was just an overwhelming feeling. When this entire journey started, I was told that my MS was on the higher spectrum which made it more of a concern. We now have some control over my MS. I will continue taking Tecfidera (pills 2x a day), maintain healthy eating and exercise. The medication is helping which makes life easier and we do not have to continue playing games. After all of the chatting about the positive notes my doctor did the grip strength test along with reflex and balance test. In May when I last saw the doctor, they told me that my grip strength was below average. If you know me, I do not take below average as a final answer. If I see a challenge, I always battle back. Every day since May I have used my exercise hand grip or a stress ball. My strength in my left and right have doubled. I found out that my left is slightly stronger than my right but overall, I am now ABOVE average. I am right-handed when I write which I thought it was funny that my left hand has a better grip. I told Beau and my father-in-law that I am now turning into Hulk.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/362047257529649106/
I am not saying that I am cured, I will not experience symptoms or have issues. I will still have battles or obstacles that will change day to day, but I now have a start on a routine to ensure that I take care of myself. For example: When I go for a walk whether it be short or long, I have tingles down my legs. Since I have lesions in my spine that have been affected I will more than often still experience that symptom. It can be a little annoying or frightening but my doctor said that is a common issue for many people who have signs of MS in the spine. That will not stop me. I will continue to stay active, help when I can and over all just live my life.
This journey started 4 years ago, took its turn for extreme activity December 2017 and now we are back in the game 9 months after my official diagnosis. You can bet your money that I will not be giving up now! I am just now getting the ball rolling. This is just the start of a great adventure and will continue to get even better. I am so motivated and even more determined to live in the present moment. I am learning to ask for help when needed, I try to rest when I know that I am tired or feeling fatigued. It has been a bit of a struggle, but I am managing it. My MS support group has connected me with a few more individuals. I have several family and friends who are constantly there for me. I do have moments where I break down and still trying to adapt to my new life. I feel like I am growing more as an individual. If something gets in my way, I find another way to go about it.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/539939442820667235/
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