MS Gets On My Nerves

Holland Glen-Books
Some MS books I've read so far:

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS 
The Ultimate User-Friendly Guide
Presented by The Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center Guild
© 1999
For information address:
Ronald S. Murray, M.D., FAAN, President
Rocky Mountain MS Center
701 East Hampton Avenue, Suite 420Englewood, CO 80110-2760
www.mscenter.org

Fall Down Laughing - How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis and Didn't Tell Nobody by David L. Lander,
published by Tarcher/Putnam © 2000

Women Living With Multiple Sclerosis by Judith Lynn Nichols and her online group of MSers
published by Hunter House © 1999

Living Beyond Multiple Sclerosis - A Women's Guide by Judith Lynn Nichols and her online group of MSers
published by Hunter House © 2000

When The Road Turns - Inspirational Stories by and About People with MS by Margot Russell (with a Prologue by Montel Williams)
published by Health Communications, Inc. ©2001

Hi, my name is Nikki Meek.  I lived in Fresburg (Fresno, CA) and  was diagnosed by Dr. Meridith(?), a pediatric neurologist in 1998.  I was a new nurse at the time, and employed at the old Valley Children's Hospital.  I was also the a new mom of a 2 year old son. 

After my husband finished his Electrical Engineering degree at Fresno State University, we moved to Idaho, which sounds like it should be better for my MS, with less oppressive heat during the summers, a winter with snow, etc.  But I'm an odd duck MS-wise, and for me constant heat is best. 

We moved to Singapore in March of 1999 where we lived for a couple of years and that environment proved so much better for my li'l problem.  The temperature is steady 80's all day and all night with high humidity all day and all night as well.  That environmental constant is much better for me. 

I proved to my doubting Thomas husband that another child would be cool and gee whiz, I could do this, so we proceeded to adopt our daughter.  Now she is almost 5.  We moved back to Idaho in 2001 and I work out like a fiend at Gold's Gym and dread the winter!  I love the summer, but stay inside with the A/C running most of the time. 

But life is really good.  I'm an RN who specialized in pediatrics, but when the son who's birth heralded my MS (insert sarcastic laugh) came along, I quit working to be a SAHM (stay at home mother).  Now I am a professional wife and mom. 

Hate my MS when the transient problems occur, but alas it has been a huge gift to me.  MS gave me humility, a sense of compassion and caring I though I'd possessed before, but MS heightened them. 

I'm thankful that I quit working as a professional and now volunteer to help, I spent 2 years volunteering in Cambodia at several orphanages where I could really make a difference to people who really need help.  Now I volunteer here in Idaho.  In fact I'm trying my dead-level best to get into the Astrodome to help.

MS has given me as much or more than it took from me.  I got MS as a new nurse and new mom when I was 30.  I am now 42 and healthier, and more fit than before the diagnosis, so all's good.  It's not always easy, and not always convenient, but overall really good.   Thanks for your creative site and your sharing your unique gift of humor and wit....... nikki meek

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Thanks Nikki!  You're just the kind of reader/writer I'm looking for.  Your story encouraged me, and I hope it will encourage many others.  Let us know if you get to go to Houston and help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.  That would make a GREAT story!  /fmk

HAVE A GREAT MS TEAM!

Hi Francine,

Not sure if I have a story or not, but here goes. I was diagnosed a year and a half ago, so am still pretty new at everything. Things keep popping up, such as my immense problems caused by steroids, which landed me in the Emergency Room three times Saturday.  I'm still pretty frightened about that.

I guess the main thing that I want to say, is that it is extremely important to have friends and doctors on your team that know you personally.

My family is pretty much in denial even when I tell them about things that happen. They just do not get it.  That is why I have joined a few MS groups and chat rooms so that I will have people that I can identify with and ask questions.

I look forward to reading your book, I am constantly looking for books on MS and its effects on everyone.

Thanks, Lynn Grove

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Thank you Lynn, for sharing from your heart.  I think being newly diagnosed is the scariest part of anyone's journey with MS.   No matter how much you know, there's always some unknown like you mentioned that pops up.  Thank you for encouraging all of us to get into MS groups and chat rooms and share our stories and worries, as well as learn what works (and what doesn't)!  

I will be adding links for good books I can personally recommend and information sources just as soon as my fingers cool down from speed typing.  (Ha ha!)/fmk


FAMILY, FRIENDS AND MUSIC

Hi!  I am Mabra Breitenstein.  My hubby Roy and I met online in a Christian chat room.  We talked every day.  We've been married  for two beautiful years.  We have four children, ages 24, 21, 19, and 8.  My children are from my first 3 marriages.

I was officially diagnosed with MS in 2002.  It had reared its ugly head when a terrible thing happened in my family.  I walk with the help of arm canes.  Some days I really love walking on my arm canes because I can swing off curbs.  Its fun! (Makes me smile).

I started on Copaxone® 3 months ago.  This is a really good thing, because we are going through a huge stress now.  I have found out who my friends are and who they are not. 

As far as using faith to cope with MS, I got told by a friend today, "remember Christ was slapped hard in the face and He still did the right thing."  That really made me feel better.  What we are going through is nothing like Jesus went through to save us from sin.

God is with me all the time.  I love that no matter what happens, He is there with a hand on my shoulder. "In the Garden" is my favorite hymn.   I love the verse, "He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.  And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."

Believe it or not, a song that I really enjoy lately is "Wake Up" by Hillary Duff.  I heard it on the Disney channel.  

I have many favorite contemporary Christian songs.  God has sent me four very special friends who lend their shoulders, prayers and humor to cheer me up.  I also have a very special husband and kids!  My oldest calls to check up on us.  I think it's cute.

My son has been going with his girlfriend for almost 6 months now. My 8 year old daughter turned to them the other day and asked, "so when are you getting married?"

She also at 4 was being naughty.  I asked her what part of "no" do you not understand?  She replied back very quickly, "the P!"  I could not help but laugh.  She is so cute!

Thank you so much for caring, and praying.  We really appreciate it, Mabra

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Prayer is a powerful ally in our fight against MS... or any other foe.  When we pray for ourselves and each other, not only does it give us a chance to lighten our load by telling God about the problems we face, but it gives us the opportunity to accept His offer of rest and peace.  Music is another wonderful way to cope!  Sometimes when I'm really bad off, I'll just listen to Christian music until my mood changes from gloomy to sunny.  It really works and gets my mind off myself and onto Jesus.

When I am afraid, I will trust in Thee. 
Psalm 56:3

The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread? ... For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent, He will hide me; He will lift me upon a rock.
Psalm 27:1, 5

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10

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Just click on the Submit A Story link and follow the directions for contacting me.

Thank you,
Francine