so that's how it feels to be diagnosed...

I just was diagnosed with MS.
I swear I still can't believe it. I've decided the route for me to take is a factual business type road. I've read up on MS, treatments, prognosis's, etc.
None of these things make me freakin happy. Or devestate me either. Yes, you can have it both ways.
History: I felt numb on the left side of my body. From mid trunk down my leg. It was as if someone drew an invisable line around me. I work at a retirement community in HR. After conducting an interview for a C.N.A, I was talking to our Assistant Director of Nursing, and mentioned this oddity. I thought it may be a pinched nerve, or just that I was sitting wrong at my desk. Nothing to even begin worrying about. She on the other hand had STROKE going on in her mind. She didnt' voice that so not to scare me, but strongly suggested I call my Dr immediately. I did. The medical assistant who answered the phone declined to give me an appointment instead instructing me to go to the ER immediately. That's when he said it sounds like a stroke.
I went to the ER close to my home and was taken back immediately. Trust me, I was responsive, clear, functional, etc. The one thing that got me seen was as I was explaining the numbness, beneath my left eye became numb as well.
The ER doc decided to run the gamut of tests. CAT scans, MRI, X-Rays. After a bit of time, I did let them know I had to leave by 5:15 to pick up Ben from daycare. I left with a perscription for Percocet (I have no pain, but... what the hell!) and the suggestion to see an orthopedist for a suspected pinched nerve.
I was home with Ben for about a 1/2 hour when the ER doc called me to tell me the nueroligist had looked at my MRI and suspected MS. My reaction - Get the fuck out here. This does not happen to me or anyone I know. False alarm. Not worried. He wanted me to see a nueroligist right away. He's actually friends with my primary and had called him at home. He also got my docs' cell phone # for me to call first thing the next day.
Well..... I got to tell you, he was right. Is that what happened? no. but he was right.
My primary and I decided what's the big hurry? If I've had this, what's a few days going to matter. It does. but... live and learn.
I went to see my nueroligst. He's an old guy. Thinks he's funny too. He reviewed my MRI, tested my reflex's and decided I have MS. This news was delivered in a way I didnt' get. I thought he had given my a clean bill of health. When I asked him why he wanted me to get additional MRI's he said because you have MS. With a smile. My answer was "wait, what?"
Anyhoo.... I went lastweek, two different days, to get cervical and thorasic MRI's. as well as an updated Brain MRI with contrast. I had made an appt with my nuero for Wed, forgetting that I conduct trainings from 8:30-3:30. I called to reschedule. They gave me an appt for June 30th. That was cool with me. I had that appt for approx 20 minutes before the Dr's office was calling saying... a no... we need you in here. Sound silly? I then asked for a phone conference. Let's just get this over with. a no... you need to come in. Now I don't know about you, but at this point, I'm pretty sure this isn't going to be good.
Well I researched what I could, informed myself of the basics and felt pretty prepared. There are several types of MS. Some worse then others. I guess I'll eventually progress to those types, but for right now I have your basic MS.
My Doc told me I had developed new lesions in my brain since my original MRI three weeks ago. His exact words are "You're bad!" I said, "Oh, because I tried to postpone my appt?". His answer, and remember.... ALWAYS with a smile. "No. Did you read the results of your MRI? You're bad". Now again. I try to limit my profanity, but.... what the fuck! Is that your idea of bedside manner. Yet.... it works for me. I asked him something in a fog, and his answer was, "We'll fix it" well alrighty then.
The fix is tough. Starting tomorow, I'll have a one hour infusion for three days of high levels of steriods. A nurse will come out to the house, set me up, and then Sunday and Monday, they're expecting me to do it on my own. Great......
After that, I'll be on oral steriods for three months. Also, I've been perscribed an injectible med for the rest of my life. The cost is over 45,000 per year so my husband damn well better keep his job with his great benefits! otherwise... screwed.
I went on the web to research the med. There weren't any negative comments with the exception of the price. The usual side effects are site irritation. When you inject it hurts/stings for 5-15 minutes, and after a while it will leave indentations in your injection site. I'm 44, and have officially given up my bikini bod. That part I'll live with.
So.... MS, daily injectibles, unsure future.....
What else you got for me?