One year

[CalfeeChick]

It was one year on June 28 since I went numb. Many of you have heard my tale. I was athletic, 68-year-old long distance bicyclist averaging 150 to 200 miles a week! I spent most of the last year sitting up in bed, keeping my feet warm. Thank goodness I wound up with excellent doctors at the MS CLINIC at UCSF. Many MRIs with and without contrast, 35 vials of blood, spinal tap, nerve conduction test, optical nerve testing. Started on gabapentin and quickly moved up to seven capsules a day. Received tentative MS diagnosis in Dec. Definite diagnosis of lesions in T2-T5 spine. No changes in over six months of MRIs of 20+ white spots in my brain. Started modafinil at the beginning of April, gradually getting more active. One of the best things I can say is that I have found MSAA and this talk forum.. 💞😍👍 I am happy to announce to all that I will once again be able to rejoin my bicycling group as a support driver as they ride down the coast of California to raise funds for a well-deserving charity! It will be a six-day 360 mile ride, camping at night, finishing the last day with an overnight stay at Universal City! This would've been my 10th year riding the event! I am thrilled to participate in any manner.

We leave in 2 weeks! Loving and thanking you all for your encouragement and support. 💞😍🦋🌈🚴🏽🚴‍♀️🚴🏽🚴‍♀️🚴🏽🚴‍♀️🚴🏽🚴‍♀️Lynn

There is life after diagnosis !!

[erash]

Yay! CalfeeChick

Not for the journey you've been on for the past year but for where you have arrived and for blessings on your travels ahead! Take photos to share, enjoy and be safe 🚵

[Iona60]

CalfeeChick So glad that you have found a way to particiapate and stay a part of this group. This is wonderful news.

[Royjr]

That's good and it sounds like fun. Enjoy yourself and be safe.

[melack01]

CalfeeChick I applaud you. You've come a long way! To be able to join in on something you loved doing must be wonderful. Maybe next time you can ride some of it.

[Morllyn]

CalfeeChick I know that you are overjoyed to get to participate! Good luck my friend!👍😃👏

Remember to not push yourself more than you should.

[SueAB]

@CalfeeChick , You are living proof that there is a life after an MS DX !! We may not have the life we had expected, but we can make it a good life! DEGU - Don't Ever Give Up!

[greaterexp]

CalfeeChick , what an amazing journey! How happy I am that you have made incredible progress over the last several months! I hope this trip will be rewarding and full of great memories! Thanks for sharing your story, which is so inspiring and encouraging!

[jimeka]

CalfeeChick go for it girl, have the best time, really enjoy yourself, forget about everything and just think about yourself. I can't wait to see the photos. Blessings Jimeka 🌈 🚴‍♀️ ⛺️ 🦋

[cheshcat]

I hope you have a wonderful trip!

[jennie62]

CalfeeChick have a great time with your biking friends and take lots of pictures to have wonderful memories and of course to share here!

Jennie

[Raingrrl]

Hi @CalfeeChick! What good news that you have found a way to continue to participate in your bicycling group and can still experience the trip with them. Have a fabulous time!

[mrsmike]

So happy for you! Have a wonderful trip and be safe.

[goatgal]

CalfeeChick There is indeed life after diagnosis! MS humbles us all by forcing us to face our limitations, teaching us that we are not invincible. But, as we all also know, we may temporarily withdraw (or be forced to do so), reconoiter, study the terrain that lies ahead, and reengage with life. You are both proof of this and an inspiration. Send us photos, take us along for the ride!!!

[angelite]

So pleased for you, Calfeechick ! Enjoy, drink it all in and make new memories : ) x

[Eleyne92]

Yay!!! So good to hear you can still enjoy an activity that means so much to you. Have fun!

[Karen-x]

Wahoo Lynn. Life with MS is about perspective and moving forward. Enjoy your trip. Enjoy your friends!!

[gatorman15]

Have a wonderful trip!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Of course there is Life with MS silly!😊 We just find other ways to do things.😊

You have come along way, baby!😊😅 Like the others said lots of pics CalfeeChick

J 🌠

[Doubled51]

Congrats. Have a good time for us all. Be safe.

[BigMar7]

Calfeechick, I am so happy for you! Have fun! 👏🏻😀

[Amore55]

I am so excited for you! Good for you to find a way to participate in something you cherish. Have a fabulous time! Love, Kelly

[johnMSAA Partner]

This is such good news CalfeeChick ! So glad you are back in the saddle again; and if this My MSAA Community platform had anything to do with it, even more amazing!

Keep us all posted on your bike event this month! Any funds you can raise for ANY of the MS organizations (whether MSAA or other Coalition orgs), you know firsthand will go to good use!

- John, MSAA

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador in reply to johnMSAA]

Not quite back on the bike, but will be driving a support vehicle. Of course I will always recommend MS as a fundraiser for the group, but the final decision is out of my hands. I'm not soliciting funds here, It wouldn't be right when we all need to support MSAA. I have been recommending to all my friends and family, Facebook friends that shop on AmazonSmile that they can designate MSAA as their charity. Many did not know they could designate a charity for a percentage of their purchases to receive some funds.

[johnMSAA Partner in reply to CalfeeChick]

Still counts, nice! You're already a hero in my book for getting back into the event ten years running!

And yes, the AmazonSmile charity pages are such a great and easy way for anyone to support MSAA and the MS community. Awesome that you continue to spread the word!

- John, MSAA