Hello everyone

[dearydear57]

I have been here for just a couple of days, am still finding my way around. I was diagnosed with RRMS in 1994 and was doing very good up until about 6 years ago. That is when I had to quit work and go on disability. I have a wonderful neuro who has been with me since the start of my journey. Since becoming disabled, I have used my time completing my BA and am now working on my Masters. I love the look on peoples' faces when they ask me what I am going to do with my degree and I tell them I am going to hang it on the wall. There are definitely advantages to not having to worry about using the degrees to get a job. I am currently on several different medicines for MS and other conditions, as well as have infusions of Solumedrol every 4 months. The most recent difficulty is that my thyroid isn't working right. No surprise there, since patients with MS have been found to have an increased vulnerability to a variety of autoimmune disorders, including thyroid abnormalities.

[Royjr]

Hello and welcome. How long have you been doing steroids every 4 months? How have you been dealing with the heavy dose?

[dearydear57 in reply to Royjr]

So far, I have done the infusion 2 times. It takes three days, about 2 hours each day. The staff at the infusion center has been wonderful. There are TVs to watch, and they bring around snacks and drinks. If I am there around lunchtime, they bring me lunch. The first day, I go in the morning because I know I will sleep all afternoon. The second day, I am okay. On the third day, I get super hungry and could eat two or three lunches. I had a bone density scan after the first infusion and my bones are in very good shape. Mostly, I just try to relax and take it easy for a week or so after the infusion to let the steroids really sink into my system. After that, I return to my "normal" activities.

[greaterexp]

Welcome to the family! There is a wealth of information and support from the members here, as well as MSAA. I hope you benefit as much as I have.

mymsaa.org/

[SueAB]

Welcome! How great that you are working hard on your degrees and keeping your mind strong!

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

Welcome to our wonderful group 😊. Congratulations to you in continuing you goals and getting your degrees! That is awesome! Please continue coming to our group, feel free to just read along, ask or answer questions. Thank you for joining our fabulous group!😊👍

[Jazzihorsecat]

A very warm welcome to our greatest, most supportive, encouraging, MSer warrior Family on the web!👍💗 Congrats on you keeping your mind going & getting that Degree! & Also, always remember here your family too! So, again welcome!👍😄😍 & Many Blessings For ya!---Jazmine🌹💜Rose

[kycmary]

Hi dearydear57 I was Dx in March of 94 and did good until 4 yrs. ago, went on disability as my body fell apart. I hope you get ur degree to hang up. Frame it real nice so it is a focal point. Then maybe we could have a coffee party to celebrate it. How about it everyone? Mary

[kycmary]

OH yeah welcome!

[Guava69]

Hello and welcome fellow MS warrior 😀 This is a wonderful group to have on this crazy journey we all share ☺️🙏🌈

[erash]

Welcome! What is your masters degree going to be in?

[dearydear57 in reply to erash]

English and Creative writing

[erash in reply to dearydear57]

Bravo! I’m wondering tho if disability would view this as vocational rehab and work potential?

[dearydear57 in reply to erash]

I haven't checked but given my age (61) I don't think it would matter.

[erash in reply to dearydear57]

👍

[TracyBelle]

I have a law degree and a law license. They are wall decor only. How silly I was to have them framed for the office I never had. I don’t want anyone to know about them because they want to know what kind of law I practice. I just tell people I am a stay at home mom.

[BigMar7]

Welcome to our group of Warriors dearydear57! I was diagnosed in 2005 and retired in 2007. I have RRMS which is slowly progressing. I have been working with a trainer once a week. I walk with a cane and use a walker when I go for walks. 😀❤️

[dearydear57 in reply to BigMar7]

Hello. I also use a cane, but not all the time. If I have to go shopping by myself, or know I will be doing a lot of walking, I make sure I have it with me. I have a cane in my van, in my husband's truck, in our RV, and in the house, so I am never without one. I will be doing some flying in November, so I will be sure to take one with me just to get around the airports.