Know Multiple Sclerosis

My first symptoms appeared during my senior year of college.  I was playing touch football and started to get blurry vision and dizziness.  I noticed if I sat down and rested for a few minutes, the feeling went away.  But, after getting back in the game, the vision problems would return.  I visited an opthamologist who recommended I get new glasses, which I did.  Since the symptoms only appeared when I got hot, I found myself avoiding those situations.  Everything seemed fine.

After graduating from college in August 1998, I moved to California to work for a software company as an engineer.  The first few months of the job were very stressful, and in October of that year I woke up one morning to find the right side of my body was numb.  I couldn't feel pain or hot/cold sensations.  I feared the worst - a brain tumor or something terminal.

I found a neurologist who did an MRI on my spine and a spinal tap.  My spinal tap, despite the many horror stories I heard, was not very painful.  The results of the spine MRI showed two lesions.  The neurologist said the spinal tap indicated only "slight abnormalities."  I didn't pursue those results, probably for fear of finding out too much.

I went in for monthly visits from October 1998 through June 1999.  The numbness disappeared and no new symptoms presented themselves.  In June, the neurologist was ready to send me on my way.  I asked for a brain MRI just to reassure myself.  After the MRI, I called his office to find out the results.  I was told over the phone by a receptionist that I had lesions and I needed to schedule an appointment for the next day.

I remember driving home from work that day and wondering what I was going to do.  I was 23 years old and getting married in three weeks.  I hadn't had a chance to have kids yet...my adult life was just beginning.  On the other hand, I was relieved it was multiple sclerosis and not something terminal.  My visit with the doctor the next day was filled with questions about why he didn't catch this earlier and what my options were.  He gave me three pamphlets from the drug companies and said to decide which treatment was right for me.

My fiancee at the time was amazing with her support and love.  I explained I didn't want to be a burden to her - her response was that she would love me regardless of the challenges.  She made everything much easier.

I called the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and got a referral for a new neurologist.  He is still my neurologist.  He recommended an interferon drug, and I've been taking it ever since.  I have been relapse-free for almost eight years.