Re: Multiple Sclerosis

Ok - some wonderful posts. So....my burning question is does working an extremely stressful, demanding position in nursing lend to worsening of symptoms or bring on flare-ups? If I chose a really low-key position with less stress would I actually be feeling better or am I just following the course the disease is taking??? I appreciate any opinions as we cannot give medical advice!

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

I was diagnosed in 2004, however in hindsight, I had sx for years. I have had a couple of exacerbations that have required IV steroids and a short stay in the hospt. Some symptoms never really subside, numbness, tingling.. spasms and leg pain. There are good days and bad. The visual disturbances have only happened twice and were short lived. I have worked through them all.

So to answer your question ExTechie, my job has affected my symptoms but not as you might think. I worked a very low impact position, short days and not physically demanding, but I hated it... my sx worsened. I am now back at the ED and CCU. I love this job and the people that I work with.. although the heat is horrible, my sx are manageable. So, emotional stress plays a larger role than physical demands.. at least for me.

I'll be interested to read the posts of others.. the uncertainty of the course of this disease weighs heavy. I too wonder if I am progressing or if this is just status quo.

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

I appreciate this thread because even though the neurologist says I don't have MS and I have no symptoms other than having two seizures, I do have lesions that look like I've had little strokes. He has no idea what they are - or how long I've had them. I have no deficits. He says if I was in my 60's he would say I've had a stroke . . . scary.

steph

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

Originally Posted by stevielynn

I appreciate this thread because even though the neurologist says I don't have MS and I have no symptoms other than having two seizures, I do have lesions that look like I've had little strokes. He has no idea what they are - or how long I've had them. I have no deficits. He says if I was in my 60's he would say I've had a stroke . . . scary.
steph

Steph,
Have you seen an MS specialist? People can have MS with none or very few flares for years. Frankly your brain should have zero lesions and I'd continue trying to find out why it does so you can weigh your options. Best to you, Jules

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

Originally Posted by Jules A

Steph,
Have you seen an MS specialist? People can have MS with none or very few flares for years. Frankly your brain should have zero lesions and I'd continue trying to find out why it does so you can weigh your options. Best to you, Jules

Yes, this neurologist is also a specialist in MS. He is an awesome doc.

I know I should have zero lesions . . .it does freak me out when I can't find my car keys or I forget a doctor's appt.

We do follow up MRI's . ... no changes. I appreciate your post.

steph

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

Hello Everyone,

sorry duplicate post, see below

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

Hello Everyone,

I am glad this thread was started....It is nice to have other nurses to share with. I was diagnosed with MS in May 05, 1wk before my 38th birthday. I numbness in my feet from 5/03 to 5/05. I never went to the dr. (no health ins) i attempted to dx myself.........at times i thought i had a stroke do to facial drooping and drooling at times i could not even hold a pencil and my writing would look as if a child had be doing writing. I finally got medical ins in Jan 05......and what got me to the dr was pain and blurred vision in my right eye. At the time i did wear contact lens so i figured it was time for another exam. My optomologist immediately referred me to a neuro optomologist. The neuro optomologist sent me for xrays, blood work and mri's........but based on her exam of me and my telling her my sx........she told me she thought i had sarcodosis, but if i were caucasian she would think it was MS. I was told that i would be called witht he mri results...at this time i had been and LPN for 10 years and had taken care of MS patients, never thinking i would become one of my own pt.........needless to say i was given the news a week later =MS= referred to a neurologist who started me on rebif injections. It has been a little over 2 years now, My numbness in my feet has decreased and my vision has gotten much better. I started a new job this past march and my employer does not now about my dx. I just thought it better not to tell them. My days are often stressful. I work 3 12 hour shifts. I am in RN school. I often wonder what is the purpose and that i should get a office job just so i am not on my feet at much. I have supportive friends and family and that i am greatful for. I often wonder what the future holds.....I just take one day at a time, and greatful everyday that i am able to walk. I would like to connect with you all..............nursing is such a hard job. we have to support and take care one another
Linda

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories, they have been very uplifting to read. What a strong and courageous bunch of nurses!
I have a question, for those of you who have had optic neuritis, have you had any long term effects? I have not gotten the vision back completely in the eye most recently affected and I am wondering if it will ever come back or if the nerve damage is permanent?

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

Steph,
Where were those lesions? If they are in the white matter of the brain they might indeed be related to MS but if they are in the gray matter then it is probably something else. Did the doc tell you this detail about your MRI?
Karen

Re: Multiple Sclerosis

Linda,
Don't give up on nursing! There are so many areas of nursing that you can work in that don't require being on your feet all the time. Hang in there and the right job will come to you.
Karen