Multiple Sclerosis

Residentmaid, MSN · Oct 28, 2008

Hello! I saw the Nurse pract. from the Neuro office, and she does not think it is Ms. She ordered alot of blood work and a EMG, but I think she thinks its all in my head. I do think things are getting better though. I am not as dizzy, have decreased vertigo, and no pain today. (yeah!) She said that my MRI's showed no spots (I had Mri's of brain, neck, and lumbar area~no contrast) She did not order a lumbar puncture yet, but If I want one I think she will, I will wait a bit and see if this goes away. (one can dream!)

I will keep you updated. Thanks for all your advice.

biker momma · Nov 28, 2008

I am newly diagonoses with MS. Had a MRI due to visual change and numbness - 7 days later I got a call from a Family Practice MD who was covering for my PCP.....I haven't see a Neuro yet but have been told by my PCP, the covering FP and two ER MD's who looked at my MRI that MS is the cause and correct. I am almost 55 and thought I was too old to develop MS but like many of you have had symtoms off and on for years that were vague and never worked up. Other thans some slight numbness by my right eye and right leg I am doing fine. I am blown away with the diagnosis and still in shock. Wondering how this will affect me in the future, my job, my kids - well, you all know. Currently I work 12 hour shifts in a very busy ED. I work 6 shifts in 8 days and then am off for 6 shifts (all 1800 to 0630). I would appreciate any advice you all have: telling my kids, family, co-workers, administration, etc. Advice on treatment and daily living. Have so many questions!!! Thanks for letting me rant.

Tippy-ta-ta · Nov 28, 2008

My dad has MS. The non-aggresive type. he was diagnosed about 11 or 12 yrs ago. he is 62 yrs old now. He still drives and golfs and real active. They are now in Fla on vacation and really enjoying it.

kmrmom42 · Nov 29, 2008

If you are able to manage a schedule like that even during an exacerbation of MS then you are probably going to do just fine! There are many of us who live good, active, full lives with this disease. Get yourself on one of the meds like Betaseron, Copaxone of Avonex (do some research tohelp you decide) and take it religiously. That way you will be doing all you can to minimize the chance of another exacerbation occuring. If you do have fatigue I have found relief with Adderall. I tried several other meds first but this one is the best. I have had MS since 1996 and I am still doing quite well, knock on my wooden head!! I have mild ataxia in my right leg, annoying residual issues in my right eye after a bout of optic neurtiis and fatigue. I take Copaxone every day, Adderall for my fatigue and I have slowed down a bit by becoming a Clinical Educator, no more 12 hour shifts for me!

Best wishes to you, keep your spirits up, there may be very few changes to your current lifestyle as a result of this DX.

Residentmaid, MSN · Dec 22, 2008

Hello, I am still here, and still undiagnosed. I have had many tests which have all come back negative, I have had a repeat evoked potential due to an abnormal one in 2005 (during neck surgery) I am still off of work. and have started a claim for LTD. I do still go to class (6 hours a week) and I am wondering if that is going to be a problem with my LTD> I have clinicals to get through starting in the fall and I am wondering if that is going to be a problem also. (there is a big difference between caring for 1 or 2 patients and caring for 35, as we all know) I just don't want to give up my dreams because of this illness, whatever it is. I really don't know how I am going to do clinicals and also work full time now that I have all this stuff going on. Has anyone else gone through anything lke this? I just don't know how disability works, I have never been on it. Through my work they will not allow me to work at all unless I am 100%. Thank you in advance and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Sharon

pattivt · Jan 4, 2009

Hi,

I'm Patti and was so glad to find this group!! :yeah: I've had MS since 1996 though I suspect it was causing problems long before. I've got Relapsing Remitting MS and for the most part have done amazingly well. Was on Avonex for 10 yrs until my insurance company decided to not work with Biogen and I had to stop since I couldn't afford it on my own (600-$900/mo!!). I took a long convoluted path that finally led me into nursing education and I finally discovered my passion!! I absolutely LOVE the work and it's a joy to be able to be a "coach" to the next generation! Only problem is I am a diploma nurse, 59 yrs old and without that BSN, all I can expect is work as part time faculty while I have to supplement with other jobs to make a living (I'm single). I had one instructor opportunity last fall at another local college but as soon as they saw I didn't have the the "sacred BSN" they passed me by... I'm not ashamed of my status by any means and I find can see myself doing this work for many years to come. Only problem is I'm afraid to take out loans for the RN-BSN program because I have $90, 000 student loan debts to pay off (another career that I had to leave because of MS - long story). On the other hand, by getting the BSN, I am increasing the opportunity that I will be in a better financial position to eventually pay off those debts without the physical demands of regular nursing work... It's been a huge dilemma for me and I can't honestly say I know what the best decision is....

I know I have to decide alone so I don't expect any advice, but surely would like to hear anyone else's thots about going back for a degree at this stage of life. I might mention I am a VERY young 59 (to be 60 this year) and I look, act and feel like I am in my 40's and the majority of the time I forget I even have MS . The main thing that affects me is having to work supplemental jobs with long shifts and heavy physical demands. I recently took a job in a SNF to supplement teaching and since this SNF is huge with a very high admit/discharge rate (much like a med surg unit actually!), I often have ended up working long hours with no breaks and overtime :bluecry1: . THAT did send me into a flare so I'm having to draw the line in the sand and am cutting back my hours there as I seek work elsewhere . THIS does get exasperating because I KNOW I'm good at teaching, but without that BSN, I can't expect anything more than limited hours. I found a very affordable program, but the issue I'm facing is taking on more student loans that I may never be able to pay back... It's a hard decision and I'm honestly not sure what the best path will be .

Good people have given me input both pro AND con, but ultimately I have to make the final decision.

I'm just curious to hear your input about going back to school later in life (even though I don't feel that old!!) in order to get a job that will better accomodate my health situation...

Thanks much!

Patti

:nurse:

kmrmom42 · Jan 4, 2009

Hi Patti,

I would think that with your experience with teaching and your enthusiasm for the job that SOME school would be willing to help pay for your education? I wouldn't bother with the RN-BSN either, I would go straight for the RN-MSN. It only takes a couple of additional courses and is well worth the effort. That is what I did, got my degree about 5 years ago and now I am an OB Clinical Educator working between two hospitals in the same system and very happy. BTW I was also diagnosed with R-R MS in '96 and I am 52 and on Copaxone.

pegsuern · Feb 6, 2009

I am struggling with where to go in my career. I am a career L&D nurse with some NICU thrown in. I have done the Clinical Ladder path as well as the management route. The past 8 years I have worked as travel nurse. That industry seems to be "drying up" with the current economic crisis.

I was diagnosed with MS while I was on assignment in San Diego. It actually coincided with my 50th birthday...somebody has to the on the downside of the bell curve. I do well on Avonex. I have had 2 relapses both brought on by serious infections.

I do work full time in a small Birthing Center. I love my profession and feel I have contributed to it in many ways. I am looking for a direction to go...educator/Women's Health Practitioner. I love to teach and precept. I do not want to give up my profession but seek a new direction with less stress.

And I am newly located in southern VT and do not know anyone with MS here. Suggestions/guidance/friendship/commiseration/ice cream sundaes all accepted.

kmrmom42 · Feb 7, 2009

pegsuern,

I am an L&D nurse, currently OB clinical educator, with MS since 1996. I live in CT and I am 52...so it sounds like we have a lot in common. If you want to you can email me . I only go on this board once in a while. Karen

Jules A, MSN · Feb 7, 2009

Hi,
I'm Patti and was so glad to find this group!! I've had MS since 1996 though I suspect it was causing problems long before. I've got Relapsing Remitting MS and for the most part have done amazingly well. Was on Avonex for 10 yrs until my insurance company decided to not work with Biogen and I had to stop since I couldn't afford it on my own (600-$900/mo!!). I took a long convoluted path that finally led me into nursing education and I finally discovered my passion!! I absolutely LOVE the work and it's a joy to be able to be a "coach" to the next generation! Only problem is I am a diploma nurse, 59 yrs old and without that BSN, all I can expect is work as part time faculty while I have to supplement with other jobs to make a living (I'm single). I had one instructor opportunity last fall at another local college but as soon as they saw I didn't have the the "sacred BSN" they passed me by... I'm not ashamed of my status by any means and I find can see myself doing this work for many years to come. Only problem is I'm afraid to take out loans for the RN-BSN program because I have $90, 000 student loan debts to pay off (another career that I had to leave because of MS - long story). On the other hand, by getting the BSN, I am increasing the opportunity that I will be in a better financial position to eventually pay off those debts without the physical demands of regular nursing work... It's been a huge dilemma for me and I can't honestly say I know what the best decision is....
I know I have to decide alone so I don't expect any advice, but surely would like to hear anyone else's thots about going back for a degree at this stage of life. I might mention I am a VERY young 59 (to be 60 this year) and I look, act and feel like I am in my 40's and the majority of the time I forget I even have MS . The main thing that affects me is having to work supplemental jobs with long shifts and heavy physical demands. I recently took a job in a SNF to supplement teaching and since this SNF is huge with a very high admit/discharge rate (much like a med surg unit actually!), I often have ended up working long hours with no breaks and overtime . THAT did send me into a flare so I'm having to draw the line in the sand and am cutting back my hours there as I seek work elsewhere . THIS does get exasperating because I KNOW I'm good at teaching, but without that BSN, I can't expect anything more than limited hours. I found a very affordable program, but the issue I'm facing is taking on more student loans that I may never be able to pay back... It's a hard decision and I'm honestly not sure what the best path will be .
Good people have given me input both pro AND con, but ultimately I have to make the final decision.
I'm just curious to hear your input about going back to school later in life (even though I don't feel that old!!) in order to get a job that will better accomodate my health situation...
Thanks much!
Patti

Hi Patti,

In my area most colleges want a MSN but they will allow a BSN to teach as long as they are working toward their MSN. Is that something you could suggest to the schools in your area with regard to your BSN? Definitely getting a job that offers tuition reimbursement would be helpful as kmrmom42 suggested.

Wish you well with whatever you decide and hope that if you happen upon threads here where students are being encouraged to take out mega loans for school and living expenses you can add your two cents. Life is just too darn unpredictible to count on being able to pay them back easily, imo.

pegsuern · Feb 7, 2009

You are so right about the "mega loans" that are being pushed on students. And it scares me that people actually consider student loans in those proportions. I was fortunate enough to be able to pay for my education (while paying off my husbands Health Profession Loans over a 10 year window). But I hear "youngsters" in the profession talking anout paying 1200 and 1400 a month in student loan repayment!! Life is way too unpredictable...as all of us MS'ers know.

My daughter went to school in FL and got Bright Futures scholarship thru the FL Lottery. That paid 75% of the tuition. But then there were all the OTHER expenses that needed to be paid. She has some loans and we have some parent loans. She entered the profession as a sales rep for a spinal surgical supply company and did extremely well financially. Paid off one of her student loans, bought a new car, upgraded her standard of living...AND boom, she got laid off after 10 months. The owners could pick up her accounts and the monies that were going into her pockets.

My daughter is extremely resourceful and picked up the pieces with cleaning services, pet sitting and personal appearances (she is an NFL cheerleader). And it has motivated her to return to college for a Masters. But she is wiser for the experience and back on a starving student budget!

THANK YOU for being realistic. :yeah:

Jules A, MSN · Feb 8, 2009

My daughter is extremely resourceful and picked up the pieces with cleaning services, pet sitting and personal appearances (she is an NFL cheerleader). And it has motivated her to return to college for a Masters. But she is wiser for the experience and back on a starving student budget!
THANK YOU for being realistic.

Good for her! Too often when things like this happen its easy to become overwhelmed and kind of check out. I'm glad she did what she needed to do and is moving forward even if it means being back on a starving student budget. :)