Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!think.com!yale!bunker!wtm
From: lsnider@hplred.hpl.hp.com (Lyn Snider)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: Re: MS
Message-ID: <18285@bunker.UUCP>
Date: 22 Mar 91 05:39:38 GMT
References: <18192@bunker.UUCP>
Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP
Reply-To: lsnider@hplred.hpl.hp.com (Lyn Snider)
Distribution: misc
Organization: Hewlett Packard Labs, Palo Alto CA
Lines: 36
Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP

Index Number: 14121

Hi Gary,

I wouldn't normally respond to something like this, but I just
had to let you know that all medical treatment is not as bad as
you have described, thank God!
I too have MS. I am very lucky, very mild. I went blind in my 
left eye about 16 years ago. I am lucky enough to have insurance
through Kaiser Permanente in N. CA. My husband rushed me to the
emergency room. They sent me immediately to the Chief of Surgery
of the eye clinic. He asked me about a million questions. In less
than 15 min. I found myself in an elevator on my way to see a
neurosurgeon. After about 1 hr. of this very special Dr. con-
vincing me that I had to have a spinal tap, the actual proceedure,
and the fluid being sent to the lab (downstairs) for analysis,
I was given a diagnosis of MS. The whole thing took about 3 hrs.

I was treated with prednisone for 3 weeks. I've never had a
recurrence of that particular problem, although I've had many
other problems, related, since then. I work full time, and do
many other normal every day things. I do seem to get more tired
lately than I used to. But everything considered, I'm in pretty
good shape. The klutz of the century, maybe, but otherwise ok.

I have to say too that I did have other severe symptoms for the
5 years previous to my diagnosis, and it was hinted at that I
may have MS, but the Dr.s I was seeing then would not tell me
what was wrong.  My pre-Kaiser days.

I wish the very best for you and your wife. Always keep your
hopes up.

Regards,

Lyn