Multiple sclerosis is a disease that comes and goes or waxes and wanes for 85% of MS warriors. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common type of MS, affecting approximately 80-85% of all patients with MS.”
For me, waxing and waning means I have symptom-free periods in my life and times when I struggle. When you read my blog, you may think I seldom have periods of increased symptoms—not true; I do, but not as often as in the past.
In 2011, I moved out of my career as an educator at its height and entered medical disability. Officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2001, I poured my energy and effort into my job and family until I had nothing left to give. At forty-four years old, I went from an active career to an empty house, but my story didn’t end there.
I have been faithful with my disease-modifying treatment (DMT), getting my rest, and avoiding sick people, heat, and undue stress. I live each day to the fullest because tomorrow is uncertain.
With the possibility of RRMS becoming SPMS, I seek opportunities and adventures while I have the health to experience them. I am a prolific writer. If adventure doesn’t knock on my door, I hop in my Jeep and discover it for myself.
I give back to my community by helping my neighbors, writing this blog and Alaska Bush Life, maintaining my EMT certificate, volunteering for the local fire department, and filming the Wyoming Jeepers show.
MS warriors can expect multiple sclerosis symptoms to change to SPMS about fifteen to twenty years following their diagnosis of RRMS. WebMD says, “Most people with relapsing-remitting MS –about 80%– eventually get secondary progressive MS.” Changes in symptoms may include:
- “More weakness and more trouble with coordination
- Stiff, tight leg muscles
- Bowel and bladder problems
- A harder time with fatigue, depression, and problems thinking” (WebMD)
60 Best Multiple Sclerosis Blogs and Websites – Guess who is #18 on FeedSpot’s list?
It is an honor to have MSsymptoms.me make Feedspot’s list.
Thank you to all my readers for checking in each week to catch up with me and learn a little more about the latest on multiple sclerosis
Do you have room in your life for Brady?
Brady is a rescue dog in Yuma, Arizona. He was dumped on my disabled sister seven years ago by a rescue organization. My sister was looking for a couch potato dog, and they left her with Brady, a dog who loves life.
My sister’s disabilities prevent her from giving Brady the life he deserves. He spends all day waiting on her bed for her to wake up; she has narcolepsy. She is too weak to control him, so he never gets out of the house or the yard. This sweet dog is becoming depressed and lonely.
Brady is an affectionate dog who loves other
animals and people. He needs a family who can train him and understands separation anxiety. He requires a fence he can’t jump and someone to be his companion in life. If you can be this person or family for Brady, please get in touch with me through my social media accounts. We can figure out transportation from his home to yours.
500th Rating on Amazon (affiliate links)
The Call of the Last Frontier, the memoir of my twenty years in remote Alaska and my MS journey, reached 500 ratings on September 18, 2022, with Kathy Combs’ rating.
Woohoo! THANK YOU to every reader who has taken the time to read and rate the book on Amazon or Goodreads. Authors appreciate ratings because it helps us sell more books.
Resources
700622. Warrior Image. Pixabay. pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3169505. (accessed September 21, 2022).
Bergvall, Niklas. “Relapse Rates in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Switching from Interferon to Fingolimod or Glatiramer Acetate: A US Claims Database Study.” National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916439/#:~:text=Relapsing%E2%80%93remitting%20MS%20(RRMS),full%20or%20partial%20recovery%20from. (accessed September 20, 2022).
Metzger, Geri K. “Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.” WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/secondary-progressive-multiple-sclerosis. (accessed September 20, 2022).
