Marz 0 #1 June 12, 2003 Since my seizure in December, I've been in and out of doctor's offices, taking tests, being probed and prodded and I was finally referred to an expert who knew his shit. He sent me for an MRI last moth and called me in to see him yesterday. The conversation started with "The good news is that it's not a tumor and it wont kill you..." He then proceeded to tell me that the MRI showed damage to the white matter (myelin) on my brain... He asked me about nubness in my extrmities, fatigue and all these things to which I kept answering "yes, it happens often..." Then he looks at me and says "It looks like what I thought. We need more tests, but it's about a 90% chance that you have Multiple Sclerosis" SO that's it. I have a condition for which no cause has been found, no cure has been found and might land me in a wheelchair next month like it may not manifest itself for another 5 to 10 years. Anyone out there know something about this bitch? Is my skydiving career over for good? Will they give me my drivers licence back? What the FUUUUUCK???????? I need a hug and I want a stiff fucking drink, although I haven't touched the shit in seven years. I'm sure i'll get over it and keep on living, but right now, this sucks sweaty moose balls! _________________________________________ Did I just kill another thread? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Push 0 #2 June 12, 2003 Oh man, that sucks Hopefully it won't manifest for another 10 years and a cure will be found by then. -- Toggle Whippin' Yahoo Skydiving is easy. All you have to do is relax while plummetting at 120 mph from 10,000' with nothing but some nylon and webbing to save you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BBKid 0 #3 June 12, 2003 Oh, my God! ((((((((((((((((HUGS!!!)))))))))))))))) Keep us posted on any developments! Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FliegendeWolf 0 #4 June 12, 2003 Marz: I'm so sorry to hear about your news. ((((((((((((Big platonic man-hugs and vibes)))))))))))) You will always be a skydiver and you'll always be a dz.commer.A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lummy 4 #5 June 12, 2003 ((((((((((((HUGS BRO))))))))))))))I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #6 June 12, 2003 {{{ HUGS }}} I'm sorry to hear. Many vibes being sent your way.Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SadSue 0 #7 June 12, 2003 Marz have ye looked in Introductiona latley. There's a post in there from a guy who recently jumped his first jump with MS. Hope you don't get Banned! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #8 June 12, 2003 Hugs to you. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #9 June 12, 2003 Hang in there buddy and have hope. I'll keep you in my prayers. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Laurel 0 #10 June 12, 2003 I sure hate to hear that - but there are MS groups out there than help you understand your condition and give you hope for a wonderful life despite your diagnosis. Keep jumping, keep living your life to the fullest. My thoughts are with you...................................................................... PMS#28, Pelogrande Rodriguez#1074 My Pink M Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #11 June 12, 2003 Big Hugs coming your way! You are right, this diagnosis does suck sweaty moose balls. But hang in there and start asking questions to learn more and hopefully research will find a cure before this manifests. J ----------------------- "Don't judge those who try and fail...judge only those who fail to try." -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpergirl 0 #12 June 12, 2003 I am so sorry to hear about that. My mom has MS. It has taken almost 10 years for it to manifest and really slow her down. It effects everyone differently. Montel Williams, Terri Garr, and Annette Funiccelo all have MS, and they are all effected differently. There are tons of medicines out there... I pray there is one out there to keep it from progressing too quickly. May God bless you and keep you safe! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #13 June 12, 2003 I've been bummin because I haven't been feeling well on and off for a few weeks. I just got tested for lyme disease and don't know the results. This really bummed me out. Now, I realize I need to put things into perspective. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #14 June 12, 2003 Tons of good positive vibes and a MANLY-hug.__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #15 June 12, 2003 Unfortunately, I have no info about it, although my dzo does. They have a boogie every year where proceeds go to the National MS Society. http://skydivecsc.com/csc/calendar_detail.asp?n_calid=114 PM me if you want contact info for a skydiver who has been in your shoes. Take care.There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkyDekker 1,465 #16 June 12, 2003 Hoely shit Marz, that is bad news. Like some else already said, hopefully it won't manifest for another 10 years and they will have found a cure by then. You will always be a skydiver and a dz.commer, plus I believe you are a father, which has to be the greatest gift of all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #17 June 12, 2003 I'm sorry to hear that dude.Personally, if I was you I'd jump my ass off while you still can and do the things that you enjoy the most. Enjoy what you can while you can and be glad that it's not a tumor."It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #18 June 12, 2003 Hey, Marz... My experience with MS is very limited. However, I have a client with it, and while she is indeed visibly disabled, she does in fact drive, walk well, and can deal with most aspects of her life without problem. I don't think your skydiving is over, but that's my opinion. You should be able to get your DL back, and you should be able to have a somewhat "normal" (whatever "normal" is, anyway) life. I would strongly suggest you look up some MS information, like those contained here in this link. You will learn a lot, and then, ask every question you can think of to your Dr. And yes, thank GOD! it's not a brain tumor. Many hugs coming your way. Many many many hugs. We're here for you if you need us, just remember that. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #19 June 12, 2003 Dude, VIBES to you. You said 90% - hopefully that other 10% rears its head and you fall into that category. Somebody just sent me something on MS and aspartame of all things - no shit. You don't drink a lot of diet soda do you? Here's the link they sent me:http://www.aspartametruth.com/ Beers, VinnyVinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AirMail 0 #20 June 12, 2003 Bummer. You can find LOTS of info and MS support groups on the Internet. Find them. They probably can get you more good information than most doctors. Hang in there. Patrick-- It's never too late to have a happy childhood. Postal Rodriguez, Muff 3342 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GiaKrembs 0 #21 June 12, 2003 ((((((( HUGS )))))))) ((((((VIBES)))))) Marz, Although its a blow to the head right now, I know many people with MS who live healthy active lives, you are still alive don't condemn yourself before you need to. Keep a strong/happy mental attitiude - the power of positive thinking! Take care and blue skies, g Raddest ho this side of Jersey #1 - rest in peace brother Beth lost her cherry and I missed it .... you want access to it, but you don't want to break it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Marz 0 #22 June 12, 2003 Thank you all so much for the vibes, hugs and support. I spent most of the day looking up info on the web. I think that life will in fact go on... I've overcome alot of shitty thinkgs in my life, and this is just one more challenge. THis place rocks.... I'm glad people care!!!! Cheers to all _________________________________________ Did I just kill another thread? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,534 #23 June 12, 2003 I'm so sorry to hear that. From everything I've read, MS is a complete crapshoot -- you know what's going to happen when it happens. Which gives you lots of justification for doing what you enjoy, while you can. You may be able to do it for a long time, but you CAN do it now. Just get plenty of rest and good nutrition. I have a friend who's had it for quite awhile (I don't know exactly how long); he rides a motorcycle all over, but he's just now thinking about getting one with a sidecar, to decrease the chance of a fall. Good luck, and figure stuff out. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sinker 0 #24 June 12, 2003 Marz: Many many good vibes your way. I know it's bad news, but there are some good things that have happened in MS treatment recently and, like many others here have said, there are LOTS of support out there for people w/ MS. I'm a research analyst in the pharmaceutical industry and I worked on a couple of MS studies for two years. What I've learned is that one of the best drugs out there for MS is Avonex. It's made by Biogen. Another is Copaxone, another is Rebif. It it were me, I'd choose Avonex. All these meds are injectable, but Avonex you only have to inject once per week. (The others are daily I think, or at least more than once per week). Preparing the injection of Avonex is a little tedious but very manageable once you get the hang of it. It comes as a powder in a vial that you add sterile water to, then inject w/ a syringe. Most common side effects are flu-like symptoms. While some get these symptoms rather strongly, most don't. And it really helps to take some tylenol before and after the injection. It greatly reduces the side effects. I think Biogen was working on a prefilled syringe of Avonex, but I don't think it's on the market yet. It'll be great when it is out there. There are other therapies as well and, while not curing the disease, they can slow the progression and make life more manageable. There are lots of good tips too... like avoid the heat. People w/ MS are very sensitive to heat. And take care of that bladder. MS patients frequently get urinary tract infections b/c one of the neural pathways that get damaged frequently is the one that controls the bladder. They can't always completely void the bladder. Some meds and exercises help this too. The MS patients I have dealt with work, drive, hike, bike, etc. Of course, there may be a time when the neural degeneration is to advanced and a wheelchair is called for. But you know, even those folks I've met w/ that degree of disability are incredibly strong and inventive and still find an incredible quality of life. Best of luck Marz, Keep your chin up. And don't isolate yourself. There are many many people out there who can help... -the artist formerly known as sinker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hottamaly 1 #25 June 12, 2003 QuoteI'm sorry to hear that dude.Personally, if I was you I'd jump my ass off while you still can and do the things that you enjoy the most. Enjoy what you can while you can and be glad that it's not a tumor. What he said, (((((((((hugs)))))) and understanding. Everyone should live for today! Tomorrow might not come for any of us Skydiving gave me a reason to live I'm not afraid of what I'll miss when I die...I'm afraid of what I'll miss as I live Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
