Me, myself and MS

Baby Competition

2010-10-26T14:47:00.011+01:00

Hi all,

I know I've been awful at keeping up with this, but it is so hard to find time with a 2 year old and working. She is at nursery tomorrow and Friday and as it is half term I am hoping to have time to update this and tell you how far I have come on Tysabri. But the reason I am writing is to ask you to vote for my girl Ava in a baby modelling competition if you think she deserves a vote!

You should be re-directed to the page to vote for Ava if you click on the title of this post 'Baby Competition'. If not the link is: http://apps.facebook.com/baby_modelcomp/entry/246475

I will post a couple of up to date photos of her.

I'll be back,

Emma

xxx

I've been swimming!

2010-05-17T14:32:00.007+01:00

Hi all,

Just a quick post to let you know that everything is still going well and I have had my first dip in over a year in the pool. I loved it (even if I was a little cold as it was in an outdoor pool!). I will most def be continuing even if my legs have felt a little like lead for 2 days!!! Ava is now 19 months old today and walking and chattering. I am hoping to pick up more hours at work next year as this year has gone so smoothly so fingers crossed. Things are looking up!

Em x

Long time, no see......

2010-01-27T09:45:00.009Z

Hello world,

Yes I am still here and I am feeling very guilty for not writing for so long. So where do I start? Well we have moved to the Bungalow - yay! We moved in at the end of October and love it here. Even though it is a down size from a 3 bed house to a 2 bed bungalow it doesn't feel like it is any smaller. We seem to have much more living space and the bedrooms are big enough. The area is great too, there is a school down the road for Ava (which I approve of!) and all the neighbours have been very welcoming. They are all retired so are always about if I need any help and EVERY week they bring our dustbin in when it has been emptied, which is a novelty in itself as in the last house, the bin was always in the middle of the pavement or our driveway and the neighbours wouldn't have thought about bringing it in for you! Enough about our kind neighbours!!!

I have been back at work for 5 months now and although I only do a day and a half, I love it! I job share the teaching of Y5 with another teacher and only work an afternoon on a Thursday and all day Friday. Ava is looked after by my mum mainly (Thanks mum) and Nathan's mum for those days so we don't pay for any child care. There would be very little point returning to work if we were paying for child care as well as it is so expensive. So we are very grateful to have such great grandparents, although if she becomes any more challenging I'm sure they'll start charging!!! She is the main reason I have not written for a while, she hates me typing and closes the laptop - little monkey!

Ava is just over 15 months now and is into everything, everything that is not hers! She walks very confidently holding on to one finger but has not yet let go and 'gone it alone'! She babbles incessantly to herself and says a few words. I am putting up a picture of her as she has changed so much since the last picture I put on here of her.

We had a different Christmas this year - we went to stay with Nathan's brother out in Bermuda. He has got a 3 year working visa out there and this amazing apartment overlooking the sea. We had a lovely time but it could have been better. The weather waan't great - it was wet and windy and we all fell ill over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Nathan and I didn't even make it to the beach on christmas morning for champagne or to eat christmas dinner, we were so gutted!

My MS has been improving (sssh don't say it too loudly!). My walking has improved in the last 2 months and we're not sure why. I had some steroids in November to treat as small relapse (my eye was a bit shaky!) and since then I have felt stronger and done so much more walking. I am even using a frame at school when I feel up to it, not the wheelchair and considering going back to swimming. I've got to make the most of feeling good! Nathan thinks the improvement is due to the build up of Tysabri over the last 8/9 months. Whatever it is - long may it continue! I know I have probably missed things out but I am sure I will be told what. Ava is throwing a strop as I'm not paying her any attention so I will sign off here,

Em x

Moving house, driving, back to school...ALL CHANGE!

2009-09-06T19:55:00.005+01:00

Hello all,

Yet again I am in trouble with my family and friends for not updating this. It's not so easy now Ava is a demanding diva of nearly 11 months! I find it hard to get anything done now, she just wants to play, bless her! Well, a lot has happened since I last wrote...I don't know where to start.

In a month since I last wrote we have decided to move, found a Bungalow to move to, put ours on the market selling in 5 days and are currently awaiting a moving date. When I last wrote in July we weren't even thinking of moving. My parents have offered their financial support to enable us to move to a Bungalow making life easier for all of us -big thanks to them! As soon as they had put the idea in our heads we set about hunting for a Bungalow and viewed a few before finding the perfect one. Trouble is, we were in no position to buy it...we quickly got ours on the market and it sold in 5 days, so it all worked out perfectly. We are just waiting to exchange contracts now and get a moving date. So I may be in the new place when I next write!

I eventually got around to driving my new Motability car with hand controls. It is rather scary having driven a car with my feet for 10 years to start using a push/pull hand control and steering with your left hand. Anyway, shortly after I started driving it, Nathan drove it with the foot controls and the accelerator got stuck down. Luckily he managed to control it and pull up in a layby and then turned the engine off. Of course, as a result, I was very reluctant to drive it again. But, I've had to drive it to work and am now getting more used to it.

I am officially a teacher again! I went back to school last week and am contracted to work a Thurs pm and all day Fri. I really enjoyed it but was totally shattered! It was actually very strange for me...going from a relatively fit, active person who could walk unaided when I left to have Ava, to coming back in a wheelchair not be able to teach in the same way I used to. But I coped with driving there and back, and teaching some very successful lessons. It felt like I was getting a little bit of my old life back which felt great. I just need to get back to swimming now!

So, it feels like a new start for us...a new house, new car, back to work, all with our little girl. Wish me luck!

P.S I have my 6th infusion of Tysabri next week. I sometimes feel like I am getting stronger but I can safely say that I am no worse...which is the main thing!

I am still alive...!

2009-07-27T10:45:00.007+01:00

Yes, I'm still here, I've just been very naughty and not updated this in a while. It is getting harder and harder to find a spare few mins to update this as Ava doesn't sleep very much in the day and wants constant attention when she is awake! At this very minute she is kicking our sofa to get my attention as I am ignoring her!

We had a great holiday in France...it seems so long ago. Ava was a very good girl on the plane, and everyone was so great getting me on the plane too. I got to drive my scooter pretty much up to the door of the plane and then they took it off me and loaded it straight away. It was a great service (thank you Easyjet)! So if any of you are worrying about going away on a plane, DON'T WORRY! Just pre-warn your travel company and you will be treated like royalty. We had some mixed weather out there but we still managed to get a nice colour. The picture below is of me and Ava on my scooter.

I can't believe it is only 5 weeks until I go back to work. I am only going back for an afternoon and a full day but I haven't taught for over a year...what if I've forgotten how to teach?! I have been lucky enough to get money from Access to Work to pay for a support worker for the whole time I am teaching and they are buying a very expensive lightweight wheelchair for me to use at school. I am really looking forward to going back, although I've been warned, I have a naughty class this year! School have been fantastic about helping me get back to work. I just want to get stuck in now!

For those of you who knew I had a car on the Motability Scheme, I have finally driven it. I got it a few months back and it has been sat on the drive as I was a little nervous to go out in it. Using your hands to drive is so strange and needs a bit of practice. I found the hardest bit was knowing how far to turn the wheel, with just your left hand, to get the turn you wanted to! But once I get a little bit more confidence, I know it is going to be great.

I have now had 4 infusions of Tysabri and think I am feeling the benefits already. There are little things such as typing, lifting my toes up and sometimes my walking that seem to have improved. I am still writing about Tysabri on the MSRC website so if you want to check it out, the link is on a post below

I am sure that someone will tell me if I have missed anything out on this post!

Emma

P.S Just had to put another pic of my beautiful daughter on!

Au Revoir....for now!

2009-06-10T16:33:00.003+01:00

Hi,
I am very excited as on Saturday we are off to France on our first family holiday and Ava's first flight! I'm just a little concerned about the amount of luggage we have....2 suitcases, a set of golf clubs, a pushchair, a mobility scooter and a wheelchair and of course a baby! Luckily we are going with family so we have got extra hands to help out! We are also going with my Auntie and Uncle and cousin. We have got our own villa and pool so I am hoping to do as much swimming as possible to try and build my muscles back up. It will also be the first time that Ava has been swimming, which if being in the bath is anything to go by, she will love it!

I forgot to say, I am going back to work in September. There is no way I could return as a full time class teacher so the school have agreed to a job share. I will be back teaching year 5 but only for a day and a half, I am actually quite excited. I may also do a bit of private tutoring from home if I can get someone to look after Ava for the odd hour or two. I think we will just see how I cope in September to start off with.

As for the Tysabri, there is nothing really to report. Some days I feel really strong and my legs are good (for me) but other days I am exhausted. But I have only had 2 infusions and they have told me that the benefits build up the more infusions you have.
Bye for now
Em xxx

Link to my Tysabri Diary

2009-06-03T09:33:00.002+01:00

Hi all,

I have just checked the link on here to my Tysabri diary and it doesn't seem to work anymore. Here is the link which should work:
http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=show&pageid=2862
If it doesn't work go to www.msrc.co.uk and there is a link to Tysabri diaries on the front page and you find 'Emma's diary' there.

Happy reading!
Em x

Hospital Stay!

2009-05-20T16:02:00.005+01:00

Hi guys,
I have a genuine reason for not writing this sooner and updating you all on my progress.......I have been in hospital for the last 5 days! It all started a couple of weeks ago when I wasn't feeling 100% but I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong. My symptoms could be really good one day but really bad the next. I woke up last Thurs morn and my legs didn't want to do much at all and it took me a very long time to even get dressed and get downstairs. Nathan took the day off work to help me with Ava, by midday I felt better and almost sent Nathan to work. Come the evening I had a very high temperature which affected my vision, my legs weren't doing anything and I couldn't hold anything. To cut a long story short I ended up being taken to hospital in an ambulance. Of course we were all panicking about the dreaded PML. After a number of tests it was established I had a nasty kidney infection which then led to another discovery of a new kidney stone, which I do not need! I hated being in there away from Ava but I had to have a course of IV antibiotics. Nathan, my family and the in-laws were fantastic in looking after Ava so Nathan could still work, and also feeding him so he didn't have to worry about eating.
The MS team are sure that it wasn't the Tysabri that made me ill, unfortunately it just makes you prone to getting infections. And as I am prone to getting UTI's (Urinary Tract Infections) I'm not surprised.

I had some very sad news a couple of weeks ago, my coach at swimming passed away. Mike was so inspiring, even when I was diagnosed with MS and I couldn't train as hard as I used to,he always encouraged me to keep going. He leaves a big empty hole in our swimming club and will be sorely missed. RIP Mike xxx

My next infusion is on May 29th so watch out for my next installment on www.msrc.co.uk
Bye for now,
Em xxx

1st Infusion of Tysabri

2009-04-28T15:36:00.002+01:00

Hi all,
This is going to be a very short post as I am shattered to say that everything went well with the first infusion. They took 3 attempts to get the cannula in but once up and running it was fine. Felt a little sick last night and today I am so tired that my body doesn't want to do anything. I am hoping that this fatigue will pass, I will write again soon in more detail.
Here's to positive thinking that the Tysabri will help,
Em xxx

Where do I start?

2009-04-21T09:34:00.004+01:00

Hello all,

Yet again, it has been longer between posts on here than I would have liked so I have lots of news to share. Firstly my beautiful baby girl is over 6 months old now. I can't resist sharing another pic of her with you:

She is a good girl and is giving us a good nights sleep which is much appreciated and helps us get through the day! We are just getting her first passport and the photo above will be her picture. We are going to France in June with the family which will be lovely. I just hope she is ok on a plane.

It was Nathan's birthday back in Feb and I promised him tickets to watch Liverpool play at Anfield. I was unsuccessful in my first attempt but successful on the next. We are going to watch them against Newcastle next Sunday. You see, I say attempts to get tickets because if you want a disabled ticket you have to apply with all your details and then names are drawn in a ballot to see if you get a ticket. I have a wheelchair ticket and you can take up to 2 assistants (who are free) so it's a fuss to apply but well worth the value. We are also in the Kop grandstand and if you know about Liverpool that is the place to be so Nathan is very happy!

I went for a driving assessment yesterday for adaptations to my car to get me back on the road. It was very exciting but also very nerve wracking. My eyesight was tested and it wasn't very good due to the damage caused by Optic Neuritis but it was legal to drive...phew! I went out and had a drive of an adapted car - very very scary after driving with my feet for 10 years and not driven since August last year. But I started to pick it up! I am getting a steering lever for accelerating and braking (just a push/pull lever) and a steering ball on the wheel. Will definitely take some getting used to but will keep me a bit more independent.

Tysabri, Tysabri, Tysabri....I start it on Monday (27th). I am very excited but a little scared. I just want to get it started now. Of course I will keep you up to date with how it goes. I am also doing Physio once a week and using tilty table things which enable me to stand up straight for a short while and not look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame!

I think that's all the news so far, bye for now,

Em xxx

Tysabri

2009-03-23T15:52:00.002Z

Hello all,

Well, as the title suggests I am starting Tysabri treatment. I saw my neurologist last week and he said that the scan had shown up new lesions so I was eligible to try Tysabri if I wanted to. So I am going to go for it and have been given April 27th as my start date. I am going to be writing a Tysabri diary of my experiences which you will be able to read on the MSRC website (http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=show&pageid=2336 )

He also pointed out from the scan that I was currently having a relapse (which I suspected) so they gave me another course of IV steroids last week. I responded really well to them until 2 days after the course finished I woke up in agony. I have never known pain like it. My knees felt like they were grinding together and I couldn't even stand up. It was pretty scary. I suspected it might have been all linked with a water infection and was given antibiotics for this the next day and the pain everywhere else started to subside. I don't want to ever experience that again. But on the upside, although weak, my legs are stronger than they were.

As you can see from the picture, Ava is getting big now. She was 5 months last week. She makes all these problems bearable. And I must mention my wonderful husband who is such a great support for me. Plus he told me I don't mention him enough on here!!!!

Em x

Where does time go?

2009-03-06T10:30:00.003Z

Hi guys,
I am so naughty not updating this for a while. I don't know where the time goes.....actually I do. She is called Ava and is the biggest time waster I know! Can you believe she is 20 weeks old today? The picture above is of her meeting our friend's little boy Joshua for the first time. He is 3 weeks younger than her. They were sooooo cute together. We went to see them at the weekend and just stayed in, watched the rugby and had a takeaway with a glass of vino. It was a welcome change of scenery for me.

My new car is due to be here at the end of March. I have to have a driving assessment in a couple of weeks to see which would be the best adaptations to the car for me. I'm a little scared as I haven't driven since August last year. I'm sure it will be fine though. I have also ordered myself a scooter. These 4 walls are finally driving me insane, it is like groundhog day every day. At least with a scooter I can strap Ava to me and go for a bit of a cruise ha ha!! Nathan has just bought a new car (a mondeo) so it has enough room for me, Ava and all our bits and bobs.

I had my MRI scan on Wednesday, I forgot how loud and boring they are. At least it's done now. I spoke to my MS nurse yesterday because we'd talked about steroids after the scan. My neurologist is going to see me next Tues instead of the 24th to discuss the options. I am hoping he will have the scan results so if I'm eligible for Tysabri we can get cracking with it.

That's all for now,
Emma x

I have wheels, lovely lovely wheels!

2009-02-11T13:20:00.008Z

Hello all,

Have posted below about some trials into MS so go and take a gander if you are interested. Well well well, what can I say? So much has happened with my frame of mind over the last couple of weeks. About a month ago, my mum suggested that I go into town and use one of the mobility scooters to try them out. I said NO WAY quite adamantly, 2 weeks later I found myself on one. To me, in my head they were for larger or older people, not a 27 year old young mum. When I spoke to my MS nurse about this, he said I had to use my stubbornness to get myself out and about, as scary as it might seem. So I found myself on the phone booking a free scooter at a shopping centre. At first I was a bit embarrassed, but when I realised no one was staring a me, I was fine. The only problem I found was that some shops are not designed for scooters and are a little tight. You end up nearly taking racks of clothes out or knocking over rails! And reversing is a whole different matter.......try going forward into a lift and then getting out of it beeping like a reversing lorry!!!! So I am seriously considering buying a scooter. Watch this space.

I HAVE BOUGHT A CAR! By continuing on the theme of getting out and about I have redeemed my disability living allowance mobility component against a new car. I am hoping to get hand controls so when my legs are having an off day, I can still get out and about. Here is the link for those of you who are interested in it :
http://www.ford.co.uk/Cars/NewFiesta?campaignid=Fiesta&advertiserid=Google&bannerid=Ford_Fiesta

It is a 3dr and magenta on the pic but I have ordered a 5dr automatic in bright blue.

My Physio team have also given me a rollator walking frame (as pictured below) for around the house but I think I will probably use it around and about.

Ava is crying so must go and make milk!
Take care,
Emma x

Trials

2009-02-11T13:16:00.003Z

Hi all,

I have been approached and asked to advertise some trials into MS on here. Just because I may be able to attract some different people who are interested in helping. Here is all the info you need:

A Clinical Research Study Evaluating An Investigational Medication for Relapsing Forms of Multiple Sclerosis
Medical researchers are enrolling people in a worldwide clinical research study for people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). This study will assess the safety and effectiveness of an investigational study medication versus placebo (an inactive substance which contains no active medication) in people ages 18-55 years old with RMS.

The investigational medication used in this study is called teriflunomide (ter-i-flün-ō-mïde). It is derived from leflunomide (le-flü-nō-mïde), also known as Arava®. Arava® is already approved in many countries for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disease.

The first step in determining eligibility for this study is to take the pre-screening questionnaire either online or on the phone. You will be asked a series of questions related to your health and be given additional information about study site locations. Visit http://www.tower3.msstudies.com/ or call 1-866-565-0245 today to learn more about the study and see if you may qualify

Happy trialling!

Tysabri or not Tysabri?

2009-01-27T09:04:00.009Z

Hi all,

Firstly, can I just say how nice it is to get comments from people who read this blog saying that it cheers them up or they can associate with what I am saying. It is reassuring that there are people out there going through the same thing as me. I am always surprised that anyone reads this, I mean who wants to read about my life!!! But I love writing it....so long may it continue!

Secondly, as the title may suggest, I have been offered Tysabri. My MS has been 'highly active over the last year or so, so I am now eligible for something stronger that is hopefully going to stop the progression of my MS. But I know all these drugs are not without their side effects. I have to see my Neurologist and have another MRI scan before they can confirm I can have Tysabri. They want to check my brain to see that I have more lesions showing than last time, otherwise I am not eligible for it! I think that we are pretty much decided that if ok with all my checks, I am going to go for it. I want to give myself the best chance of fighting this disease.

Occupational Therapy have been back out to visit. We are now going to apply for a grant to extend the shower (so we can get a seat in it) and a stair lift. A stair lift would just mean I can go up and down the stairs with Ava and feel safe and not use up all my energy going up and down them! My MS nurse suggested I get a scooter to get out and about but I am not sure I am ready for that yet. They're for old people in my mind!!!!!!! I'm sure I'll come round to the idea sometime!

Photo update of Ava for you all!

Em xxx

My saviour...the perching stool!

2009-01-16T10:34:00.003Z

It has only been 10 days since I last posted.....my resolution is still going strong! Occupational therapy came around to assess me and I have now got a few gadgets to help me. My favourite thing is my perching stool for the kitchen. It means I can cook, wash up and make Ava's bottles without having to prop myself up somehow! It means that Nathan doesn't have to do EVERYTHING! I also have a handle fitted in the toilet to heave myself up and they wanted to put an extra banister in but because these new houses all have plasterboard walls, they couldn't put one in (guess I'll have to save up for a stair lift!!). I also have a bath lift as the shower seat I wanted didn't fit in the shower. This is good, but those of you with MS will know that the heat from a bath is not great for the legs (well in my case anyway!). So longer term, they may look to extend and lower our shower so it is level to the floor and big enough for a seat. So all in all, I was very impressed with the help I received.

My darling daughter is just starting to wake so I'd better go and get a bottle ready for her. Just wanted to wish my mum a happy 'special' birthday for yesterday...although I did see her!
Em xxx

New Year's Resolution

2009-01-06T10:58:00.005Z

Happy New Year to you all! As the title suggests I have a New Year's Resolution relating to the blog......to write posts more frequently. I feel very guilty that my last post was on November 21st as we are in January now. Oops! Well, where do I start?

Lets start with Ava. She is now nearly 3 months old and I can't remember life without her. We are getting smiles and giggles every day now and she can sleep well when she wants to! She was completely spoilt at Christmas, but thank goodness she didn't have many more clothes as she still hasn't worn all the clothes she was bought when she was born! This is a picture taken on Christmas Day:

My MS has not been great since she was born but I am thinking positive and hoping to build up my strength with physio and swimming. I have been injecting Rebif for a couple of months now and am still getting headaches occasionally through the night. They say to take paracetamol and sleep through the night but that is easier said than done with a 3 month old baby! I am also getting slight skin reactions around the injection site but they are nothing to worry about. My first blood test didn't show up anything so they are happy with the way my body is responding to the Rebif. I have had a second lot of steroids since Ava was born and I had another good reaction to them....but have since noticed the symptoms coming back again. My walking is pretty unsteady and I can't walk very far. The physio team think my balance is poor because my core stability has taken a battering with the pregnancy. So I am hoping that the exercises I am doing will help. I also went swimming last night for the first time since September and really enjoyed it. It was an effort to get ready, get into the pool, get dressed after and walk back to the car but I think it was worth it.

I am having a visit from occupational therapy today who are going to assess me and see if I need any equipment to help me around the house. I know they are bringing me a shower seat (as I get so hot in the shower I can hardly stand) and a perching stool to use in the kitchen. This will mean that I can make the bottles for Ava and cook tea without worrying about falling over!

I always read back through my posts when I've written them and I can never remember writing what I've written. It always sounds like someone else writing..not me! Anyway enough waffling,

Em x

How do I turn my photo around?

2008-11-21T12:31:00.002Z

As the title suggests? I don't want to give you all a sore neck looking at the photo but I can't figure out how to turn it around! Any suggestions?

Thanks xxx

1st Rebif Injection

2008-11-21T12:11:00.003Z

Hello all,

Sorry for the lack of update but our laptop charger has been playing up and I have been struggling to even load the laptop up. Well Ava is now 5 weeks old today and we can't imagine life without her. She is settling a bit more at night and giving us a little more sleep now which is good.

I had steroids when Ava was a couple of weeks old and they really helped my legs and balance. I now must work with the Physio team to build up my strength to improve them further. The physio team was really impressed with me when they came out last week...they thought I may be worse than I was, as I ended up having a c section. I also started my rebif treatment a couple of weeks ago. I have been on 8mg and go up to 22mg tonight. I was pretty scared about doing the first injection....but it really wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Fingers crossed, I haven't experienced any flu like side effects, I'm just getting slight bruising and skin reactions around the injection sites. I will keep you updated on how the increase in the dose goes.

The laptop is dying again so I will be back when I get a new charger!

Em xxx

Ava Grace Richards

2008-10-30T17:53:00.005Z

Hi all,
Just a quick message to announce the safe arrival of Ava Grace Richards. She was born on October 17th at 02.25am weighing 6lb 110z. Had a bit of a long labour ending in an emergency c section but she is fine and I am recovering well. Have had some steroids to help with the MS this week already so when we're a bit more settled, I will write in more detail.

Love Em & Ava xxx

3 and a half weeks to go......

2008-10-06T12:53:00.004+01:00

Hi all,

Not long now til baby Richards makes and appearance....and I am so excited! I took that picture this morning and noticed how strange the bump shape is. It may be something to do with baby lying bottom down (breech). We had a scan at 34 weeks to check the growth and everything was fine but we found out that baby was the wrong way around for delivery. I have since seen 2 different midwives and neither can tell which way baby is lying.....so if they haven't got a clue neither have I!

My legs have really not been working so well and getting less efficient the bigger the bump gets. So we are seeing our consultant on Oct 14th to find out if the little monkey has turned. If not I will be booked in for a c section. If it has turned they may try and start contractions for me as baby will be counted as full term by then (37 weeks). So we may meet baby Richards sooner than we first thought.

So, the MS side of things...as I said my legs have been the main problem. They are very tight and crampy and my balance is not great. I still also have my numb face which frequently gives me a headache or toothache. I am hoping to have a course of steroids when baby is out to help reduce these symptoms. I also had my first delivery of Rebif today ready to start treatment after the birth. That was quite scary...makes it real that I will have to inject myself soon.

I am under strict instructions from Nathan not to do anything around the house, which is lovely but also driving me insane!!!! I am officially sick of daytime tv having been off work since the school holidays in July. So I am signing off, which may be the last time before baby is here...watch this space.

Em xxx

No work!

2008-09-03T15:33:00.002+01:00

Hello all (bump picture 31 weeks)

Well as the title suggests, I have not gone back to work :-(
I should have started back today but instead I have had to admit defeat.

I saw the midwife last week and she told me I would be silly to go back and put my body under more pressure, so I thought I had better put mine and the baby's health first. I had also been suffering with a partially numb face (one side) and patches of numbness in my legs and feet. Which as it happens (I saw my neurologist yesterday) is a relapse. So much for being relapse free through my pregnancy! He did say in extreme disabling relapses they would treat it with steroids but in this case the relapse is more irritating than disabling! (So good news in a strange kind of way). The best way to describe the feeling in my face is of having been to the dentist and had an injection for a filling or something. You know that numbness you get where you dribble and don't notice!!!!!!!! (I know you've all done it!). Luckily only my top lip is numb so no dribbling incidents to report.

Any suggestions of what to do for 8 weeks are very welcome as I will be going insane. My headteacher has told me to take up knitting....may be worth a shot.

Well we have 8 weeks to go until baby Richards arrives and think we are quite sorted with everything. The nursery is done (and has been for a while!), the bits and bobs nearly all sorted and the pram travel system arrived to my parents house this morning. How very exciting, all we need now is baby. I'm taking sweep stake odds for the sex of baby Richards, the date of arrival (due 31st Oct) and the weight. Answers on a postcard............

Bye for now
Em xxx

10 weeks to go......

2008-08-21T11:43:00.003+01:00

Hi,
So I have 10 weeks to go until my due date and am now beginning to feel like a whale! It seems to have taken forever to get here but I know these next 10 wks are going to fly by. It is my 27th birthday tomorrow and as my darling husband told me - my last before I will be a mum. What a scary thought!

I have got less than 2 weeks left to go until I return to school and I don't know where the time has gone. I am just making the most of having a school holidays where I haven't had to do a great deal. My classroom was sorted before we finished school, displays were up and books labelled for the new class. I am now going to sort out my plans for the 4 weeks I am at school before I start my maternity leave.

I have been kept sane by the Olympics but now think I have overdosed on the coverage of that as I am getting slightly bored of that too! I am looking forward to the Paralympics starting in Sept as I am very interested in how an old swimming friend of mine will get on. Coincidentally, she has MS too!

As for my MS, no change really. Very tired legs but still not sure if that's MS or baby or a combination of both. I had some injection training for the Rebif (disease modifying drugs) that I will be starting when baby makes an appearance. Although it is an auto injector injection it was still quite scary injecting it into some fake skin! I am sure I will get used to it when I start using it three times a week.

xxx

Heat heat heat and summer holidays!

2008-07-25T13:17:00.004+01:00

Hi all,

Well I'm finally on school holidays and already a week has passed. Bump is rapidly expanding and kicking me nicely! Everything seems to be going well with the pregnancy. We have just started to see my stomach moving from the outside which is so exciting and great for Nathan as he feels more involved. I'm 26 weeks now so only have 14 to go! I'm having another scan at 34 weeks to check that baby is growing ok and everything is on course. I suppose that is a benefit of the MS - I get extra special care!

I've not really done a great deal this week as I have been really struggling with the heat. It has been so muggy and humid that I am really struggling to walk anywhere or do anything. I am ok when I first get up and try to do as many jobs as I can before it gets too hot! I think it is just the MS flaring up and slowing down the nerve conduction, but I am sure the pregnancy has something to do with it! I have definitely noticed an improved circulation being pregnant but having always had cold hands and feet it is really strange to have hot hands and feet. Plus it adds to the loss of sensation which is not great but hey I'm not complaining, it will be worth it.

Em x

Baby bump

2008-06-19T16:26:00.005+01:00

Hi all,

Sorry this post has been a long time coming, I just forget how long it has been since I last wrote until I get on here and see the date the last post was published! Well as you can see from the pic Baby Richards is developing nicely. We could have found out the sex of the baby at the scan, but we want a surprise so didn't find out. I am now 21 weeks pregnant so just over half way, it seems to have flown by yet it still seems so far away until baby is actually here. We have decorated the nursery this week and got the furniture delivered so Nathan is a very excited builder!

As for the MS........as bump expands, my balance seems to take a knock. My physio warned me that it might happen but I think it might be a long 3 and a half months now. School have been very good and are managing to get all the sport bits and bobs covered for me so I don't have to do anything but teach. As much as I hate it and am determined I don't need it, I have been using my stick for mine (and the baby's) safety if I am feeling a bit wobbly.

I am still trying to swim as much as I can, but it is about finding the energy to get to the pool. I need a pool in my back garden (Nath, if you're reading this - b'day in August!!!). We have not long been back from a week's holiday in France which was great. We had our own villa with own pool which was lovely. We had much better weather than was forecast and had a lovely relaxing week with the family. As a result of that holiday we have decided not to go to Spain on our planned summer holiday in August for a number of reasons.

1. I am not too good with the heat and my MS

2. I will be 28 weeks pregnant and could possibly go into early labour in a foreign country

3. I will only stress myself out with worry about the above and not enjoy the holiday!

So we are now just trying to get our money back for the flights! I will try not to leave it so long next time but you know what I'm like!

Em xxx

P.S If you can't work out the baby scan pic, it's head is on the left and baby is on it's back with it's legs over it's head!

Well done!

2008-05-12T16:03:00.004+01:00

Hi all,

Just a quick message to let you all know that my Auntie and friends completed their 60km (38 mile) walk for the MS society on Saturday on one of the hottest days of the year. A superb effort by all involved and many kind thanks from me. I am sure that the MS society will be extremely grateful for the money raised. If you haven't sponsored them yet and still wish to (you have about 90 days to do it!) then follow this link:

http://www.justgiving.com/trisharedgrave

Baby bump is expanding nicely and my trousers are getting a little bit tight around my middle. It's probably the only time you don't mind feeling fat! We are off to see the midwife on Friday morning to hear baby's heartbeat which is very exciting. I am sure I felt baby move last week as well - strange bubbling from my stomach. Hubby Nath was listening to bump last night and was convinced he could hear the bubbles - very strange!

The hot weather does not help my MS. My legs feel even more like lead than they did before! I think with the pregnancy and the MS combined it's a double whammy of fatigue! Well I got a stick from my Physio today which should help if I'm having a wobbly day.

Right I must dash as I have about 50 SATS papers to mark tonight!
Em xxx

Baby Richards!

2008-04-28T17:12:00.003+01:00

Hi all,
I'm sorry I have not written for ages but I don't think I could have written on here without spilling the news about baby Richards! I am expecting my first baby on October 31st (and no we are not calling the baby Damian!). The picture above is the baby at the scan at 12 weeks, for those who cannot tell what is what - the head is on the right and that's it's leg up in the air on the left. We have another scan in about 6 weeks in which we can find out the sex of the baby if we want to but we want a surprise so will just keep guessing! I have a small bump expanding, well I know that's what it is, I probably just look fat to everyone else! My trousers are definitely getting tighter but I don't mind, it's all for a good cause.

My MS has not really changed with the pregnancy. I finally managed to shake off the hug (or the little elf got bored squeezing me!) which was a relief. My legs still get very tired, but that could be down to baby, being back at work full time or just the MS. So, I'm back at work teaching full time, which is hard work but I am just about coping. I think it makes it easier to cope knowing I don't have much teaching time left until I go on maternity leave. Access to Work have been so supportive and have provided me with 7 hours of support in the classroom. The support is entirely for me, someone to do my photocopying, put my displays up for me etc. My very own personal assistant! The other teachers at school are very jealous.

Well not long now until we have a nice week away in France. I am just hoping the weather is going to be better than it was when we went last year - it was colder and wetter in Bordeaux than it was in Bristol. We are supposed to be going away to Spain in August but I will be 30 wks pregnant by then and I am not sure I am happy about leaving the country in case this baby decides to make an early appearance, we will see.......

I will keep you updated on bump and how my MS reacts to the pregnancy.
Em x

Is it really British Summertime?

2008-04-07T15:37:00.003+01:00

Hello avid readers,
I have not written for some time as again my life is very boring! I am officially on my school 'Easter' holidays and have had my first lie in of the holidays. I do feel sorry for Nathan who is getting up at 530 at the moment and having to leave me in bed sleeping.

So what is going on weather? Last week it was so mild it was beginning to feel like summer and now we have snow? This time last year it was so warm people were heading to the beach! The weather is going crazy.

I have just been to balance group and I'm having a little rest on the sofa, trying to summon up some energy from somewhere to go swimming tonight. My legs still seem to be cramping up at night, and I wake up and walk like a robot for half an hour or so. I seem to be crampy in different parts of my leg each day and I'm still no wiser as to the reasoning behind it!

Well it is not long now (about 7 weeks or so) until we head to France for a week with the family. We are both looking forward to a break away from work and this country. We have got a couple of weekends away coming up with friends we don't get to see as often as we'd like, so we are looking forward to those too.
Take care
Emma x

Happy belated Easter!

2008-03-25T15:26:00.003Z

Hi everyone,

Well it's been a while again as I have had very little to report. My MS symptoms have stayed relatively stable since the last dose of steroids. My legs seem to get worse throughout the day, but I think that is just due to tiredness because when I get up in the morning they are better again!

Well our Y6's are off to PGL next week on their adventure holiday to deepest darkest Wales and I'm not going :-( I accept that it would probably be far too much for me, but it won't stop me sulking because I am not going, ha ha. Well it's a funny time at school just now - we've just had a 4 day weekend, then we've got 4 days this week, a full week next week and then we are off on our proper school holidays for 2 weeks!

Well Happy belated Easter to you all. We managed to have a nice quite relaxing weekend (shame about the school work). We didn't get much snow over here, looks like we missed out on the fun and games that the rest of the country had.

Oooh and before I forget: my auntie's walk is getting closer so I'm just going to re-post the link as it has dropped off the first page and I wouldn't want you to all miss out on sponsoring her!
http://www.justgiving.com/trisharedgrave

Thanks
Take care,
Em x

I'm alive!

2008-03-17T16:40:00.002Z

Hello,

I'm back! It is so much harder to find the time to write on here as I'm back at work pretty much full time now. Occupational health have given me permission to go back full time if I am feeling up to it, so I think I'll keep supply on hand for the next couple of weeks until our school holidays and come back in the summer term and have my class back! I would be lying if I said teaching full time again was easy - it is a challenge, but one I am determined to try and overcome. I have got great support at school and they are taking extra duties away from me (such as playground duty) to get me back into work.

I have got parents evenings this week, one part of the job that I dread. I wonder if parents dread it as much as teachers do? Luckily this is the only one now before the end of the year, just their final reports to go now!

Well, we had a lovely weekend with our friends coming to stay and catching up with my brother in law and his wife. It was Nathan's gramps 90th birthday on Sunday and we surprised him with a little party, which he appeared delighted with. I haven't really been up to much else as I've been shattered!

I have been to balance group today and am now quite tired. My legs are quite often shaky when I come out of there- shows I've been doing something he he! They were mean and made me try and stand on a wobble board on one leg - not something that comes easy to me! I still have good days and bad days with my legs (even though they are all good days compared to before) and I still can't put my finger on the reasoning for the difference. Perhaps one day I will figure it out!

Will try not to leave it so long next time!
Emma

The weekend is here!

2008-03-08T10:16:00.004Z

Hi guys,

Well I've just about made it through another week where I taught 3 mornings, an afternoon and a whole day. I'm very impressed with my achievements this week. Am finally feeling much stronger after my horrible relapse over Christmas.

I started my second balance group with our lovely neuro - physios on Monday this week. I have attended one before but I wasn't supposed to be on it (someone pulled out) so I didn't do the first session. In this session they test your balance skills (standing to sitting without using hands, standing on one leg, standing with your eyes closed), and how fast you can walk to someone and how many steps you use. The idea being that on the last session of the 8 week course they test you again to see how much you have improved (well hopefully have improved!). I do feel a little bit like a fraud because there are some other people there who obviously struggle more than I do. Then I remember that the Physio's asked me to go for a reason - they obviously think they can help me. I am just grateful for the all the help I am being offered and will grab it all with both hands.

Well my mother is off galavanting at swimming camp in Lanzarote for the week, I'm not at all jealous or anything (Mum, stop sending me texts about how hot it is and how much of a good time you are having!). Our swimming club goes every year, but I have only managed to get out there twice in my lifetime because they go during the first week of March and for the last 5 years I have been teaching and obviously can't just leave my class! They will all come back tanned and super fit after swimming for 4 hours a day (well some of them do 4 hrs!!!) as well as all the free exercise classes they attend. Training is very quiet without you all, but I managed to gatecrash poor Bob's (quite a bit older than me!) lane on Thursday because everyone else squashed in the other lanes. Enjoy yourselves!

Well I'd better love you and leave you as my mini-reports for forthcoming parents evenings are calling my name, take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

MS Awareness, Blogging Friends and a little Link Love

2008-03-07T08:52:00.002Z

There are at least 137 MS Bloggers out there actively discussing whatever suits their fancy. Below you will find many of these suspects....wait... I mean lovely blogger friends who happen to have multiple sclerosis.I'd like your help in spreading the word, and in doing so we will strengthen the bonds of our own little Multiple Sclerosis Blogging Web (and share some linkie love with each other). If you are not an MS Blogger, but are a regular reader here, please feel free to help spread the word too.

Here are some bloggers to check out:
A Stellarlife (Diane)
Multiple Synchronicities & Sclerosis (Merelyme)
Friday's Child
My Journey - Living Well with MS (Diana)
Sunshine and Moonlight (Kim)
The MonSter Ate My Branes! (Natalie)
Queen Mediocretia of Suburbia
Brass and Ivory (Lisa)
Brain Cheese (Linda)
Maybe I'm Just Lazy (Julie)
Carole's MS Blog (Carole)
Great Mastications (Orla)
Movin' On with MS (Sammie)

Thank you for helping to build a stronger MS Community.

First whole day of teaching!

2008-03-04T17:14:00.004Z

Hello everyone,

I must firstly apologise in the delay of this post -I have been told off (thanks Sonia) and am going to try and make up for it now! I just felt that I hadn't done anything to report on, that is until.........TODAY! I am supposed to just be teaching mornings this week but today I thought I'd wait for my supply teacher this afternoon and explain the lesson. Just as well I stayed because the supply teacher didn't turn up. I had to nab a TA from another class to sit in with me. I am very excited though as I taught all day and I am still standing which means things are looking up..............

For those of you who watch Neighbours (I know I'm probably in the minority), Susan Kennedy is about to be diagnosed with MS. She has already blacked out at the wheel of her car and had funny dizzy spells. Last night she picked up a hot dish and couldn't feel it because her hands were numb. I think she is going to go blind from what I have heard (Optic Neuritis) which leads to her diagnosis. It's a very fast tracked version and not everyone experiences the same symptoms as her but nevertheless I think it is good that it is being highlighted by a high profile TV programme.

Emma x

Carnival of MS Bloggers

2008-02-28T17:33:00.003Z

Hey everyone,

Check this out:
http://brassandivory.blogspot.com/2008/02/carnival-of-ms-bloggers-5.html

I am now a recognised MS blogger and have been welcomed into the world of blogging. Carnival of MS bloggers is a newsletter celebrating blogs by people suffering with MS, just highlighting their blogs really. It just means that my blog will be publicised and viewed by more people, which is great!

I am very excited because I have moved classrooms today. It is looking fab already, not too much left to unpack. I think I am more excited by the fact that I was in school all day and my legs are still working! I am tired but coped and am still able to walk. Things are looking up!

Emma x

Glory Glory Tottenham Hotspur!

2008-02-26T16:59:00.006Z

We did it! We won the Carling Cup by beating Chelsea. Absolutely brilliant. I watched the game at my father-in-laws house and could not bear to sit still and watch it. They were all rather amused that I watched the last 10 mins or so from behind the door like a scared child! Well done Ramos, just the UEFA cup to win now.

I managed a training session at the pool on Sunday night, which I was rather pleased with myself about. I didn't go in my usual lane, but a lane where I could cope with the times and had enough rest between sets (thanks for having me - mum!). Trying to get back into as much swimming as I can cope with as it will hopefully help my mobility in the long term.

It was Nathan's birthday yesterday and he was spoilt as per usual. We went out for a nice meal with my family which was lovely. We have still got to choose his present from me as he wants a golf putter and I wouldn't have a clue where to start. Not 30 yet honey!

Well, it's been 5 days since I finished the steroids and I am feeling better than I did on Saturday when I wrote my last post. My skin is still a little sore around my middle, but the elf is not squeezing as tight as it was. My legs still have a strange numbness about them, which gets worse at night but I can cope with that. The good news is that my walking is much stronger, and I can stand for longer periods. I just hope that it stays that way when the steroids leave my system. I am feeling much more optimistic now and can see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I went into school yesterday and had a meeting with my headteacher and bursar to discuss what adjustments they could make at school to make it easier for me to get back into work.......with great results. I AM MOVING CLASSROOMS! My classroom is currently on the top floor of a building where our playground and school hall are on the lower level. So to reduce the number of times I have to negotiate the stairs, I am doing a classroom swap on Thursday. The classroom we are moving to is much smaller and has a funny smell about it but I do have less display boards to cover in the room (and never being one for being arty and creative it's good news!). I have been in this morning and got lots of assessment bits and bobs done. But the best bit is.....my legs coped with it! I was able to walk around quite a bit and legs are still ok now and not too tired. Long may it continue.

Oooh, a bit of news.....watch out for me in a national magazine shortly.......will let you all know when and where as soon as I know....

xxx

Ouch ouch ouch!

2008-02-23T10:29:00.008Z

Good morning all!

I bet you're all wondering why this blog is called ouch ouch ouch!? (or maybe not!) Well the last couple of times I have had IV steroids, I notice that I finish the treatment on the Thursday and by the Saturday morn (now) my skin is so so sore to touch. I could feel it getting more and more uncomfortable throughout the night, so much so it hurt to turn over. I had to even turn the power down on the shower this morn because it felt like shards if glass raining down on me. Nothing a few painkillers won't help!

So I have the day to myself today, what to do? Well, firstly I have to get my planning done for my supply teacher next week, then I think it will be an afternoon in front of the six nations, 3 games in a row. Nathan has gone to see Wales V Italy in Cardiff and having turned up to get the train this morning, found out that there were no trains running so is on a bus! We had to pop to casualty last night to get his ankle x-rayed (after he dropped some scrap metal on it last week at work). Luckily, there doesn't appear to be a break, so he has gone to drink the pain away!

Well, I saw Occupational Health this week and they didn't really tell me anymore than I knew already. I felt like I was making the suggestions to them and they were just agreeing. They agree that my classroom needs to be moved downstairs so I don't have to negotiate the stairs at school more than I need to, but also to keep my classroom at a reasonable temperature. They have also suggested I get in touch with 'Access to Work', which I have heard good things about and they may be able to help with more suggestions to get me back into work full time again.

I don't know if any of you watch Neighbours, but they are currently covering a story line where Susan Kennedy has got MS. I am watching with interest as she is mainly suffering with extreme fatigue, and dizzy spells and pins and needles in her hand. She has already blacked out in a car and run someone over, so there is obviously something not quite right. Although I don't suffer with extreme fatigue and blackouts, I know there are people out there who do.

I thought I'd take this chance to introduce my snoring partner for the day - she snores so loudly! So here is our 4 year old cat Jazz. She may look sweet and innocent but looks can be deceiving!!!!

Have a nice day,
Emma x

IV Steroids

2008-02-20T16:11:00.003Z

Hey guys,

Well I'm on day 2 of my IV steroids and seem to be having a good response to them so far........! Fingers crossed! For those of you that don't know what the steroids do I'll try to explain it. They feed them straight into the vein (intravenously) for an hour a day over 3 consecutive days. They only help you recover from a relapse quicker than you would do without them. They also only help you recover to the extent you would do anyway without them. So if you are likely to suffer from effects of the relapse the symptoms may disappear temporarily with the steroids but may return after they leave your system. So now it's just a waiting game. The elf seems to be loosening it's grip though so that is some relief, perhaps he's losing his energy!

I have had a really lovely week so far, it's half term so I'm not expected in school anyway. I have caught up with 2 old school friends, which has been lovely. I have been to my physio balance group and now I am off to have my hair done. I am off for a meeting with Occupational Health tomorrow morning to find out how I'm going to get back into work so I'll let you know how I get on with that. I am also meeting my favourite teaching assistant for lunch on Friday. Looks like I'll be having a quiet weekend as well as Nathan is off to watch Wales V Italy in the 6 nations on saturday. I'll be cheering on the mighty Spurs in the Carling cup final!

Take care xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Fundraising for MS

2008-02-18T15:52:00.003Z

Just wanted to publicise my Auntie's fundraising page. She is walking 60km to raise money for the MS Society, a cause close to my heart!
Be generous, it's a long long long way! Good luck Auntie T xxx

http://www.justgiving.com/trisharedgrave

Symptoms

2008-02-18T13:44:00.007Z

Hi all,
Hope you all had a good weekend and are suitably refreshed to face the week ahead. I'm on half term so have a reason not get out of bed! Normally, holidays are weeks spent catching up with other teacher friends who I haven't had the chance to see and this one is no exception. I had a lovely morning over a cup of tea, comparing our little darlings and what chaos they have been causing! It really is worth making the effort to see old friends.

I didn't get up to much this weekend, just a bit of pampering (well if you can call a leg wax pampering!) and watching the football. My husband Nathan is a Liverpool fan: say no more! He cooked a lovely roast yesterday and cleaned the house top to bottom, so thank you Nath!

I have news on the steroids; I am booked in for Tues, Wed, Thurs this week. I just hope they have the effect I am hoping for. I woke up this morn and my waist was even tighter than normal. I think my little elf has been working out at the gym because his grip is getting stronger!!! Painkillers it is for now. Thought I'd list my symptoms for you to let you know what course my MS has taken. It is different in everyone.

First symptom (2000): Optic Neuritis - In me, I lost my sight and went completely blind for 3 weeks. My sight came back but still a little like I've looked at the sun in the one eye. I now wear glasses for long distance.

1st Relapse, no steroids (Sept 2006): Slurred speech, found it hard to get words out for a couple of weeks. Treated as an ear infection because it was very similar in symptoms which is why I had no steroids.

Diagnosis (Oct 2006): Diagnosed after a couple of MRI scans. Offered a Lumbar puncture, but decided not to have one when Neurologist said that he would be surprised that if showed nothing and he was 95% sure I had MS. Not worth putting myself through the extra pain.

2nd Relapse, first course of IV steroids(May 2007): Numbness in legs, strange sensation to touch (as if legs aren't part of you). Unable to walk very far or stand for long periods. I had steroids and responded very well to them and was back on my feet very quickly.

3rd Relapse, steroids (Sept 2007): I started to get odd sensations back in legs and was unable to stand for long periods. But looking back I'm not sure this was a relapse just a re-emergence of old symptoms.

4th Relapse, steroids x 2 (Dec 2007 til present): Ms Hug (tightness around waist), Numbness from waist downwards, loss of core stability around my middle, loss of balance. I have one lot of steroids and I am now starting the second lot tomorrow.

Ongoing symptoms (that come and go:) L'Hermitte's: When I bend my neck, occasionally I get an electric shock type sensation shooting down my left arm. Uhthoff's Symptom: Increase in symptoms due to exposure to heat, my eyesight gets particularly bad.
Cold Feet and Hands: I was diagnosed with Rayanud's disease but since reading about MS I understand that this can be another symptom. Intention Tremor: When leg is in a certain position. Footdrop: Foot drags along floor during walking.

I hope this is of some use to those who read it. Those who may not yet be diagnosed might find it of some use to understand some symptoms, but those who don't have it may just be able to understand what people with MS go through. As I said everyone is different!

Right, if you are still awake I will say bye for now xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

26 miles? Did I do that?

2008-02-15T10:02:00.001Z

Hi everyone,
I'm back already, just couldn't stay away! Firstly I have added some links to websites that have helped me with advice and guidance on making decisions about MS. I hope you find them as useful as I have. The message boards on the MS Society website (A chance to talk) are great if you are looking for other MSers to talk to about your problems.
I was chatting to friends last night about this Blog and they said to write about the Moonwalk I did, just under 2 years ago. In May 2006, a group of us joined 10,000 (ish) other women and we donned our decorated bras and walked 26 miles (a whole marathon!) through the streets of London at midnight. It took us around 9 hours, but we did it and raised a lot of money for Breast Cancer. Looking back, I had symptoms of MS when we were training, so much so I gained the nickname 'thumper' for my leg that had no control when returning to the ground. I just tried to ignore it and kept going. I am just so proud that I managed to do it and did it when I could. I don't think I could even manage a mile now! I guess I'll have to find another challenge that I could achieve. Any ideas?
Right I must go and wake my robot legs up and get ready to go and teach this afternoon
xxx

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T16:24:00.001Z

Hope you all have a great day. I am secretly hoping to hear if there are any proposals that have taken place today (Julia? Bailey?) Need a good wedding party to go to xxx

Welcome to my page!

2008-02-14T16:02:00.001Z

Hi everyone,
My first post, how very scary! My mum suggested I keep a diary about everything I go through, and I laughed off the idea, I said 'who on earth would want to read about my life?', she replied 'other people with MS looking for advice'. So here I am!! I am no expert but if this helps to reassure people or make people smile then I am doing the right thing. As you can see I am relatively young (26), I got married to my wonderful husband when I was 24 and was diagnosed with MS 2 months after the wedding. He had no get out clause then!!! He is great with everything and has told me he is sticking around (I am a very lucky girl!). I am a primary school teacher (currently teaching Y5) and the PE subject leader for the school. I had quite a bad relapse over christmas so am currently not back to work time...........yet!

I went to see my Neurologist today for my follow up appointmentc after a dose of IV steroids a month ago. I had a good response immediately (I couldn't walk on the Tues and by the Wed I could!) but in the following couple of weeks I started to get worse again so this appointment came in handy! The good news is, he is giving me another dose of steroids next week which he is hoping will eliminate more symptoms. I am SOOOOO excited! Hopefully the little elf squeezing my ribs will disappear (tightness around waist and ribs) never to return. Which means hopefully I will be able to get back to work full time, watch this space.....................................