Everything Stinks

[vovat]

So, I'm sure a lot of you already know this, but bethje was having trouble using her hands, and had a tingly feeling below her neck. She went to the hospital on Saturday, and they're all but certain she has multiple sclerosis, a condition I don't know much about, but that's always seemed terrifying to me. I tried reading about it online, but apparently it affects everybody differently. Sometimes it goes into remission, and sometimes it doesn't. She was discharged from the hospital this evening, and is now staying with her mom and uncle. Unfortunately, I have work, so I can't stay with her. It's not like I really know how to help anyway, and it makes me feel somewhat useless. I don't even do enough to handle my own medical issues. Beth has trouble typing and holding things, which to someone who spends pretty much all his free time reading and blogging sounds particularly bad. I just hope things turn out all right for her. On top of that, my grandfather died on Sunday. This wasn't unexpected, but it's still very upsetting. Life has just been crappy recently, and things are even more up in the air than they were before. Anyway, I'd better get to bed, since I have work tomorrow. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have the chance to write a fun post. Well, what I consider a fun post, anyway.

Comments

[kevenn.livejournal.com]

Multiple Sclerosis. UGH. If possible, I hope she gets a second opinion. Ray has had doctors tell him he might have multiple sclerosis, and then it turned out that he didn't have it.

[bec-87rb.livejournal.com]

I second that second opinion idea as well. My sister was told she had it after a bunch of tests, then told she didn't have it have another round of tests. MS is a slippery devil. I'll keep a good thought for you all.

[vovat.livejournal.com]

Well, they did a few MRIs, a CAT scan, and a spinal tap; and they found lesions on her brain. Is there really anything else they can do? And how thoroughly did the doctor test Ray before suggesting that?

[suegypt.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I agree it may end up that the second opinion agrees with the first, but get it anyway. As bec says, it's a slippery devil, MS. There are a lot of other things this might be, some more treatable than others. Hell, if the 2nd opinion disagrees with the first, get a 3rd, if you can get insurance to pay for it.

I hope she'll recover from whatever it is...

[vovat.livejournal.com]

Do you think the lesions on her brain could indicate anything else?

[suegypt.livejournal.com]

Nathan, I noticed this on WebMD: Brain lesions can be caused by injury, infection, exposure to certain chemicals, problems with the immune system, and more. Many times the cause is not known.

I only know one person who has been diagnosed MS, and she actually refuses to believe it. She lives the best she can avoiding triggers like getting overheated, fatigued, etc. She actually moved out to Colorado to get out of the Georgia heat. I haven't heard how she's doing for a while.

I hope they can pin down what's going on with Beth, but it's about the most confusing collection of symptoms I've ever encountered. Good luck!

[chhinnamasta.livejournal.com]

So sorry to hear your sad news. I hope things improve for bethje soon.

[vovat.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

[loz]

I'm so sorry to see this. I wish there was something I could say or do, but I'll send as many positive thoughts your way as I can. I hope Beth gets the treatment and support she needs.

[vovat.livejournal.com]

Thank you. So do I. I'm trying my best to help, but I have to work, and I'm really not used to being a caretaker of any sort.