@Patriciaartist 

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Patriciaartist

Diagnosis when I am quite senior but I know I have had it years

I got my first symptoms years ago in 1984 numbness and pins and needles in my hands alarming ad I am an artist it lasted 6 months then I had no symptoms until 1992 numb down one side but walking ok I got diagnosed with breast cancer end of 92 and had surgery chemotherapy and radiotherapy for months and the numbness went and I had no more symptoms until 2003 then the symptoms started in my feet and a gripping sensation began mainly in my right leg slowly spreading up my leg then the left leg later I started attending Charing Cross hospital neurology over 10 years ago and have been very active and continued painting so consultants were a bit doubtful I had MS though I attended the MS clinic.. an MRI scan showed changed in my brain cells on the right but not enough apparently for a diagnosis I had a nerve conduction test on my legs which showed neuropathy and nerve damage.. I knew I was getting more disabled and had a bladder problem at night finally last October I asked for a lumbar puncture as I thought I needed a definite diagnosis and hoped for some kind of treatment. The test proved my MS I have got more mobility problems and walk with 2 sticks. I am having another MRI test on my head and spine soon and hope I am not too old to get Any medication that might help I have only been offered antidepressants which I cannot tolerate I take some CBD oil I buy. I experience some tremor now worrying for my painting but I still want to paint more than ever.and get around to see exhibitions films and walk in nature …
@SeasideAnne

Hi, I'm one of the older ones too, 71, and although only diagnosed in 2013 I know I've had MS since I was 32. They say I have PPMS but I'm sure I started with RRMS and became SPMS around the time I was diagnosed. I am an artist too and writer as well. In the last couple of years I haven't got to it though, I think Covid and the lockdowns had something to do with it. I'm not really mobile on my feet at all, but I have bad arthritis, which I think is mainly to blame for that. I didn't take up the DMTs when offered because of the risk of worsening depression, but like you take CBD oil on and off. I hope you get medication that helps and can keep on painting.

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@Patriciaartist

Thank you for responding Anne I am sorry you are not able to paint or write I want to to continue and hope I can the neurologist described me as still having remitting ms but I am doubtful it has progressed up my body.. you have a cat and live by the sea? I love cats but I live in a flat and think they love roaming so much would be restricted I live by the river but love going to Ventnor once a year to paint the sunrise over the sea from the window. Have you tried to paint? It is a physical effort but I find I forget my other problems when I struggle with painting. I love writing and find it easier than painting while I can hold a pen. Please respond again Patricia

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