Living with Multiple Sclerosis - Diagnosing MS

[angelusa73]

merry Christmas and happy birthday and happy new Year...sorry for being so late in coming to see you and wish you my best wishes for the wishes and for showing that I am thinking of you...good luck, Lauren, and keep on fighting...don't ever give up, which I am sure that you won't do...I know it's hard because I am living with two aweful diseases instead of having one, but we are very strong, all of us are...and we will me it all...take good care and continue pushing through. Angela

[laurenvparrott]

@angelusa73 Thank you so much Angela! I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I wish you the very best with everything - I know you will prevail because you have so much power and determination! I hope to keep in touch!! I would love for your to teach me more Italian! Ciao bella!!

[angelusa73]

@laurenvparrott i hope you had a BUON NATALE too. Mine was ok, but I am always pushing myself to live nowdays, after what happened because I am not improving as well as after an MS relapse. PML i a lot more serious than a relapse and it requires a lot more time and patience to improve and get better, so I am working hard, while pushing and doing as much as I can..best wishes to you and your family, so TANTI AUGUTI A tutti ( best wishes to all ) Here, I gave you a couple of new words to work on!

[laurenvparrott]

@angelusa73 Oh Angela, I wish there was something I could do. Is there anything that you are doing specififcally to relax/be patient? I know that during my relapse, the best thing for me was when my Mom rubbed my head and my back. Does that help you at all? Do candles help? What makes you relax? I wish I could be there to hold you and show you how much I care! Tanti Auguti! Grazie!!

[angelusa73]

@laurenvparrott I usually lidsten to italian music ( musica italiana ) -check Tiziano Ferro on google...you will find him super cute and very handsome and I ca assure you that he is an awesome singer too :)

his music helps me a lot and, for pain and to deal with my many stmptoms, I use cranial sacral therapy evert time I need it...and now I am going to a nutritionist/ neurologist that has MS himself and that his helping me take the right vitamins and eat the right foods. I am tired of drugs!

[laurenvparrott]

@angelusa73 Tiziano Ferro is so handsome! I just looked him up. I want to hear him sing! I'm so happy his music helps you. I'm so glad you're seeing this neurologist - he sounds amazing! I think about you all the time - I hope you have a wonderful week!

[angelusa73]

@laurenvparrott you are so cool and so sweet :) it was worth checking him out right? he is si[per cute, hot and his music always comr from the heart...he writes his own songs that come from fewling lonely and sad...exactly wat I feel too...thank you for being a part of this and for sharing Tiziano with me...i don't mind doin it with someone as nice as you :)

I am on my way to meet my new neurologist..let's see how she is...have a wonderful day!

tanti baci tutti per te

ciao,

Angela

[laurenvparrott]

@angelusa73 It was definitely worth checking him out! YOU are so sweet and I LOVE writing to you!! Please tell me how your appointment went with the neurologist. I pray that everything goes very well!!!

Tanti baci tutti per te

Ciao bella!

Lauren :)

[angelusa73]

@laurenvparrott it went very well, grazie, Lauren. She is not against natural ways to help the body and this is what matter the most for me at the moment especially becau I don't believe in drugs, especially after what happened to me. It gets me every day when I think that I paid money to get PML...It sounds crazy but this is the truth...the MS was not as bad as the PML which was caused as you know, by Tysabri, so I would like to stay away from drugs for a while.have a nice day, cara amica:)

[Richie979]

Hi Lauren! This video reminded my me of what brought on my first MS attack in 1984? and it was the death of my father and subsequent trauma's on the road to rock stardom?? Thank God I gave it up? I was lucky!. I hate to see you so sad and I feel your sorrow. We've lived similar episodes in our lives and that gives us a unique perspective? Anyway, onward I think!!!!!? Love to all your Lot over there from Our lot over here. Richie.X.

[laurenvparrott]

@Richie979 Hi Richie! I'm so sorry your father passed away - trauma like that can definitely being on an attack. I'm so happy that you're doing well now!! xoxoxo

[nightstash1]

I don't know if this will help you but I heard about this cat from overseas that puts shunts in some artery and he said that he was able to cure about 75% of the MS cases. If you want more info I will check it out for you because it was buried deep inside the internets bowels when I stumbled across it and it is hard to find.

[laurenvparrott]

I have heard about that! I actually made a video about it! It's called CCSVI, or "The Liberation Procedure". Thank you so much for offering to look into it!!

[AWDESIGNS8]

THAT IS WHERE I GO MELLEN CENTER CLEVELAND CLINIC . I GOT MRI OF THE BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD MRI I KNEW I HAD IT FOR 2 YEARS BUT THE DOCTORS SAID YOU DONT HAVE IT. I'M 48 YEARS OLD HOPING I HAVE 20 GOOD YEARS LEFT IN MY LIFE FOR MY KIDS. AND BE ABLE TO WALK. LOVE PARIL

[laurenvparrott]

@AWDESIGNS8 I'm sure you will have at least 20 years left! Stay positive!

[lavigia]

Hi, Lauren i got diagnose also threw an MRI and a spinal tap. 2 months after i started i got custody power of attorney of my dad like i said before but we have a bit in comment after My dad passed away: ( there after i started getting real,,real. sick, am a daddy's girl

[laurenvparrott]

@lavigia I'm so sorry your Dad passed away, I know that's extremely difficult. I really hope you're doing better!

[chuchara02]

Who films these vids of you talking? He sounds bored and frustrated and annoyed behind that camera! LOL

[pluto2k]

Hi Lauren, I was diagnosed at the age of 16, i'm 27 now... it's been hard.. but watching you on youtube makes it easier, khonwing that i'm not alone.. ;-) thank you

[laurenvparrott]

Oh, thank you so much! I wish you the best!

[mrsurquijo]

Hello lauren my son is 15 years old and he was diagnose with neuromyetis optica

[mrsurquijo]

hello lauren my son is 15 years old and he was diagnosed with neuromyetiis optica he has all symptoms like MS this condition is alot like ms he is in pain all day from his lower spine too his feet he gets opitca neuritis he has lost vision from both eyes from time to time if you have any suggestion on how i can help my son please let me know please my name is monica from arizona

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Monica - I'm so sorry your son was diagnosed so young. I was 16 when my symptoms started so I can relate to him. My Mom always says it's harder for her to see my struggle than for me to deal with my MS. I would suggest being patient, understanding to his needs, and to talk to his doctor. Maybe there is medication he can take for pain? Has he taken steroids for optic neuritis? That helped me a lot. Please write to me anytime, and keep in touch. I wish you both the very best!

[infoseeker2020]

Hi Lauren! Thank you so much for the videos. I have a friend who has MS and she's suffering from lung problems as well as the tremors, etc. Do you know anything about the lung problems? I haven't really heard or read anything that connects MS with severe breathing/lung difficulties. Perhaps they're due to some type of drug she may be taking for her condition? Thanks again, sweetie. I'm very impressed by your openess concerning your battle. Best wishes to you...

Sincerely,

Lisa

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Lisa! I'm sorry, I've never heard of people having lung problems with MS. Has your friend talked to her doctor? It could possibly be from medication, or it could also be something totally unrelated. Welcome to the world of MS! Thanks again for your sweet comment - I wish you and your friend the very best!! :)

[medgurl03]

Hi Lauren,

I have been prediagnosed with MS. I am awaiting my MRI. I am 24 years old and have been dealing with these symptoms for over 16 years and they have gotten progressively worse. I have episodes of facial paralysis, arm numbness, I lose my vision and my ability to speak or understand what others are saying to me. I have severe confusion, nausea, and trouble walking with these episodes. Does a spinal tap hurt really bad? That will probably be my next test once I have my MRI. Thank you!

[laurenvparrott]

Hello! My spinal tap didn't hurt - the area where the needle goes in was totally numb in my back and I swear I didn't feel anything. I was 18 when I had my spinal tap and I was so thrilled to finally get a diagnosis that I wasn't even thinking about the spinal tap. You're going to be fine. Some people are really dramatic about getting a spinal tap, but it really is fine. If you need to talk just write to me!!

[Howgoit33]

To let air pressure equalize. but I still feel the popping and crackling. He also Said I had TMJ IN my jaw. And That could cause nerve pin in neck and shoulder. So I am at A loss As Kaiser Hospital only wants to treat the symptoms then to find out whats really going on. some days I can't even move. I quess it will have to get way worse before they will do anything. I AM TIRED OF PAYING CO PAYMENTS AND they do nothing. Thanks for Listening. This Will Probably me last post. I will Pray for you. M

[laurenvparrott]

I know it's annoying to have all of those symptoms. I'm sure that in time everything will work out for the best. I will pray for you and I'd love to keep in touch to see how everything goes!

[Howgoit33]

Hi Lauren, I got my results back from MRI. I have a small mass on the right side of brain but its not pressing on anything. I have a bunch of tissue gone in back of brain looks like a large lesion but nuerologist said it could be form my migraines. He Said it did not look like MS As The smaller lesions weren't in the right place. I asked him about the black holes all over looks like tissue missing but he said that is normal. I also H

[Howgoit33]

I also had a blocked off sinus cavity. Well I asked him were my symptoms were coming from he said that they could not do anything unless THE Symptoms got worse. He Still had me scheduled for sensory nerve condution test. So He Said Lets see how that goes. I went to my ear nose and throat surgeon as I wanted my inner ear checked. He Said I had fluid behind ear drum. he said that could be causing the poping and crackling noise I was getting.So He put a tube in my ear to open ear drum up.

[Howgoit33]

Thanks as I also have not been diagnosed. I am seeing the neurologist again on tuesday, I get brain fog also and numbness and tingling in my hands and legs and feet, Pain so bad in my neck I thought I had a spine pinching nerve or bulging disc but my spine came out with no problems, I get a shocking sensation when I put my head forward. I just started Twiching my hand and left thumb and then in my legs. I will try to keep my stress Level Down, I will keep you in my Prayers. .Marj

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Marj!

I sure hope you can get more answers on Tuesday. I'm glad that you're trying to keep your stress level down. That is so important.

Good luck with everything and you'll be in my prayers!

Lauren

[Howgoit33]

I have been stiff all day. Thanks for responding. I hope my Nuerologist sees how bad it is tommorrow. I will keep you updated I also have looked at your other videos including the one with your boyfriend. He seems real caring. Marj

[laurenvparrott]

I sure hope your neurologist sees it too. I look forward to hearing better news! Yes, my boyfriend is wonderful. Good luck and keep me posted!

[Howgoit33]

I went and saw him.Anyway he felt I needed an MRI OF THE BRAIN FINNALLY SOMEONE WAS LISTENING.Before they kept blowing my symptoms off.I went for MRI ON FRIDAY AND I waited to get my film on a disc.Even though the radiologist has not read it.Well I keep close to God and try to keep relaxed as strees makes it worse and my husband said he was standing by me even if there is a big problem so that made me relax some.I will keep you updated.Thanks For Just Listening.I hope you are feeling better.MARJ

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Marj! I would definitely stay relaxed - your husband sounds so wonderful and I'm sure you'll grt through this together!! I'm doing very well - thanks for writing!!

[delraecpa]

Thanks for doing these videos... I found it very helpful. Although I do have Crohns Disease, I have some symptoms that could indicate something else (MS being on a short list).

Anyway, although, I know this must have been hard to do, and I wanted you let you know that I (and probably many others) benefit greatly from your openness. :-)

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you so much for writing!! My goal in making these videos was to show people who are suffering from diseases like MS and Crohns that they're not alone. I also want other people without diseases to see what we go through on a daily basis! I wish you the very best and I hope you keep in touch!

[dgalexandermd]

Lauren you mean so much to so many people. We are blessed to have someone with such an optimistic and inspiring attitude!! Bless you!

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you so much! Having people like you who give me such encouraging responses gives me strength!

[memama2]

I feel the only way to get a true diagnosis is at an MS center. I wasted 2+ years at a basic neurologists who has no updated info, who has no acccess to new drugs or studies. It is the most important thing I ever did for my health. The sooner you are on shots and other meds the better for your future Louann

[dgalexandermd]

Thank you so much for your courage -your videos mean a lot to us MSers . One question - how long after your second infusion did you notice a decrease in your tremors? --Dan

[laurenvparrott]

Hey Dan! I started noticing a decrase in my tremors a little bit every day. They were pretty bad when I got my 1st infusion, were better at my 2nd, and even better at my 3rd. It's a gradual thing where you just have to be patient - but it couldn't stop soon enough!!

I hope you're doing well!

Lauren

[paulcheethan]

Hi Lauren

I watch your videos with great interest. After a massive relapse I couldn't walk unaided for 6 months nor read/write/use PC for 4 months. It was 15 months before my balance returned. My vision is now 100% and my balance 80% normal. I'm on Rebif and looking forward with positivity. The Multiple Sclerosis Society (UK) has a fabulous site and I've become friends with people all over the UK and abroad. I wish you continued success with your relapse recovery.

Love Frances x

[lisaparrott624]

I'm so proud of you!

[laurenvparrott]

Thanks, Mom!

[spikegrl1000]

Hi Lauren, Steph/Spikegrl here. Happy delated birthday. I'm so sorry to here about your loss. The info you gave in this video is awesome. If you've ever been in ms world chat rooms there is always a lot of people just seeking answers like the ones you have just given. I'm on my 1st Tysabri infusion and I'm looking forward to seeing your progression.

Peace,

Steph

[laurenvparrott]

Hey Steph!! Thank you for the birthday wishes! And thank you for your sympathy...that was definitely tough. It's so hard to get a diagnosis for MS that I thought I'd try to at least give the info. that I knew - thank you for saying that!! I've had 3 Tysabri infusions and I've noticed that my balance is so much better! I don't look that drunk any more! I sure hope it helps with your vision for playing some great pool! I wish you the best of luck with Tysabri!!

Lauren :)

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Carl! Thank you for writing! I wish you the best of luck next week - I'll keep you in my prayers. One positive thing about discovering you have MS at an early age is you can get on medication right away to stop the progression. Good luck!

[carlogiovanni]

Hi Lauren. Happy Birthday! Don't worry about your tremors. I'm 22 and from near London in England. Four weeks ago I started having symptoms and I'm seeing a neurologist next week. In my gut I feel like I have MS. I'm scared but have to know. Thanks for your videos. They are helping me. Take care! Carl

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you for writing! I appreciate the birthday wishes! I hope you are feeling well!

[triciaaz]

Happy Birthday. I think it is great that you are showing MS in the life of a young woman. When I was diagnosed at age 22 (which was 22 years ago) it was a lonely experience. My goodness - I just realized that was half a lifetime ago. I think I am going to go think about that. I had lost track of the time.