I'm sorry I've been away...

I am having a relapse--only my second confirmed one in over ten years! I was classified as benign relapsing-remitting in 2000; my primary doctor even commented that I was much better physically in 2003 than in the 90s! But Saturday morning I noticed my right shin felt funny and starting comparing both legs--a definite difference! I dealt with it but fell on Sunday morning. I also noticed that the numbness had spread around most of my thigh, down to the outside of my foot, and from the top of my right shoulder, through to my butt I'm numb. My right hand is the worst and requires physical therapy. I'm so glad they just discovered the genetic markers...now my daughter can get tested. I'm the second confirmed case, but the other was my moms first cousin and she had primary progressive. On my dad's side, my cousins paternal aunt and uncle plus their father all had/have it (not blood relatives). I also met a woman and her three sisters that were in a study to determine if there was a genetic link--I'm inclined to think so. I think that a later later diagnosis is worse; those patients tend to have progressive and have less quality of life.

Genetic markers? Really? I had no idea. I should get tested then. My Mom gets that numbness too. Mostly in her feet, but when it is exascerbated, it could go as high as her chest. Not completely numb so that she can't walk at all but still, very, very heavy feeling. Plus incontinence has been an issue for a long time, too. She has had numerous surgeries to rectify it. All of them available, in fact. Now, she has a button installed, that she can push to open or close the urethra and catheterizes. So she also gets bladder infections sometimes, too. I don't think I would go that far, myself. I would just deal with the incontinence. But I do get the odd numbness, too sometimes. But not enough to cause me real concern for very long. Likely just as a result of overuse or staying in the same position for too long sometimes. But I am still wary that it may take hold of me at any time. That is why, I really want to make sure I have quality of life, NOW! Now is all I can control. Tomorrow may bring something else, who knows, eh? Gawd, I hope you are feeling better soon, sweetie. Too bad, you had just started that new job, finally. Damn it! I hope they understand and let you continue when you get back on your feet, so to speak. I know, I would. I think you are a valuable person worth keeping on the team.