NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

[Guest guest]

My name is Deanna and I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at age 44. Two weeks before my diagnoses, my husband decided he no longer wanterd to be married, so it was a rough time to say the least. I feel blessed to have a great group of supportive friends and family, yet feel like I need to have a network of people that can better relate to and share experiences about with living with MS.

I have had a lot of challenges in the employment arena....I was laid off from my full time job when the workload was slowing down and I was the obvious first choice with my not-so-great attendance (absences due to a ton of dr appts. and MS symptoms). Yes, I know legally an employer cannot let me go because I have MS but he knew I needed a job with medical insurance (which he could not offer) as once the divorce was final I would be uninsured (and not qualified for Cobra). I do not hold any hard feelings toward that employer. After being on unemployment for 6 months I was offered another job (still no medical) and had no choice but to accept it. I relocated as the commute was too brutal (nearly 3 hrs a day) and now find myself unemployed again (this time nothing to do with the illness). I was forced to join the WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) and now face a $1500 deductable. So now I am stressed about the

cost of my Copaxone, doctor visits etc.

I am able to work a full time job but it takes everything I have energy-wise. I am completely wiped out by the time the work day is over. I am grateful though to face exhaustion over the extreme vertigo I endure during full blow attacks. I am happy to say I have not had a full-blown episode since June '09. I began taking daily injections of Copaxone in Sept '09. I am hoping to be a candidate to switch to the new oral med as I have injection reaction (severe pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising) from the shots. I chose a daliy injection over a weekly as I did not want to endure flu-like symptoms on the only days I wasn't working. While the daily shot leaves me in pain for 15-45 minutes, I can schedule around it and maintain some quality of life on the days I am not working (obviously right now it isn't a factor, but it is when I am working full time).

Thanks for welcoming me to the group! I am eager to learn more about how others have been affected and how they continue to live life fully with this disease.

-deanna

To: Group <mserslife >Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 11:51:12 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER --dswentz

Comment from new member dswentz:I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at 44. Would love getting to know othersthat are living w/MS. Employment/health insurance issues are my biggestchallenges.

Group: please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest member here at MSersLife!

I know we all look forward to getting to know our new member here on the group! dswentz:Please feel free to send an introduction as soon as you wish, ask any questions you want, share your experiences with all of us and just jump into the conversations!

Sharon (group creator/owner)This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Welcome Deanna!We have another member from WA, too. Have you contacted Copaxone to see if they have a drug assistance program you would qualify for? We just recently had info posted here on the group about the HIGH cost of the new oral drug. It's going to be much higher than the current CRAB-T drugs. I was diagnosed at age 47 and was told by one doc that I was "too old" for MS. What the heck??? lol Unfortunately he was wrong;)Do you take anything for the fatigue? There are drugs available but they all have their drawbacks, of course. I have been on several of the anti-fatigue drugs but now I'm on none. I am able to manage my fatigue mostly without drugs. But then I no longer work so that makes a

difference.I'm glad you found us!hugs SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 12:19:20 PMSubject: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

My name is Deanna and I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at age 44. Two weeks before my diagnoses, my husband decided he no longer wanterd to be married, so it was a rough time to say the least. I feel blessed to have a great group of supportive friends and family, yet feel like I need to have a network of people that can better relate to and share experiences about with living with MS.

I have had a lot of challenges in the employment arena....I was laid off from my full time job when the workload was slowing down and I was the obvious first choice with my not-so-great attendance (absences due to a ton of dr appts. and MS symptoms). Yes, I know legally an employer cannot let me go because I have MS but he knew I needed a job with medical insurance (which he could not offer) as once the divorce was final I would be uninsured (and not qualified for Cobra). I do not hold any hard feelings toward that employer. After being on unemployment for 6 months I was offered another job (still no medical) and had no choice but to accept it. I relocated as the commute was too brutal (nearly 3 hrs a day) and now find myself unemployed again (this time nothing to do with the illness). I was forced to join the WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) and now face a $1500 deductable. So now I am stressed about the

cost of my Copaxone, doctor visits etc.

I am able to work a full time job but it takes everything I have energy-wise. I am completely wiped out by the time the work day is over. I am grateful though to face exhaustion over the extreme vertigo I endure during full blow attacks. I am happy to say I have not had a full-blown episode since June '09. I began taking daily injections of Copaxone in Sept '09. I am hoping to be a candidate to switch to the new oral med as I have injection reaction (severe pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising) from the shots. I chose a daliy injection over a weekly as I did not want to endure flu-like symptoms on the only days I wasn't working. While the daily shot leaves me in pain for 15-45 minutes, I can schedule around it and maintain some quality of life on the days I am not working (obviously right now it isn't a factor, but it is when I am working full time).

Thanks for welcoming me to the group! I am eager to learn more about how others have been affected and how they continue to live life fully with this disease.

-deanna

To: Group <mserslife >Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 11:51:12 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER --dswentz

Comment from new member dswentz:I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at 44. Would love getting to know othersthat are living w/MS. Employment/health insurance issues are my biggestchallenges.

Group: please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest member here at MSersLife!

I know we all look forward to getting to know our new member here on the group! dswentz:Please feel free to send an introduction as soon as you wish, ask any questions you want, share your experiences with all of us and just jump into the conversations!

Sharon (group creator/owner)This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to our group, coping with our "Multiple Surprises!"Love to you, Deanna--I have hordes of relatives in WashingtonState--hordes, heeps, clans!n, diagnosed in Oregon by Roy Swank, M.D. at age 19--73 now--there IS hope!To: MSersLife Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 12:45:12 PMSubject: Re: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

Welcome Deanna!We have another member from WA, too. Have you contacted Copaxone to see if they have a drug assistance program you would qualify for? We just recently had info posted here on the group about the HIGH cost of the new oral drug. It's going to be much higher than the current CRAB-T drugs. I was diagnosed at age 47 and was told by one doc that I was "too old" for MS. What the heck??? lol Unfortunately he was wrong;)Do you take anything for the fatigue? There are drugs available but they all have their drawbacks, of course. I have been on several of the anti-fatigue drugs but now I'm on none. I am able to manage my fatigue mostly without drugs. But then I no longer work so that makes a

difference.I'm glad you found us!hugs SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 12:19:20 PMSubject: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

My name is Deanna and I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at age 44. Two weeks before my diagnoses, my husband decided he no longer wanterd to be married, so it was a rough time to say the least. I feel blessed to have a great group of supportive friends and family, yet feel like I need to have a network of people that can better relate to and share experiences about with living with MS.

I have had a lot of challenges in the employment arena....I was laid off from my full time job when the workload was slowing down and I was the obvious first choice with my not-so-great attendance (absences due to a ton of dr appts. and MS symptoms). Yes, I know legally an employer cannot let me go because I have MS but he knew I needed a job with medical insurance (which he could not offer) as once the divorce was final I would be uninsured (and not qualified for Cobra). I do not hold any hard feelings toward that employer. After being on unemployment for 6 months I was offered another job (still no medical) and had no choice but to accept it. I relocated as the commute was too brutal (nearly 3 hrs a day) and now find myself unemployed again (this time nothing to do with the illness). I was forced to join the WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) and now face a $1500 deductable. So now I am stressed about the

cost of my Copaxone, doctor visits etc.

I am able to work a full time job but it takes everything I have energy-wise. I am completely wiped out by the time the work day is over. I am grateful though to face exhaustion over the extreme vertigo I endure during full blow attacks. I am happy to say I have not had a full-blown episode since June '09. I began taking daily injections of Copaxone in Sept '09. I am hoping to be a candidate to switch to the new oral med as I have injection reaction (severe pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising) from the shots. I chose a daliy injection over a weekly as I did not want to endure flu-like symptoms on the only days I wasn't working. While the daily shot leaves me in pain for 15-45 minutes, I can schedule around it and maintain some quality of life on the days I am not working (obviously right now it isn't a factor, but it is when I am working full time).

Thanks for welcoming me to the group! I am eager to learn more about how others have been affected and how they continue to live life fully with this disease.

-deanna

To: Group <mserslife >Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 11:51:12 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER --dswentz

Comment from new member dswentz:I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at 44. Would love getting to know othersthat are living w/MS. Employment/health insurance issues are my biggestchallenges.

Group: please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest member here at MSersLife!

I know we all look forward to getting to know our new member here on the group! dswentz:Please feel free to send an introduction as soon as you wish, ask any questions you want, share your experiences with all of us and just jump into the conversations!

Sharon (group creator/owner)This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Sharon, you were DX'ed at 47 I think I told you all about my sister that is 4 years older then me and last year when she was 47 they told her too that she was to old to have MS. She still has not gone back in for any more tests and won't I think she is afraid to get a spinal tap done to confirm or deny MS or anything else serious. How did they DX you what tests did they do? Thanks

Subject: Re: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentzTo: MSersLife Date: Monday, October 18, 2010, 2:45 PM

Welcome Deanna!We have another member from WA, too. Have you contacted Copaxone to see if they have a drug assistance program you would qualify for? We just recently had info posted here on the group about the HIGH cost of the new oral drug. It's going to be much higher than the current CRAB-T drugs. I was diagnosed at age 47 and was told by one doc that I was "too old" for MS. What the heck??? lol Unfortunately he was wrong;)Do you take anything for the fatigue? There are drugs available but they all have their drawbacks, of course. I have been on several of the anti-fatigue drugs but now I'm on none. I am able to manage my fatigue mostly without drugs. But then I no longer work so that makes a difference.I'm glad you found us!hugs

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

To: MSersLife Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 12:19:20 PMSubject: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

My name is Deanna and I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at age 44. Two weeks before my diagnoses, my husband decided he no longer wanterd to be married, so it was a rough time to say the least. I feel blessed to have a great group of supportive friends and family, yet feel like I need to have a network of people that can better relate to and share experiences about with living with MS.

I have had a lot of challenges in the employment arena....I was laid off from my full time job when the workload was slowing down and I was the obvious first choice with my not-so-great attendance (absences due to a ton of dr appts. and MS symptoms). Yes, I know legally an employer cannot let me go because I have MS but he knew I needed a job with medical insurance (which he could not offer) as once the divorce was final I would be uninsured (and not qualified for Cobra). I do not hold any hard feelings toward that employer. After being on unemployment for 6 months I was offered another job (still no medical) and had no choice but to accept it. I relocated as the commute was too brutal (nearly 3 hrs a day) and now find myself unemployed again (this time nothing to do with the illness). I was forced to join the WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) and now face a $1500 deductable. So now I am stressed about the

cost of my Copaxone, doctor visits etc.

I am able to work a full time job but it takes everything I have energy-wise. I am completely wiped out by the time the work day is over. I am grateful though to face exhaustion over the extreme vertigo I endure during full blow attacks. I am happy to say I have not had a full-blown episode since June '09. I began taking daily injections of Copaxone in Sept '09. I am hoping to be a candidate to switch to the new oral med as I have injection reaction (severe pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising) from the shots. I chose a daliy injection over a weekly as I did not want to endure flu-like symptoms on the only days I wasn't working. While the daily shot leaves me in pain for 15-45 minutes, I can schedule around it and maintain some quality of life on the days I am not working (obviously right now it isn't a factor, but it is when I am working full time).

Thanks for welcoming me to the group! I am eager to learn more about how others have been affected and how they continue to live life fully with this disease.

-deanna

To: Group <mserslife >Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 11:51:12 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER --dswentz

Comment from new member dswentz:I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at 44. Would love getting to know othersthat are living w/MS. Employment/health insurance issues are my biggestchallenges.

Group: please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest member here at MSersLife!

I know we all look forward to getting to know our new member here on the group! dswentz:Please feel free to send an introduction as soon as you wish, ask any questions you want, share your experiences with all of us and just jump into the conversations!

Sharon (group creator/owner)This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

I had spine and brain MRIs and a spinal tap. I don't remember about your sister. That's interesting that both her doctor and my quack said the same thing. Stupid doctors!hugs SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects. To: MSersLife Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 5:43:07 PMSubject: Re: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

Sharon, you were DX'ed at 47 I think I told you all about my sister that is 4 years older then me and last year when she was 47 they told her too that she was to old to have MS. She still has not gone back in for any more tests and won't I think she is afraid to get a spinal tap done to confirm or deny MS or anything else serious. How did they DX you what tests did they do? Thanks

Subject: Re: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentzTo: MSersLife Date: Monday, October 18, 2010, 2:45 PM

Welcome Deanna!We have another member from WA, too. Have you contacted Copaxone to see if they have a drug assistance program you would qualify for? We just recently had info posted here on the group about the HIGH cost of the new oral drug. It's going to be much higher than the current CRAB-T drugs. I was diagnosed at age 47 and was told by one doc that I was "too old" for MS. What the heck??? lol Unfortunately he was wrong;)Do you take anything for the fatigue? There are drugs available but they all have their drawbacks, of course. I have been on several of the anti-fatigue drugs but now I'm on none. I am able to manage my fatigue mostly without drugs. But then I no longer work so that makes a difference.I'm glad you found us!hugs

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

To: MSersLife Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 12:19:20 PMSubject: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

My name is Deanna and I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at age 44. Two weeks before my diagnoses, my husband decided he no longer wanterd to be married, so it was a rough time to say the least. I feel blessed to have a great group of supportive friends and family, yet feel like I need to have a network of people that can better relate to and share experiences about with living with MS.

I have had a lot of challenges in the employment arena....I was laid off from my full time job when the workload was slowing down and I was the obvious first choice with my not-so-great attendance (absences due to a ton of dr appts. and MS symptoms). Yes, I know legally an employer cannot let me go because I have MS but he knew I needed a job with medical insurance (which he could not offer) as once the divorce was final I would be uninsured (and not qualified for Cobra). I do not hold any hard feelings toward that employer. After being on unemployment for 6 months I was offered another job (still no medical) and had no choice but to accept it. I relocated as the commute was too brutal (nearly 3 hrs a day) and now find myself unemployed again (this time nothing to do with the illness). I was forced to join the WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) and now face a $1500 deductable. So now I am stressed about the

cost of my Copaxone, doctor visits etc.

I am able to work a full time job but it takes everything I have energy-wise. I am completely wiped out by the time the work day is over. I am grateful though to face exhaustion over the extreme vertigo I endure during full blow attacks. I am happy to say I have not had a full-blown episode since June '09. I began taking daily injections of Copaxone in Sept '09. I am hoping to be a candidate to switch to the new oral med as I have injection reaction (severe pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising) from the shots. I chose a daliy injection over a weekly as I did not want to endure flu-like symptoms on the only days I wasn't working. While the daily shot leaves me in pain for 15-45 minutes, I can schedule around it and maintain some quality of life on the days I am not working (obviously right now it isn't a factor, but it is when I am working full time).

Thanks for welcoming me to the group! I am eager to learn more about how others have been affected and how they continue to live life fully with this disease.

-deanna

To: Group <mserslife >Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 11:51:12 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER --dswentz

Comment from new member dswentz:I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at 44. Would love getting to know othersthat are living w/MS. Employment/health insurance issues are my biggestchallenges.

Group: please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest member here at MSersLife!

I know we all look forward to getting to know our new member here on the group! dswentz:Please feel free to send an introduction as soon as you wish, ask any questions you want, share your experiences with all of us and just jump into the conversations!

Sharon (group creator/owner)This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Thats what I told her about her doc, Love

Subject: Re: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentzTo: MSersLife Date: Monday, October 18, 2010, 2:45 PM

Welcome Deanna!We have another member from WA, too. Have you contacted Copaxone to see if they have a drug assistance program you would qualify for? We just recently had info posted here on the group about the HIGH cost of the new oral drug. It's going to be much higher than the current CRAB-T drugs. I was diagnosed at age 47 and was told by one doc that I was "too old" for MS. What the heck??? lol Unfortunately he was wrong;)Do you take anything for the fatigue? There are drugs available but they all have their drawbacks, of course. I have been on several of the anti-fatigue drugs but now I'm on none. I am able to manage my fatigue mostly without drugs. But then I no longer work so that makes a difference.I'm glad you found us!hugs

SharonThis email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

To: MSersLife Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 12:19:20 PMSubject: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

My name is Deanna and I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at age 44. Two weeks before my diagnoses, my husband decided he no longer wanterd to be married, so it was a rough time to say the least. I feel blessed to have a great group of supportive friends and family, yet feel like I need to have a network of people that can better relate to and share experiences about with living with MS.

I have had a lot of challenges in the employment arena....I was laid off from my full time job when the workload was slowing down and I was the obvious first choice with my not-so-great attendance (absences due to a ton of dr appts. and MS symptoms). Yes, I know legally an employer cannot let me go because I have MS but he knew I needed a job with medical insurance (which he could not offer) as once the divorce was final I would be uninsured (and not qualified for Cobra). I do not hold any hard feelings toward that employer. After being on unemployment for 6 months I was offered another job (still no medical) and had no choice but to accept it. I relocated as the commute was too brutal (nearly 3 hrs a day) and now find myself unemployed again (this time nothing to do with the illness). I was forced to join the WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) and now face a $1500 deductable. So now I am stressed about the

cost of my Copaxone, doctor visits etc.

I am able to work a full time job but it takes everything I have energy-wise. I am completely wiped out by the time the work day is over. I am grateful though to face exhaustion over the extreme vertigo I endure during full blow attacks. I am happy to say I have not had a full-blown episode since June '09. I began taking daily injections of Copaxone in Sept '09. I am hoping to be a candidate to switch to the new oral med as I have injection reaction (severe pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising) from the shots. I chose a daliy injection over a weekly as I did not want to endure flu-like symptoms on the only days I wasn't working. While the daily shot leaves me in pain for 15-45 minutes, I can schedule around it and maintain some quality of life on the days I am not working (obviously right now it isn't a factor, but it is when I am working full time).

Thanks for welcoming me to the group! I am eager to learn more about how others have been affected and how they continue to live life fully with this disease.

-deanna

To: Group <mserslife >Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 11:51:12 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER --dswentz

Comment from new member dswentz:I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at 44. Would love getting to know othersthat are living w/MS. Employment/health insurance issues are my biggestchallenges.

Group: please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest member here at MSersLife!

I know we all look forward to getting to know our new member here on the group! dswentz:Please feel free to send an introduction as soon as you wish, ask any questions you want, share your experiences with all of us and just jump into the conversations!

Sharon (group creator/owner)This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]

Welcome to the group, Deanna. I love your name.Do you have any children?I think that's just awful timing that your husband had. :0(So sorry for that.Working can be quite difficult, especially with the type ofcrushing fatigue we can have.I too, am on Copaxone, and I don't know what I'd do ifmy husband's insurance didn't cover it. I am in the throesof seriously considering divorce, and am freaking out ifI won't be covered under his insurance anymore...but Idigress..Have you applied for disability? My understanding, at leastin NY, is that you can receive disability payments and stillmake up to $1000 a month working. Not sure if that wouldpay your bills or not, but $1000 might just be some part timework or such, depending on what type job, and hourly

rateand all.Just a thought.Well, it's good to have you here, though of course we wish youdidn't NEED to be here.Keep posting and letting us know all about you.hugs, KateTo: MSersLife Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 3:19:20 PMSubject: NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

My name is Deanna and I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at age 44. Two weeks before my diagnoses, my husband decided he no longer wanterd to be married, so it was a rough time to say the least. I feel blessed to have a great group of supportive friends and family, yet feel like I need to have a network of people that can better relate to and share experiences about with living with MS.

I have had a lot of challenges in the employment arena....I was laid off from my full time job when the workload was slowing down and I was the obvious first choice with my not-so-great attendance (absences due to a ton of dr appts. and MS symptoms). Yes, I know legally an employer cannot let me go because I have MS but he knew I needed a job with medical insurance (which he could not offer) as once the divorce was final I would be uninsured (and not qualified for Cobra). I do not hold any hard feelings toward that employer. After being on unemployment for 6 months I was offered another job (still no medical) and had no choice but to accept it. I relocated as the commute was too brutal (nearly 3 hrs a day) and now find myself unemployed again (this time nothing to do with the illness). I was forced to join the WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) and now face a $1500 deductable. So now I am stressed about the

cost of my Copaxone, doctor visits etc.

I am able to work a full time job but it takes everything I have energy-wise. I am completely wiped out by the time the work day is over. I am grateful though to face exhaustion over the extreme vertigo I endure during full blow attacks. I am happy to say I have not had a full-blown episode since June '09. I began taking daily injections of Copaxone in Sept '09. I am hoping to be a candidate to switch to the new oral med as I have injection reaction (severe pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising) from the shots. I chose a daliy injection over a weekly as I did not want to endure flu-like symptoms on the only days I wasn't working. While the daily shot leaves me in pain for 15-45 minutes, I can schedule around it and maintain some quality of life on the days I am not working (obviously right now it isn't a factor, but it is when I am working full time).

Thanks for welcoming me to the group! I am eager to learn more about how others have been affected and how they continue to live life fully with this disease.

-deanna

To: Group <mserslife >Sent: Mon, October 18, 2010 11:51:12 AMSubject: NEW MEMBER --dswentz

Comment from new member dswentz:I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at 44. Would love getting to know othersthat are living w/MS. Employment/health insurance issues are my biggestchallenges.

Group: please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest member here at MSersLife!

I know we all look forward to getting to know our new member here on the group! dswentz:Please feel free to send an introduction as soon as you wish, ask any questions you want, share your experiences with all of us and just jump into the conversations!

Sharon (group creator/owner)This email is a natural hand made product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.

[Guest guest]



Hello Deanna

I am jen hunter in Ontario Canada....I am sorry your husband left you. May I ask, was it because of how you were feeling even before your diagnosis, or was it something else altogether? The reason I ask is because my hubby, Wayne , has been super supportive through it all, but I feel like eventually he may give up on me, or think it's too hard to live with me, or have to support me in time, you know? This terrifies me.

I understand what you mean about work, I'll work a day,t hen have to call in sick for a bunch of them, and now it's the ongoing dr's appts as well...( i am in nursing). I am very sorry to hear how much you are struggling

Jen H

NEW MEMBER introduction --dswentz

My name is Deanna and I was diagnosed 1.5 yrs ago at age 44. Two weeks before my diagnoses, my husband decided he no longer wanterd to be married, so it was a rough time to say the least. I feel blessed to have a great group of supportive friends and family, yet feel like I need to have a network of people that can better relate to and share experiences about with living with MS.

I have had a lot of challenges in the employment arena....I was laid off from my full time job when the workload was slowing down and I was the obvious first choice with my not-so-great attendance (absences due to a ton of dr appts. and MS symptoms). Yes, I know legally an employer cannot let me go because I have MS but he knew I needed a job with medical insurance (which he could not offer) as once the divorce was final I would be uninsured (and not qualified for Cobra). I do not hold any hard feelings toward that employer. After being on unemployment for 6 months I was offered another job (still no medical) and had no choice but to accept it. I relocated as the commute was too brutal (nearly 3 hrs a day) and now find myself unemployed again (this time nothing to do with the illness). I was forced to join the WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) and now face a $1500 deductable. So now I am stressed about the cost of my Copaxone, doctor visits etc.

I am able to work a full time job but it takes everything I have energy-wise. I am completely wiped out by the time the work day is over. I am grateful though to face exhaustion over the extreme vertigo I endure during full blow attacks. I am happy to say I have not had a full-blown episode since June '09. I began taking daily injections of Copaxone in Sept '09. I am hoping to be a candidate to switch to the new oral med as I have injection reaction (severe pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising) from the shots. I chose a daliy injection over a weekly as I did not want to endure flu-like symptoms on the only days I wasn't working. While the daily shot leaves me in pain for 15-45 minutes, I can schedule around it and maintain some quality of life on the days I am not working (obviously right now it isn't a factor, but it is when I am working full time).

Thanks for welcoming me to the group! I am eager to learn more about how others have been affected and how they continue to live life fully with this disease.

-deanna