The Beginning 2007 Report...Because I KNOW You Care!...

     So...I took a deep breath and lept (or limped) into 2007 today.  It's funny how day ONE of 2007 really didn't seem all that different than 2006...I guess it's all just a matter of perspective.  Well, that and now retraining myself to put "07" on every document and detail of my life!

     I ran the usual new year diagnostic report on the ol' bod today because my "check engine" light has been flashing at me for quite some time...I tend to ignore this in my car unfortunately also.  After all, the light just says to CHECK the engine...it doesn't command me to DO anything about it!

     So, body/mind/soul scan went something like this:

     I'm still having bouts of vertigo/dizziness when looking to the right or up above my head, albeit improved from two weeks ago.  I DO wish this would remit or relent any day now...it has worn out its welcome.

     Nausea...it's much improved...as long as I don't look up or to the right!  Or ride in elevators or cars or anything that has too much motion...but other than that, it's been pretty manageable.

     I just finished a 10 day course of antibiotics for my FUO (fever of unknown origin)...fever has remained in the afternoons and evenings in spite of my best intentions.  Interestingly enough however, TONIGHT was the first evening I have NOT run a fever in well over 2-3 weeks!  I assume this may be a "white coat" response as I am scheduled to see the Ear/Nose/Throat specialist tomorrow that Dr. She Who Will Not Be Named has insisted I go see...you know how we ALL seem to get better moments before we go in to see the doctor?!?  Whatever...I have just been elated to NOT have the worsening of afternoon/evening symptoms today that seem to accompany the fever!

     Left leg...still my nemesis.  I try to treat it with "kindness", but it doesn't seem to want to compromise with MY needs...like walking, etc.  I continue to have what my physical therapist has called, "sensory issues" in my foot and ankle, causing an "interesting" gait issue.  I like to refer to it as my "drunken sailor" walk...every few steps my brain FORGETS to tell my foot to pick up, causing a drag or stumble move...it's really quite charming!  If you're one of Jerry's kids, that is.  Add on the sensation I have of feeling like I might have a "charlie horse" cramp at any moment (and sometimes do) and my "nemesis" becomes center stage.

     Fatigue...well, I suppose I shouldn't complain about this one now, should I?!?  After all, Dr. SWWNBN and nearly everyone else in my life has told me to "take it easy", "go back into work slowly", blahty blahty blah...maybe while I'm at the ENT doctor tomorrow he can figure out why I have so much trouble LISTENING!  Suffice it to say, I'm pretty much dog-assed tired right now...but the good news is, I am SO exhausted by the time I have gone to bed, I AM sleeping like a comatose patient (always trying to see the silver lining!).

     Left-sided occipital/neck/shoulder pain...well, it's still there and hasn't changed much.  It hasn't seemed as bad tonight without the fever, however.  I just wish I didn't have it as it really is a PAIN IN THE NECK!

     Bilateral phlebitis...hmmm.  Still have it in my arms, although not as painful.  I cannot for the life of me figure out why THIS is lasting so long, but I assume it will go away on its own...eventually...some day...soon.

     My immune system as a whole...I can only assume it's completely out of wack, what with all the Tysabri, steroids, drugs, IVIg, antibiotics, etc.  Time will certainly tell on this issue as well.  I'm not really at all certain what the "game plan" is for any future treatment for me...I was a bit out of it when all this was discussed and "cussed" while I was in the hospital.  The last "plan" I recall was to do monthly IV steroids while my system "washes out" the Tysabri for 3 months...then, I was to enter the "R2D2" drug study (FTY720?...I've forgotten the drug call numbers already!!!).  But there WAS that talk of Novantrone while I was in the hospital...I think I may have even talked with another of Dr. SWWNBN patients via phone while there (I'm sure if I DID, it was something SHE set up and NOT me randomly dialing!).  My past month of life just feels a blur...I will see the good doctor next week to discuss what's on the table.

     My mind...my "mood" is definitely improved having gone back to work and prying my arse off the sofa!  Having somewhere to go has certainly lifted my spirits...which, I don't know about you, but for me this is a BIG part of the MS battle!  As long as I "think" I can, I can.

     My spirit...it's been a bit battered these past 6-8 weeks.  Fortunately, not unlike a Timex watch, it can "take a licking and keep on ticking"...it is, after all, the ONE part of my being already preprogrammed to run as it should, IN SPITE of my mind/body interference!

     So, there's the beginning 2007 report card as I know it to be in this moment.  I'm sure you've all been anxiously awaiting to hear this...LOL.  I document it here (as I say in jest) because this is the place I DO document my every hiccup...and, maybe somehow the information will be useful to someone else wondering about their own symptoms or concerns.  I recall how important it was for me to FINALLY find another MSer who experienced pain as their primary symptom...it made me feel like I was a part of the "club" and gave me some confirmation I was NOT alone.  Pretty unfortunate way to bond, however...