With Progressive MS, there is not a moment free from the thought and feel of MS. Pretty scary? This series of articles started with an explanation of the different types of MS and then continued by expanding on Progressive MS. Some of the information paints a bleak picture, but let me add a personal touch that should make it less scary.

Here are stories from people living with Progressive MS, including me, meant to enhance the picture of Progressive MS with a focus on the human side. My sincere thanks and appreciation to the contributors: David Madison, Beverley Rothstein, Denise Walbrugh and Michael B. Gerber. Each of these stories shows there can still be positive quality of life through diagnosis, symptoms and daily life with Progressive MS.

There is probably something in these five stories that sounds familiar to every MSer. Diagnosis that takes a number of frustrating months or years episodes and tests preceding the introduction of MS is similar for all of us. Every MSer knows that feeling...and fear...before the mind-blowing pronouncement. Michael B. Gerber says, "Imagine waking up one day and realizing that your life, every aspect of it, is forever changed." Every MSer knows that feeling. Those of us living with a progressive disease course see that initial change evolve into gradual degeneration toward disability. I'll begin with my story.

Vicki
When I was first diagnosed, I felt relief because all of my symptoms finally had a name. Facing the unknown is more frightening than facing MS. I quickly learned that I had a lot to learn.

I went through grief stages. I did not think it would change my life as much as it did. I bargained with myself; "I'll rest more tomorrow if I get through today." I'm sad for things that will never be, but my acceptance brings an inner peace, helping me make new pathways. All of these feelings revisit now and again.

Soon after I eased into Secondary Progressive MS, I moved in with my my friend and sweetheart who soon became my caregiver. I consider myself lucky because my boys were not babies and my sweetheart is committed to my care. I'm grateful for opportunities and adventures yet to be.

Symptoms
Over the last 20 years, I have had the following symptoms, some have come and gone and come back again, others are always with me: Balance issues, Bladder problems, Blurry vision, Double vision (diplopia),Bowel problems, Constipation, Burning sensation in feet, Depression, Emotional lability, Excessive daytime sleepiness (somnolence), Fatigue, Foot drop, Heat and cold sensitivity, Heavy sensation in legs, Lack of muscular coordination (ataxia), Night-time leg spasms -- and sometimes daytime, too, Numbness, Tingling, Pins & needles (paresthesia), Optic neuritis (inflammation of optic nerve), Severe Osteoporosis, Pain, Restless leg syndrome, Stiffness/spasticity, Swelling in hands and feet, Tremors, Trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux), Uhthoff's phenomenon, Walking difficulty without aid and now totally non-ambulatory, Weakness, Paralysis, No function on right side.