Information and opinions on health from karen at HealthCentral.com. HealthCentral.com is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/193730/index http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/193730/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/profiles/c/193730/index http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/129669/work Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:01:18 -0500 karen Hi.. I would love some input from some other MSer's. I am trying to make a decision work related(close to double the hours!) Im not sure if this is a good idea or a big mistake. So what I would love to know is.....Do you work? If so How many hours? Do you feel working helps or hurts your condition? Thanks so much for your time http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/129669/work http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/116277/yard Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:03:12 -0400 karen I have tried many different times this summer to do some yard work and I gotta say it sucks. I used to beable to do yard work (pre MS days) in the heat and it didnt really bother me. I get so frustrated now b/c my body just wont let me go out and work in the Summer weather! I feel bad b/c my husband and kids are out there doing it and I feel like they think im lazy. I know my husband doesnt understand b/c he gets mad if i go out and start a... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/116277/yard http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/113596/work Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:28:44 -0400 karen I am battling the decision of wether I should keep working or not, would love some advice. I was dx'd with MS about a year and a half ago. I take Copazone and do fairly well. My main symptoms now are numbness in my arms and legs and alot of pain in my legs. Also, I get so tired!!!! If I overdo it all these things are worse. I work as a dental assistant 3 days a week and feel lately like this is taking most of all I have to give. The days I work... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/113596/work http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/112802/life Fri, 28 May 2010 22:05:36 -0400 karen Im confused.... I have read that MS does not shorten my life span, but when I tried to get life insurance I was denied because I have MS. Does anyone understand this? Have you had a problem getting life insurance too? http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/112802/life http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/109265/tired Wed, 14 Apr 2010 16:33:43 -0400 karen It is beautiful out but I have been so tired and not motivated all day. Today is my day off, I work 3 days a week still. So today is the day I have soooo much to get caught up on.. I started out great, got the kids on the bus, met my friends for an hour walk...than bam I was too tired to do anything. I took an hour nap thinking Id get up and get busy after. No such luck! Got up and slowly did a few things around the house and I decided not... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/109265/tired http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/108326/weeks Sat, 03 Apr 2010 16:01:09 -0400 karen Somedays I can get by feeling pretty normal and almost forget I have MS. This week has been a horrible one and I remember every minute I have it. IM not sure whats going on wether I am getting worse or wether this will pass. I worked three days this week at my job and just barely made it through. Came home from work and had to sleep. I feel so guilty to have to do that b/c I have 2 kids and a husband to take care of. This then makes me... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/108326/weeks http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/106608/hello Thu, 18 Mar 2010 18:36:38 -0400 karen I havent been on her for at least a few months. Trying to forget I have MS i guess. No really just been busy with work and kids and husband, etc. etc. Its been a little over a year since Ive been dx'd. I am doing pretty well I think. I have found that copaxone is working for me as no new lesions on my recent MRI. I have only had one significant relapse that required steriod infusions. Other then that just bouts of numbness and of course being... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/106608/hello http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/88162/ms-flu Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:42:40 -0400 karen Just wondered what your thoughts were on MS and the flu shot....Is it safe to get when you have MS. Is anyone planning to get the swine flu shot? Im debating, it but with all the unknowns about it im scared. Having MS and to think of other complications makes me nervous. Also a question about MS.... I have heard that our immune systems are weakened. Does anyone know if this is true? I guess im concerned b/c it seems like those who have died... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/88162/ms-flu http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/87324/med Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:16:05 -0400 karen At my neorologist appointment yesterday I was placed on Gabapentin for the pain in my legs. I have only taken two pills, but am hoping it will help! Anyone have any luck with this medication? We discussed constant fatique but she said they dont like to treat that with meds in less it is absolutely neccessary. I dont know, I guess I will just have to keep dealing with that one. Somedays are better then others and I just pray that it gets better... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/87324/med http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/79346/start Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:45:26 -0400 karen I started Copaxone on Wed. and all I can say is OUCH!!! The initial shot is ok but about 2 minutes after it burns so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It even hurts a little the next day at the injection site. I actually couldnt even bring myself to take it the last 2 nights. I am disappointed in myself and feel like Im being a baby. Im thinking "how can I do this EVERY day" I am tempted to just let it go with no meds and see what happens But that is scary too.... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/193730/79346/start