I have MS. The MRI results I was waiting for didn’t have great news. My symptoms are mild, but will start meds in a few weeks. Have to decide what kind of medicine I want to inject myself with daily. My emotions have been all over the place ranging from tears to bravery to terror… but I think I will be able to be brave about this soon. Just need to get my head around the whole thing.
Believe it or not while in hospital I finished three books, 2 Dear Jane blocks and a SOCK, lol! Will do a post about my hospital finishes soon.
I plan on keeping doing as much as I can that I have always done, maybe just not the salsa dancing for a while, lol!!
Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!
Celtic Knots 
March 4, 2009 at 7:04 pm
One of good friends has MS. She has a blog here (http://cottoncreeksewing.blogspot.com/). I am sure she would be happy to talk to you if you need someone to ask questions of. She was diagnosed over 10 years ago and has mild symptoms. She does take a weekly injection of something and recently switched meds. I’m really sorry to hear this but I know you will find a good support group to help answer your questions!
March 4, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Hang in there! I will keep you in my prayers.
Kristie
March 4, 2009 at 8:17 pm
It’s official, then? Wow, Cathi. If you need a shoulder to lean on or cry on or even hit (long distance!), here I am.
March 4, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Oh Cathi, I’m so sorry. I follow a blog, http://www.scrapsandthreadtales.blogspot.com and she has MS. I’m sure she would answer any questions for you.
March 4, 2009 at 9:31 pm
So sorry to hear this.
March 4, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Oh my, Cathi, so sorry to read this. We are all pulling for you. Karendianne who has a blog has had it for years. I’ll email you a link to her blog. Connie W
March 4, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Im so sorry to hear this news. I hope you are ok
March 4, 2009 at 10:00 pm
This is such a difficult time for you, I’m certain but I can say after 15 years with MS that you can be assured you WILL be doing just what you want to do. You work is beautiful and it’s meant to continue and to shine. Life is unpredictable with MS but it’s not undone. It’s a rough go! sometimes but everyone is different and you can rest in that. You only need listen to your body and your dreams and your desires. And know that there is a world here holding you close and understanding and we’ll be here always!!!!
March 4, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Having worked with my first cousin who had MS, I know your life is what you make of it. You can be as happy, productive and positive as you have been all along. I will keep you on my prayer list during this difficult transition in your life.
March 4, 2009 at 11:10 pm
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I have a friend with MS as well, she too had trouble getting her head around it but is doing well so far. You will as well! May the cure be found soon! Blessed Be!
March 4, 2009 at 11:55 pm
So sorry to hear your news and I know this is a difficult time for you. The thoughts and prayers of lots of people are with you.
March 4, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Oh Cathi I am so sorry to hear. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
March 5, 2009 at 12:05 am
My husband’s grandmother was diagnosed in the 70’s I believe and she did wonderfully despite it. Think of all the great advancements that have been made ……. you’ll be fine and you know you have so many supporting you.
Hugs!
March 5, 2009 at 1:33 am
I’m so sorry to hear that you have MS. I’m sure there are many support groups out there. I was at a wedding 2 years ago and talked to this man who has MS He was a police officer and he had heard that people who had MS usually worked in extreme heat conditions like running after a perp with 35 pounds of gear on your belt. Where this wedding was at, there was no a/c and it was very humid and he found it unbearable due to his MS. He also talked about vitamin therapy. He looked pretty healthy to me. I guess it pays to listen to all the advice and to keep an open mind when dealing with your illness. Also there is this girl on my old mail route that has MS and she was going to Wave therapy-you stand on this plates and it vibrates and somehow you get a workout. Hockey players and other pro teams use it. What works for some might not work for others. I hope you are not letting this get you down. I read all your comments and there sure are a lot of women out there with it. Sorry for the long comment. In my thoughts and prayers.
March 5, 2009 at 1:42 am
Our minds have a lot to do with the course of our medical illnesses. Stress management will have a lot to do with your course in the future, as stress clearly exacerbates MS.
Sending good vibes and heartfelt wishes your way!
March 5, 2009 at 2:04 am
Hey Cath:
Sure, the diagnosis is a shocker and it is not unusual that you have many emotions to deal with just right now. While there are some basic things common to all cases of MS how they play out is different in nearly every case. I know several folks with MS and how each is affected is different. For the most part folks are able to pretty much soldier on with their lives with some minor adjustments. Learning to inject yourself with the medication is generally not much of a problem. I don’t have MS but do take an injectible,Embrel, for psoriasis/arthritis. Rose takes one for MS. There are several and you will probably start with one and if that seems to do good for you, stay with that. If not, will be switched to another. Am sure your Aunt Rose can tell you better than I. Don’t let it get you down. There are worse things you could have to deal with.
March 5, 2009 at 2:07 am
goodluck……..many things for you to cope with at the moment………..was the numb leg your only symptom??
March 5, 2009 at 2:43 am
You’re in my thoughts.
March 5, 2009 at 3:40 am
o man!!! I am sending you a cross atlantic hug!
March 5, 2009 at 3:52 am
I’m sorry…{{{{HUGS}}}} I wish I had something constructive to say to you, but I don’t really know anything about MS. Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and hope that you are okay.
March 5, 2009 at 4:14 am
ever since you emailed me the other day and told me this, you & your family have been more in my thoughts and prayers.
know that even though i am across the pond, i’m here for support.
SUPER big, huge hugs to you!!!
and i can’t wait to see your hospital porjects.
March 5, 2009 at 4:15 am
You are in my thoughts and prayers for the best possible outcome, and for the doctors to be at their very best. From reading the other comments, it seems there is much to be hopeful about.
March 5, 2009 at 4:42 am
Cathi, my thoughts and prayer are with you! I know your a lady who will continue to amaze us with your talent and smile. Cross your arms in front of you and know that our hugs are there. I will continue reading your blog and hope to hear good reports of your doings, Hugs, Marie
March 5, 2009 at 5:40 am
HI, Cathi…I am a new blogger; I have followed Kate North’s blog for some time…so delightful…and when she put your blog out there, I just had to respond! I would like to be one of the many who is thinking of you, praying for you. I don’t have a website but will continue following your blog.
March 5, 2009 at 8:51 am
Cathi – what a shock for you and yours – sending you huge hugs across the Irish Sea x x x
March 5, 2009 at 10:49 am
You have been in my thoughts and prayers since you emailed that they thought this was what it was. I am so sorry. Now you have a period of adjustment whilst you learn what limitations you may have, and they will change, but by and large, you should be able to carry on pretty much as you are, especially once the meds kick in for you. You are allowed a few moments of wallowing in self pity, that’s only natural, but you seem to be a strong person, and staying strong will see you through these next few months. You are blessed with a large number of blog friends who will be here for you through it all too, so keep smiling, keep strong and you’ll do ok hon.
March 5, 2009 at 12:11 pm
You have all my good thoughts. Really. I sadly know what is like. I can say (at last, so it has been for me) that you will have very dark days, specially in the beginning period, but after a while life will be able to sorprend you in many beautiful ways. Keep strong.
March 5, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Cathi, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
March 5, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I’m so sorry to hear that you have MS. Kate told me you were having tests. I’m sure it’s very scary to have gotten those results. However, I have a friend who has been living with MS for about 20 years. She has the kind that slowly keeps getting worse, but she still leads a good life – just not as physically active as she used to be. Of course, at her age (and mine) none of us are as physically active as we used to be! Hopefully, the medicine will help and soon you’ll be back into your regular routine with minor adjustments. Take care.
Kathy (Kate’s mom)
March 5, 2009 at 2:31 pm
My mom was diagnosed when I was in high school and my youngest sister was in elementary school. She has done Betaseron does every other day for about 15 years now, and has not had a major episode in that time. It can be a hard disease to live with, but the point is that you can live the life you want, you just might have to make minor adjustments.
March 5, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I’m so sorry Cathi. I wish you all the best.
March 5, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Oh Cathi, I’m so sorry to hear this. The good news is that I have several friends who have MS and they all seem fine. Sending you a big virtual hug.
March 5, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Hi, Cathi,
I am just another reader from Blogland who has been reading your blog and admiring your work. I haven’t sent you a comment before now but you have been in my prayers. I was eager to read your post today to see if you had any news on your diagnosis and of course I just read that you have ms. I have been praying for you and will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts. As many here have said, I too know women with ms and they are living full lives. I know you can do it too. You have your beautiful daughters to motivate you each day. And of course, you have all of us who blog to share the ups and downs. Thanks for sharing all of your life with us. Debbie
March 5, 2009 at 7:04 pm
So sorry to hear the news…I know it was the news you were hoping they would rule out.
Reading through the comments there are lots of people with MS living full lives and I’m sure that you will get the support both on and off line to deal with this.
(((Hugs)))
March 5, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Cathi,
I’m so sorry to hear the news about your health but know that many people live full lives with this and I’m sure that once the shock settles and you get into a routine with the meds that things will be looking up. I will keep you in my prayers and know that God will take care of it all, just let him do it.
Robin in Virginia USA
March 5, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Sending you lots of hugs and prayers across the sea. What a shock this must of been for you and your family. I will be thinking of you as you begin this new journey xxx
March 5, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Praying for you from Wisconsin, USA!
March 5, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Cathi,
I linked up from another blog and was so surprised to find it was you they were sending get well wishes to. I’m send all the good vibes and prayers I can to you and your family. Be well!
Kris from Holland
March 6, 2009 at 1:21 am
There’s not much else to say, but know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs to you, Cathi.
xoxoxo
March 6, 2009 at 3:54 am
I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this. 😦 I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
March 6, 2009 at 8:54 am
I don’t know if this helps you, but the Pacific NW is known as an epicenter of MS. There are just a lot of people here with that and similar things.
That was not my first thought though. I hope you know how many people care about what you are going through.
March 6, 2009 at 10:12 am
So sorry to hear of your ‘news’. be strong, in my thoughts. Sally
March 6, 2009 at 1:51 pm
I’m glad you got yourself to a doctor right off! Once you have a diagnosis – you can continue on from there, and you will! Education is a great weapon against fear. I’m sorry you are going through this.
March 6, 2009 at 3:26 pm
Think of you often. Wish it weren’t so but at least now you know something and you can move forward from here. And I know you will move forward from here with a positive attitude with a loving family behind you and obviously a LOT of friends supporting you.
March 6, 2009 at 10:00 pm
I am thinking of you in this difficult time. I hope everything will evolve the best possible way for you. Best wishes and take care.
March 6, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Cathi, I am so sorry to read your news. I am thinking of you and your family. Keep busy and creative as I am sure it will help you overcome the shock and make sure you let your emotions run as you need to. There is a huge network of people supporting you around the world, this is good news.
Love,
Celine
March 6, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Hi Cathi,
I’m not a poster, but found your blog through Leanne’s site and have dropped by often to see what you were sewing, doing, writing about. I will keep you in my prayers and will offer up your name tonight at my small group, to add to their daily prayers. I was relieved to read some of the comments, about people with MS who are thriving and sewing and laughing…and hoped you were, too. Blessings,
Lisa in Georgia
March 7, 2009 at 1:34 am
Oh, Cathi, I’m so sorry, please take care of yourself and rest as you need to. Some days fatigue will get the best of you and numbness/tingling is pretty much life. Oh wait, that’s my life! The doctors diagnosed me in 2005 at the ripe old age of 51, but they say I’ve had it a long time. Please, please feel free to email me if you have any questions for me.
Susi
March 7, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Sending good thoughts and hugs your way.
Chris
March 8, 2009 at 5:35 pm
I’m sorry to hear of your diagnosis. My thoughts are with you. Words are so inadequate at a time like this. I hope you are getting enough support from significant others enabling you to cope with this news. Don’t hide or suppress your emotions and feelings.
March 9, 2009 at 2:03 am
checking in and was sorry to hear your fear was confirmed. Lots of hugs and support to you-do the best you can-i know you have a lot of inner strength.
March 9, 2009 at 4:23 am
I was sorry to hear that your fears were confirmed. My friend Faith, at http://www.nutbudquilter.blogspot.com was also diagnosed recently. She lives in the UK. Maybe you can get in touch and offer some support to each other? She is super sweet! Good luck!! I will keep you in my prayers.
March 9, 2009 at 11:52 am
Hi Cathi
Pam directed me to you so here I am.
It is a big bombshell isnt it when you are diagnosed with MS… I was diagnosed last year around July and I went through all the emotions, fear, tears, frightened to death about the future and what was going to happen to my body and my partner family around me. You are not on your own, I have learned that to keep positive and happy is a winner in beating MS. If I went round the house saying to myself Ive got MS and Im going to feel the pain then whoosh the pain came on and I couldnt walk that day.
If I thought Bleep you MS you are not going to take over my life I found I was so much better. Im on copaxone injections which I have to have everynight.
You are welcome to talk to me email me anytime you like Id be delighted to hear from you, and thankyou Pam for directing me to Cathi :0) xxx
March 10, 2009 at 12:08 am
Hi Cathi I have been following Kate North’s blog and her trips to visit you and was shocked to hear about your diagnosis. You have some great messages of support and hope here and I’m sure you will be able to deal with this once you have all the information you need. I have a friend with MS and she is happy and enjoys her art and copes well. I’m sure, like CFS, it’s partly a question of listening to your body and not overdoing things (not easy when you have a young family, I know). I wish you a positive future and lots of support. Nil desperandum as they say! (I can send you the translation in full but it might offend if I write it here lol ;o))
March 10, 2009 at 9:59 am
i’m sad to hear this. you are in my thoughts and i hope that you quickly find what works best for you.
March 10, 2009 at 10:39 am
Sending you big consoling hugs.
March 10, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Just heard about this on Kate’s blog. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
March 11, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Cathi, I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis of MS. I hope the medication will be able to help. If you ever need to vent, please don’t hesitate. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs, too.
March 12, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Oh, Cathi…I’m sorry that the news was not good news…Dealing with a new diagnosis can take you all over the place, that is normal. Let yourself go. Sometimes we have to go all the way to the bottom before we get back to the top again. :o) Please let us know how it goes with the medication and everything. I hope the medication will help. I hope you find local support when/if you need it. I know your family are rallying around you at this time. Know that all of us out here are too. Sending healing and happy prayers your way, and to your family. ((love & hugs))
April 24, 2009 at 8:51 am
Hi Cathi,
I’m rather late in seeing this, been catching up on blogs. So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I don’t really know anything about MS. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope that your treatment goes well. Take care, Kristin