All I Want for Christmas is a Cure!!!

WOW I suck at writing this!!! haha I guess I need to try harder, but when I feel good I like to utilize that time and when I'm not feeling good I seem to stay in bed/sit in my oh so comfy chair and not do anything. So here's a quick update from the last time... I had my first set of Botox shots at the end of October, it seemed to help somewhat, but definitely NOT the miracle I was hoping and praying for. It's gotten worse as time goes by, but with the crazy Louisiana weather each time a cold from moves through I feel miserable! 


But, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but it could also be a another train. At this point I've learned to not put all my eggs in a basket. It's easier to be pleasantly surprised rather than blind sided by effects I wasn't expecting. Yesterday I had another appointment with my pain doctor, which I feel is FINALLY moved in the right direction. I got a steroid injection in my back, so far it's helping some BUT again, I'm not putting ALL my faith in it. I also got pain medicine to help and an appointment with a Muscular doctor at the end of the month. Round 2 of Botox is also supposed to be done in February. I just hope that something gets better and changes soon! 


Some really EXCITING news, our first golf tournament was a success! So far we have raised over $3,000 the only downside is writing Thank You notes to everyone who helped/donated. I try to make each thank you note special and fun, but after writing 20 I was running out of new phrases to use. But, that's definitely a good type of problem.


Right now it's crazy to think that in less than two weeks is my birthday which also means it's been a year since I graduated from LSU and still am not able to get a job! While it's been nice to have a year of little/no stress and being able to focus on me and my health, I know long term I need a job and means to support myself. I keep saying when I get better I'll start looking more, but the reality is I have NO IDEA how long it will essentially take to get to that point. 


I've been studying for the GRE on/off but have yet to reschedule the test, I think I got super nervous because it's intimidating and there are certain parts that I haven't dealt with since high school! Plus, I'm still on the fence about what I want to study because EVERYONE has an opinion, but looking back sometimes when I follow their advice I sometimes regret it later. Although, I've become a firm believer that everything has a reason and purpose. 


Looking back through all of this pain and hardship, I have been dealt some pretty good outcomes too. I am (as funny as this sounds) greatful that the first doctor I went to was a complete ass hole! If he had been effective and helped me, I have NO IDEA how long I would have gone without being diagnosed. While it's not the most ideal situation, at the end of the day I am glad I was able to start the medicine instead of it continually getting worse. Also, for insurance purposes it was a blessing in disguise that it took my 4.5 years to graduate from LSU because of the Obama law and allowing me to stay on my dad's insurance. Right now I'm so blessed to have great insurance, so many people don't and having a disease like MS can get very expensive with the continual MRIs, medicine, and other needs that need special attention. While I can't say I'm thankful for my health, I can say that in such a bad situation I have had a "good" experience. I find it's good for me when I step back and think of all the good things have come from this and I also know who my close friends/family are via their support. 


That's it for now. I'll TRY to continue to keep updating, I have two more doctor's appointments this month, the one I've crossed off went well, so we just need to keep up the momentum!


Tara