I am retiring from DU!

[caledesi]

At least I can read the msgs. but I won't be posting (too much trouble with my health problems).

I don't think anyone knows what is really wrong...it's neurological that's for sure..can't walk, speech is slurred..memory has always been stellar and still is. Ditto with cognition. I'll take their misdiagnosis of Advanced MS.

I have usually kept my opinions to myself anyway ...no huge loss!

Alicia aka caledesi

[hlthe2b]

1. So very sorry to hear of your health problems...

I hope you continue to seek diagnostic opinions.... It would be tragic to find something was missed that might afford you some relief.
All the best, caledesi...

[Faux pas]

2. Sorry for your troubles.

I'm sure your opinions will be missed.

[FSogol]

3. I hear the gold watch they give out to retirees is really sweet.

Good luck.

[Jazzgirl]

95. I picked my retirement gift.

A nice Cuisinart coffee maker with the burr grinder. Love it.

[Uncle Joe]

4. Peace, strength and healing to you, Alicia.

[11 Bravo]

5. Be well. I will keep you in my thoughts.

[riqster]

6. Best of luck to you!

[madokie]

7. I'm sorry to hear this

Hope the best for you Alicia.
If you can still type and with a good memory this might just be the best thing for you to stay here and get more involved. Help to take your mind off the other things. :hugs;

[WillyT]

8. (((((((caledesi)))))))

Peace...

[misterhighwasted]

9. Very best to you.

We'll leave the welcome mat out for you, should you feel well enough to post here again.

[TwilightGardener]

10. That's too bad--I wish you luck and better health.

[Electric Monk]

11. I think there is a way to change the dafault font size

[bigtree]

12. DU will be fine

. . . so sorry to hear about your health problems.

You've been a very supportive poster (and reader).

Take care of yourself!

[malaise]

13. So sorry to hear you're having health problems

[CrispyQ]

14. I'm so sorry to hear this!

I was diagnosed with MS 30 years ago. I went to a second doctor for the severe pain in my back. Her diagnosis was a B12 deficiency. When I told the first doctor, he scoffed & questioned where she got her medical degree, but that's what it was. I was off work for 6 months & in a wheel chair for 3 of them. I think a lot of things look like MS. Sending positive vibes your way & hoping they can figure out what ails you.

[PatSeg]

20. Wow, I didn't know that

How scary that must have been.

My ex-husband was diagnosed with MS 20 years ago and he's managed to stay relatively active without medication. He's slowed down a lot, but he has a lot of will power, not to mention many animals who depend on him.

[CrispyQ]

80. I have a friend who's had it for 10 years & is also pretty active.

Another friend was diagnosed eight years ago, but it wasn't MS, but I don't recall what it was. I just remember "House" & how often the diagnosis was the biggest hurdle.

Good to see you!

[PatSeg]

89. My ex found out when he was injured

on the job (paramedic). Who knows how long he had it. The way he's going he will no doubt die of old age!

Good to see you too! I don't come over here quite as often, but there has been so much going on lately, I needed to keep up. Nice to know there are still some familiar faces here. Noticed quite a bit of organized trolling though, not like the old days where it was mostly the crazies.

[hedgehog]

15. Oh my - I wish I could help!

[Jefferson23]

16. So very sorry to hear..hope there is a better result coming your way. Best of luck to you. n/t

[lovemydog]

17. Take care Alicia

[PatSeg]

18. That's such a shame

though DU might not always be good for one's health!

I hope things get better for you.

[Paladin]

19. Hang in there. (nt)

[LiberalAndProud]

21. (((Alicia)))

Sometimes a cyberhug is the best I can do. Wishing good things for you.

[AverageJoe90]

22. So sorry you've been having trouble, Alicia.

I only hope that things get better for you someday.

[reflection]

23. .

If you find yourself in the middle of a good, lucid day and have some time to spare please keep us updated. Much love and take care.

[BrotherIvan]

24. I hope you rest and take care of yourself

I'm just going to give some information on B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia in case you haven't been checked. The symptoms are what you describe and it is sometimes misdiagnosed as possibly MS. If your doctor hasn't tested you, DEMAND it as many doctors no longer do. It is a simple test and the treatment (shots from the doctor or self-administered) is very inexpensive and easy. You should be optimal, not at the low-normal end.

Here is a blog post by a scientific researcher, but a much better resource is a book called Could it be B12? written by a nurse and backed up with lots of scientific information (so it isn't woo).

http://chriskresser.com/b12-deficiency-a-silent-epidemic-with-serious-consequences

I won't give the anecdotal personal stories of someone I know, but it is definitely worth checking out. If you normally avoid meat, organ meat (such as liver) or have ever been diagnosed as anemic, it might be something to look into.

[steve2470]

25. all my best wishes to you

[potone]

26. I am sorry to hear that.

As someone who suffers from a couple of chronic health conditions--but none anywhere near as serious as what you are describing--I sympathize. I have no medical expertise, but I am seeing a naturopath who has helped me a great deal through acupuncture. I would say that if you can find a good naturopath, it might be worth trying.

[ReRe]

27. So sorry Alicia...

... get a second or third diagnosis. In the mean time, we will hold down the fort for you. Hoping you can find a Doctor who will help bring your quality of life back.

[irisblue]

28. best wishes Alicia

[raging moderate]

29. I am so sorry to hear about your illness! Take good care of yourself!

So glad you spoke up. This way, we will know that you are really still here with us.

[sinkingfeeling]

30. Sorry.

[hifiguy]

31. To paraphrase Garrison Keillor

Get well, do good work, and keep in touch. Good vibes headed your way.

[arikara]

32. I'm sorry about your health problems

Here's a free e-book that might help you. There is good information even if it isn't MS. I second going for acupuncture however make sure you do a bit of checking around to find a good one as like family doctors there are some better than others. Mine is a Dr of Chinese Medicine and practices Japanese style of acupuncture, and she is amazing.

http://www.hdfoster.com/publications

[Sheepshank]

33. I am sorry about the gross health issues

I wish you luck on your journey...but even moreso, a final good and correct diagnosis.

[countryjake]

34. Hugs to you, Alicia

Sending good vibes down your way that you'll be able to beat this and heal.

My dear former Mother-in-law had to deal with the cruelty of MS and misdiagnoses and a multitude of doctors trying to figure out what could be wrong. At one point she told me that her therapists were always on her case about holding her head up, literally. Her favorite response, the best comeback she had, was, "It's the thought that counts!"

Your voice here will be missed.

[hfojvt]

35. Help stop MS

Somebody wrote this story into Reader's Digest

A woman was sitting at a table in front of a banner that said "Help stop MS" When a guy came up, put money in the jar and said "Here's $10, I hate that women's lib stuff too."

Sorry to hear about your severe health problems Ms. Alicia, although we are strangers. Time gets us all eventually.

I hope you find things to read here that are uplifting. Maybe we can all celebrate victory 2014 in November.

[LittleBlue]

36. We'll miss you

[lpbk2713]

37. I hope it all works out as well as can be expected for you.

Thanks for letting us know.

[babylonsister]

38. Yes, it IS a huge loss, Alicia.

I hope you get correctly diagnosed; take special care of yourself.

[senseandsensibility]

39. Sorry you're "retiring"

but you have to do what's best for your health. We'll miss you, and take care! Please consider posting updates on your health if you feel up to it.

[proud patriot]

40. been somewhat retired for a year or 2 myself

[NYC_SKP]

93. Are you moving to someplace nicer?

Is it true?

[proud patriot]

114. yes it's true

in just over a month

[2pooped2pop]

41. nothing worse than having that mystery disease

They can't really do anything if they can't figure it out. A diagnosis, even one that you don't like, is better than a not knowing what the heck to expect. Keep researching it on the net best you can, and good luck to you.

[840high]

42. I am sorry. Did you

get a second opinion.?

[The CCC]

43. I am retiring from DU!

Best wishes. Do what the doctors tell you.

[onecaliberal]

44. I'm sorry

I hope your condition improves.

[kentuck]

45. Alicia...

You have been here a long time. I've enjoyed your comments over the years. Many of us have failing health and will not be here much longer. We appreciate very much your comments and contributions.

ken

[Douglas Carpenter]

46. Godspead

[el_bryanto]

47. It sounds pretty bad, but I hope you are able to recover.

At any rate hang in there,

Bryant

[Phentex]

48. Best wishes to you...

I hope you get some answers.

[Iggo]

49. caledesi !!!

[calikid]

50. Sorry to hear.

After searching for months and seeing more than several neurologists, I finally found one that LISTENED to me instead of talking at me and scribbling in his charts and not looking at me. He was a cross between
Patch Adams and Hawk Eye Pierce, a very sharp, funny, caring guy.
All the other Doctors didn't think it could be what I had googled and investigated, well, "Patch" & I googled
it together and he conferred. So, he gave me a drug and boom, I no longer go to the ER once a week, I
have a normal life that other Doctors said I couldn't have.
Please don't stop looking for another Dr., YOU need to take control of YOUR LIFE.
Good Luck!

[merrily]

51. I wish you good things.

[randr]

52. I have friends successfully treating MS

with Med Marijuana. I hope you give it a try if you are able.

[swilton]

53. Good luck!

[Garthem]

54. I hope they find the problem

And fix it!

[MerryBlooms]

55. Best wishes.

[sabrina 1]

56. I am so sorry, caledesi.

And yes, you are a loss to DU. If you can, let us know from time to time how things are going for you.

Take care of yourself,

[karmkay]

57. retiring from DU...have you been tested for?

It's none of my business, but how old are you? I was diagnosed with NPH two years ago at 68 and had the shunt surgery that has pretty much saved my life--in fact allowed me to live my life again. The tests involve a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) ct scan and MRI. If you test positive, a shunt is placed in your brain that shunts the excess csf off.

<http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/normal_pressure_hydrocephalus/normal_pressure_hydrocephalus.htm>

If that description sounds remotely like you, find yourself a good neurologist and a good neurosurgeon and get tested and get it fixed.

Good luck!

[LeftishBrit]

58. I am very sorry that you have been having so many health problems

I do hope that they can get to the bottom of it, and that your health will improve.

Very very best wishes.

[Warren DeMontague]

59. Good health and get well/feel better soon.

[peace13]

60. Dear Alicia I am so sorry to hear about your health issues.

My heart is with you. Surround yourself with those who love you and accept their help. Love is the answer. Start there and work to seek out the best medical professionals that you can. Never give up dear person.

Peace and love, Kim

[Granny M]

61. So sorry to hear about your health problems.

I hope they find solutions for you, and that you're able to come back to us. Take care.

[Eleanors38]

62. Take care! Have fun. Good luck...

As per the advice upstream, consider the Weed. I am not a believer in miracle cures, and this isn't one. But a friend normally confined to a chair, for years would smoke a cloud, then get up and cross an intersection. On his own two legs. Give it a try.

[Peacetrain]

63. Oh no.. so sorry to hear this..

My aunt has MS.. I hurt for you in ways I cannot even explain on a message board..My prayers and thoughts are with you.. some days can be good.. and some so bad.. Emily

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

64. Best of luck for an acurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

[world wide wally]

65. Pace

[nolabear]

66. All the best.

[jwirr]

67. Sorry to hear about your illness. Hope that you will continue to be with us in spirit anyhow.

[MissDeeds]

68. I am so sorry for your health problems

and that you will not be able to post. Not reading your opinions is a loss for DU, caledesi. Take care, and be here when and if you can.

Hugs and good vibes to you.

[LiberalLoner]

69. I'm so sorry you have these bad health problems

I understand, I have MS too, but in my case, it has affected my mind and emotions quite a bit.

We will miss you, but I understand you need to take care of your health.

[Boomerproud]

70. Healing Light to you Alicia.

I can only echo what as already been said: Get the best doctor and treatment you can find, stay positive and hold your loved ones close.

[Mojorabbit]

71. I have had MS for thirty years

Keep your chin up and don't be gone for long!

[JDPriestly]

72. Thank you for your presence. I hope that your condition will improve.

Miracles do happen, especially when science is working on them.

[Cha]

73. Take care caledesi/Alicia..

I know you don't post much anymore but I remember your name from over the years. Hang in there with your health challenges. One of my sisters is going through something similar.

Good for your memory being great, sweetie!

[LoisB]

74. I am so sorry.

[herding cats]

75. I'm very sorry to hear about your health issues, Alicia.

May you find peace and go into remission.

[Enthusiast]

76. All my best to you, Alicia.

[PoliticAverse]

77. Best wishes to you! n/t

[intaglio]

78. May you recover and return n/t

[calimary]

79. Oh No!!!

Aw, Alicia - I'm so sorry to see you having to go through this. We will miss you a LOT! If you ever feel like posting again, we will celebrate! Just know you're loved and appreciated, and we'll be keeping you in our greenest, healing-est, reinvigorating-est thoughts.

[Octafish]

81. You're not retiring from the Good Fight.

You'll keep on doing what you know is right.
DU will never be the same.
And while I'll miss seeing your name,
I'll always be better for having learned your thoughts.

[Coventina]

82. So sorry to hear this.

Take care!!

[DocwillCuNow]

83. Warm thoughts to you caledesi, hope you hang around even if you are silent....

[riderinthestorm]

84. Oh no! I am so so very sorry...

Please don't give up on finding the answer to what ails you...



Post when you can. ..

[blackspade]

85. Sad to hear. Take care of yourself.

And I hope you feel better.

[derby378]

86. Take care of yourself, Alicia

When your health is better, do consider a post once in a while, okay?

[Marrah_G]

87. ~hugs~

And make sure to get second and third opinions- especially at a hospital that is well known for it's neurological dept.

http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/fl/tampa-general-hospital-6391060

If you were here in RI I would suggest going up to Mass General in Boston

[denbot]

88. Sympathies for your health problems.

I hope your doctor/s can get a handle on them. In any case happy lurking!

[Babel_17]

90. Best wishes, hoping for some relief (nt)

[freshwest]

91. Take care, Alicia. Hope you enjoy lurking.

[nikto]

92. Be well

I wish you healing.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pUGN6jGHQ5E/U-QhzeRKn3I/AAAAAAAAAbM/k66uug2Q4wU/s1600/Healing+vibes+to+you.jpg

[Jazzgirl]

94. My cousin has similar symptoms.

They're still trying to find out whats wrong with him. I think He might have finally found a neurologist who can pinpoint what it is. I hope so. He is 13 years younger than me and I hate to see him like this. He is staying with my brother (used to have his own house) and has walkers everywhere and a scooter in his SUV. I am not used to this.

[femmocrat]

96. So sorry for your health problems, caldesi.

Please take good care of yourself. Keeping your mind active is extremely important!

Check in when you can, OK?

[Pharaoh]

97. Caledesi

you are loved.........

[rurallib]

98. So sorry to hear. I hope DU can offer some comfort even if you can't post

of course my best hopes for recovery, but at a minimum at least for comfort.

[Dustlawyer]

99. Go to a teaching hospital, that's the best advice I can give you. Also, be proactive with your

treatment. Push the doctors by asking questions from research you must do. No one will focus as hard as you on your condition. Hang in and be patient, good luck!

[lunasun]

100. I hope you find out the cause soon and get well

If you can , do get other opinions from other neurologists and research on your own &alternatives

[MrMickeysMom]

101. It's good to know you'll be reading, caledesi...

Perhaps you'll entice a protégée in the process, introduce them to DU… carry the torch.

Thank you and take care. Your opinion counts and always has.

[davidpdx]

102. I hope you are able to get the treatment you need for your health problems

and am so sorry to hear you are having them. Take care and come back and visit (or if possible have someone keep us updated on your situation). Good luck

[roody]

103. Wishing you well.

[emsimon33]

104. Such sad news--please take care of yourself

Find a good doctor and get this fixed...and please keep us updated.

Sending lots of love and positive energy!

[progressoid]

105. Wishing you the very best Alicia.

[MADem]

106. No need to "retire" fully; think of yourself as a part-time consultant!

Hope they figure out what's wrong with you, sooner beats later.

[DeSwiss]

107. My health is lousy too.

Also neurological.

Hang in there.

And smoke a joint.

http://msmarijuana.com/

~DeSwiss

K&R

[Rhiannon12866]

108. Please come back and join us when you can

I remember you from DU.1! Wishing you the best!

[DhhD]

109. Hope you get well soon.

Thanks for helping me too.

http://www.unitedspinal.org/msscene/2009/12/08/disorders-that-mimic-multiple-sclerosis/

[Duval]

110. Wishing you the best, caledes, and

anyone here, whether they post or not, is still a part of the DU Community.

[mimi85]

111. I'm a stay at home

cause of health problems also. Leukemia and all sorts of autoimmune issues. My heart goes out to you - it's beyond discouraging! I try and not feel sorry for myself (and my husband, caregivers really hurt as well), but it's hard. Sometimes I think why can't this be Dick Cheney or Putin and such evil thoughts. I don't really mean it, but.....

Hang in there, caledesi and please try to keep us posted. And hopefully things will improve!!! double hugs! :hug"

[pscot]

112. Peace, Alicia

and courage. It's a lonely journey.

[polichick]

113. Best to you! Consider Lyme disease, if you haven't already.