I am a clean and sober grandmother who has Multiple Sclerosis. My grandchildren only know me as being sober. I try to keep a good attitude toward MS but have been having a difficult time of it lately. I've considered working the steps on MS again.

Attitude is everything!

I have had MS since 1975 or longer and was finally diagnosed in 1993. I had a really difficult time accepting that I have the disease. I am grateful to have a 12 step program that helped me and has helped to keep a positive attitude. I have relapsing-remitting MS and have been in remission for a few years. At one point, my doctor was watching to see if it was becoming secondary progressive, but with Avonex the progression seems to have stopped. I am no longer getting Avonex injections. I am taking Lipitor! And it is working better than Avonex! 

I am able to walk with the aide of Lofstrans (fore-arm crutches) and use a wheelchair most of the time. I gained almost 40 pounds when I started using the wheelchair but am on the way to losing the weight. 15 pounds to go!

The biggest and longest lasting symptom is fatigue. I've been taking naps every day since 1975. I have returned to school a few times. I was going to be a Chemical Dependency Counselor until I was hit hard with an exacerbation that has affected my ability to work. I went to university online and got my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Design. 

I have 4 grandchildren ages 1, 2, 5, and 12. I have been the babysitter for all of them at one time. It is great being able to do so. The 2 youngest are the most difficult for me because I am not able to carry them. All of them work with me to make situations go smoothly.