I started having sharp burning pain in the top of my head and my left ear in Jan 09 and a couple days later the back on my head became numb on the left side and then a day or so later my left arm and hand started feeling numb. Soon after, I started having severe itching around my ear and face. I also started feeling like I was going to loose my balance. I saw a neurologist, had a MRI (7 lesions) and spinal tap and was dx with MS. In March 09, I had another MRI because I was trying to be in a study. This MRI showed 2 more lesions. I was removed from the study and started Copaxone 4/09.

June 09-I have still been feeling pain and weakness in my lower legs.  I still have flare ups which includes ear pain and a feeling of bugs inside my ear.  I have started having chest pain for over 24 hours.  Every day seems like a struggle.  I am still taking the shots,  I'm anxious to see what he next MRI shows.  i am trying to find a way to leave my extremely stressful job and I'm practicing ways to help me reduce stress.  I have been walking during my lunch break and trying to enjoy the outdoors when I have the free time.  I love walking my dog in parks, hiking, kayaking, traveling and going to concerts. I want to get in a routine of swimming this summer and practicing yoga.  I feel so much muscle stiffness and know walking and swimming should help.

I am 41 years old. I've been with my boyfriend for 17 years and neither of us have kids. I worked for an airline for 17 years and would travel on vacations all the time.  The company closed in Apr 08 and now I work for a trucking company brokering freight and doing customer service. I haven't like the job or the environment at all, but took it because I was unemployed for almost 3 months and needed the insurance.  Little did I know, I would be diagnosed with MS 7 months after taking the job. Now I'm trying to find any way possible to leave the job because of the stress it causes and the 11 hours a day of non-stop pressure.  It's very hard to do when I am feeling headaches, pain and fatigue daily.

June 25,2009-Dr put me on STD and after 7 weeks was extended until December.  

Aug 09-No addition lesions on MRI. Copaxone may be helping.

Nov 09-Stress level has been GREAT since I've been off work. The pain in my leg has continued.  Lyrica has helped some.  I'm still having chronic fatigue and headaches.

Neuro started my on Provigil.

Dec 09- I still have chronic pain in my leg and headaches.  I don't think the doctors know what else to do about my leg pain. Advil and sleep helps my headaches. The Lyrica does help my leg a little, but they can't increase my dosage anymore.

I'm applying for LTD now that my STD is up.

Applied for LTD with Prudential and they denied me.  I'm now collecting unemployment and will probably appeal the claim.