I have been ill for nearly 20 years with back pain and weakness, among other symptoms. It was written off as Degenerative Disk Disease, and osteoarthritis. Only recently, after years of treatments that didn't help, did I consider I might have MS.

Just an update: Aug. 7, 2007 My MRI'S and EEG came back basically normal, except I have severe arthritis in my neck and back. My labs were also normal. The neurologist says it's time to do a LP and send me to an MS specialist at Vanderbilt in Nashville, because he has ruled out pretty much everything else. Anyone else been there? Hubby deploys in 4 weeks. I'm scared now. I don't know how Im going to get around and take care of my kids. The Army is absolutely no help. I'm afraid something will happen to me while he's gone and my kids will be here alone, not knowing what to do. They're only 9 and 7. I feel like I've lost control of my body and my life. I hate this. I don't have anyone to talk to...I wouldn't let them do the Lp. Im seeing the MS doc on the 4th and will wait to see what he recommends...I'm afraid it will hurt my back worse...