Hey Gang! Just came in here to share with you about our Bernie phone bank tonight...

[senz]

20. When active in a (liberal) church, I visited some members w/MS

and there is such a wide variety. Some people can go on indefinitely with relatively minor symptoms and continue normal lives, and for some, like your sister, it acts quickly and takes so much away. It's good she had close and caring children -- and obviously a loving sister. The ones I visited who had severe MS still seemed in good spirits with lively minds and sassy attitudes. I think decent care makes a huge difference, but so does who you are, how spunky you are. In fact, everyone with MS that I encountered was intellectually fresh and stimulating. Wonder if that's a pattern? Plus, remission can and does happen. I don't think they understand these diseases yet.

Dorkzilla is wonderfully bright and funny as hell. Liveliness and fun-loving are a big advantage.

I'm sorry you have RA, Punkingal, but I agree with you that RA, while no picnic, seems easier to live with. My docs know I don't abuse opioids, and it is a great comfort just knowing they're there when needed. Also, for local spot relief, Salonpas patches and China Gel usually help. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FOB5BOK and http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MTBH60 respectively. I get Salonpas from Costco and have gotten China Gel from Amazon. I hope you have good care and various sources of relief.