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Took 16 years to finally make a real change.

At 41 and single, life was good. I had most things i really wanted, and a job made for me. I was productive, accepting, positive, and happy overall. Then, after 6 months of fatigue, walking, urinary, and thinking problems I knew not to ignore, I was diagnosed with MS, and everything about me changed.

What saved me was meeting, and starting life with my forever partner. Neither of us knew what our future was, but our present was the best. I had the best local MS neurologist, and blindly followed his care. Within 2 yrs I had no job, stopped driving, moved in with my partner, and my symptoms increased and worsened. We moved from our townhouse to a home without stairs, and I got a scooter to help when my cane wasn't enough help.

The next 13 years of care included 1yr of Betaseron, 8yrs of Avonex, 7 sessions of IV SoluMedrol, and many other drugs, even chemo. The only drug with any effect was Provigil, which excelled against my fatigue. My liver didn't like Avonex, and since it had no benefits, my Dr stopped it.

Timing was perfect as he wanted me to join a drug study for SPMS, and no DMDs were allowed. I said I didn't have SP, felt I had PPMS. He listed me as Chronic MS after one yr with MS, and he disagreed that it was PPMS.

For 16 years, my neuro insists I'm not PP, but Chronic MS. It is well known that most of the drugs he prescribed me are not effective for PPMS. I only hope I will experience no after effects due to these drugs in the future. I looked into my vitamin levels myself, and started D3, B12, Magnesium, and Fish Oil.

In 2/2013, I decided to seek health care from a functional nurse practitioner, and it has been a life changing improvement- defined causes of MS symptoms greatly improved, pain gone due to chiropractic treatments, decreased heavy metals and toxins, improved gut flora, and stopped 1 drug. I now use natural supplements, diet, and exercise. I feel almost "pre-MS". Just these important areas of health are not included in many Dr's routine practices.

In 8/2013 I joined a PPMS drug study at NIH. In 9/2013 the NIH officially diagnosed me with PPMS, as I've suspected for 15 years. That has confirmed I am on the right path for my health. My future is brighter since I became more informed. Advocate for your best health by learning to not take health for granted! There is much more to good health, than just doctors and drugs!!

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