Thanks for all the replies. I am so happy to talk to others who are dealing with the same issues I am. My symptoms were vertigo and balance issues that started in late May. My PCP thought maybe inner infection. Those symptoms worsened until on June 23 I couldn't walk due to the 'spins'. At the same time I developed numbness in left hand and double vision. My husband took my to the hospital where I was diagnosed with a stroke identifed by a white spot on my brain (lesion). I was release 4 days later. Three weeks later I had a relapse and thought I was having another stroke. Back to the hospital for another MRI and that is when they found a second lesion. The doctor then said 'nope not a stroke - not sure what it is.' I was referred to UCLA med center for more tests. They found one more lesion on my spine. The other tests all pointed to MS - evoked response and lumbar puncture. I started copaxone about 3 months ago. My current symptoms are again, mild but ever present. Balance and vertigo, vision is not normal but not too bad - I have tracking issues and read better with a book mark under the line ( like my students :) chronic constipation, some fatigue ( not enough to stop me but I sleep like the dead), some left leg weakness. I feel extremely blessed that I received a quick diagnosis and started a med therapy so soon. My husband monitors my balance and vertigo with what we call the 'beer rating scale'. This came about when he was trying hard to relate to my symptoms and I told him it was like being drunk only without the cognitive impairment. He continued by asking how many beers and so the beer rating scale was started! :) We also joke about finding the perfect 'candy apple red rascal scooter'. We deal with all our issues with smart-ass humor. I live day to day and am happy and grateful when my feet feel the ground in the morning. Again, thanks for the great replies - I'm hooked!
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