I need to try to explain this before all of you can understand. First of all, other than working on the ambulance as my full time job, I'm also on the volunteer fire department. Last January (2006) our department implimented new by-laws. These laws safe guard us and weed out dead beats who dont do anything.
Well, these laws state that a member has to take a course called FF1 and be SCBA ceritified within a year of these laws, or get off the department. SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) The pack you see FF's use as they go into a building on fire. I was on medical leave for 6 months last year so it gave me a little more time.
Well I started my FF1 course the begining of Feb. It wasn't going to bad, till this past Saturday. We had practical testing all day Saturday. FYI, my gear wieghs approx. 50 pounds and the SCBA 30 pounds. First test station had me and my partner follow 150 feet of hose with the gear on over and under obsticles, on your hands and knees, with you wax paper in the max to simulate smoky conditions. I could not see.
We completed that task in 30 minutes. We had a half hour break, then we had to put out gear and scba on agian, and go through this trailor with tunnels and obsticles. Very tight quarters. We completed this task. Getting very exhausted now. 20 minutes break, and now we have to complete a search and rescue in a cluttered room. We found the dummie weighing 165 pounds. I had the feet. On the way out, both legs became spastic. the pain was unbarable. Finished getting this stupid thing out, and had help getting my gear off.
At this point my deputy chief told the instructors about my possible diagnosis. I wanted to try and be normal, but at this point it aint happening. They gave me a hour break, hubby brought me lunch. Now I have to do this cone relay....not going to even explain. I'm in tears, uncontrollably, I'm so exhausted, and can't even lift my arms to wipe my own tears. Only one last task to do and I had been practicing all week to pass. I have to put my SCBA on in under 60 seconds. After all I have been through I dont have the energy to even bring my self to the station.
Come to find out the tester for that station had lots of sympathy, and with out details i past that station. I went home took a quick shower and went to bed at 4 pm on Sat, and woke up at 10 am on Sun. I couldn't even get out of bed. I was in bed all day, unable to move my neck, back, shoulders, and legs feel like jello. This morning it's like I can't feel my back, or neck. Legs and arms are very heavy. Could I have actually caused a flare to happen? I know I pushed myself way to far, But i love what i do and not yet ready to give up.
I know this is really long, but I felt I needed to try and discribe what I had to do so that everyone would somewhat understand. The top of my hands are numb and feet. pins and needles continuously. I'm going tomorrow to the ms clinic so ill mention it to them. It's not like I can Hide it........lol... I think I need to realize that no matter what im diagnosed with, I do have a medical condition that has slowed me down.
Take care
Bonnie