Hi Everyone, I’m Melinda. I was diagnosed in 2014 with M.S. I also have severe lower extremity lymphedema (inherited. Thanks, Grandma.)
It took 10 years of fighting to get to the diagnosis. You see, I also happen to be fat. Have been most of my life. So every time I went to a doctor because I could barely walk, or my leg was mysteriously numb or my hands wouldn’t work, I was generally patted on the head and told to “just lose weight and you’ll feel better.”
Problem is, my father also had M.S. and this was before they had any of the disease modifying drugs. I watched it turn him into a drooling vegetable within a span of about 15 years. It finally killed him. Well, technically it was pneumonia, but he wouldn’t have gotten that if he wasn’t already very sick from the M.S. I knew what was happening to me because I’d seen it in my father. I finally stumbled into a doctor who actually practiced medicine instead of supporting the weight loss industry.
I’m finally on therapy but my disease has progressed to the extent that my cognitive function is compromised. I am no longer able to work, but have been fighting for over a year to get disability. Anyone who says it’s an easy way out or an easy system to manipulate has clearly never had an actual need for it. Our country (U.S.A.) is sadly messed up in this regard. I have more challenging days than good as of late. But I keep on keeping on. Because really, there isn’t any other option.
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