I have MS and have returned to school for nursing. I've been disabled since I was 27, but I'm determined to persevere and overcome and reach my goal. Goals aside, right now, I have a medical need that insurance does not cover.
I am 44 years old, and I was diagnosed with MS when I was 30. My most severe exacerbations have been quite debilitating; optic neuritis, severe spasticity, and gait/balance issues. Everyday, long term issues include vision loss, fatigue, cognitive problems, pain and mild spasticity.
For the most severe exacerbations (and there have been a LOT), I've received high-dose infusions of methylprednisilone (a steroid) to treat them, and even though it was helpful, it has caused its' own long term problems. My current neurologist has better methods than steroids to treat flares, and I'm also in line to receive a new preventative treatment, so I feel optimistic in that regard.
The most noticeable long term problem of those steroid treatments is the bone deterioration. About seven years ago, I opted to get dentures so as to asthetically remedy what the bone deterioration had been doing to my jaw bones, enamel and eventually teeth. This past year, I consulted with a dentist about implants for my dentures so as to prevent further bone loss.
My CT-scan shows that I've had so much bone deterioration that zygomatic implants are necessary for my upper jaw; these are estimated to cost $27,000. I don't receive that much in a year on disability, and I won't return to work until I complete school. Even then, the amount I make will depend on the hours I can work which will depend on how my MS behaves.
I think helping others is a passion and life purpose for many. I am ever grateful for those who have helped me along my, sometime treacherous, path. Helping others is also my dream, my purpose and my passion. I'm a few years away from being able to do that full time (or at least as much as I possibly can). I'm hoping when I do enter my career that I will be able to offer help, hope and a friendly smile (minus a sunken face from bone loss) to those that need it!
Thank you for your help! It means the world to me.
NOTE: If any additional funds are raised beyond my goal of $27,000, they will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
For more information about this society and the research they do visit:
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Research
Funds received in excess of $50,000 (should that happen) will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (since type I diabetes was a disease my mother had alonside MS which caused her untimely departure from this world just recently; she cared dearly about that cause).
For more information about this society and the research they do visit:
