Multiple Sclerosis?

[Bunker]

First let me reintroduce myself, I was active quite a bit a few years ago but sort of just tailed off for a number of reasons.

Still enjoying a good smoke whenever I can, it is still one of the most relaxing things in my life when I can sit outback with the dog and have an hour or so of peace.

I used to prefer to have that smoke while walking my best friend Bunker the brittany (hence the screen name).

As you may have guessed from the title of this post that isn't as easy as it used to be.

I was diagnosed in February, and have been battling to stay active and deal with things as they come.

I can still walk but not as much as I would like, and walking Bunker has unfortunately become only an occassional thing instead of a twice daily event. I managed to do so this morning but am already paying for it.

This post isn't intended to garner sympathy, but as I travel through this disease it seems everyone I meet either has a friend or family member that has been touched by MS.

I tried to get involved with the various MS forums out there but soon found that there wasn't much in common with anyone beyond the affliction.

So I figured why not try the places I have been before.

Any other cigar lovers out there touched by MS?

[icehog3]

Hi Rick, wishing you the best in battling your disease.

My step-mom (married to my Dad for 40 years) has MS, as does one of my good female friends. My friend was diagnosed about 14 years ago, and has gotten married, had two children and continues to be pretty active abd stay positive. She did have to leave her job as a police officer, but she still works a 40 hour week in another profession now. She is an inspiration.

[14holestogie]

My daughter-in-law was just diagnosed with MS, at age 32. I'm hoping and praying it moves slowly for both you and her.

[Dave128]

Rick - I wish you the best and that the MS moves extremely slow.
Tim -sorry to hear about your daughter-in -law.

My mom has been diagnosed with MS since around 1986. It has, thankfully, been a slow decline for her. She has multiple issues from the disease, but still tries her best every day. There were about five or so women in my neighborhood that had MS at the same time, two of them (including my mom) are still alive. It's not an easy disease to deal with, but there is a ton of new innovations in medicine that can help out.

[czerbe]

Prayers Rick, I wish you nothing but the best!

[shilala]

My Grandpa had MS.
I was diagnosed with MS, but I forced some new mri's with dye and found I was misdiagnosed. Then diagnosed with something else in the wheelhouse.
All you can do is doctor a lot, eat all the meds, and keep on keepin' on, brother.
Lots and lots of praying helps, too. :)

[CigarNut]

Thoughts and prayers for you Rick.

[Bunker]

Thanks for the thoughts everyone and all the best to your Daughter-in-law Tim.