Active MSer? Introduce Yourself Here!

[PilatesSarah]

Hello,

I've been following the site ever since my diagnosis of RRMS at the beginning of 2013. I have found it so encouraging to read of so many stories of hope. I'm from England, but my home for the last 9 years has been in the South West of France near Toulouse. Being a naturally active person I am now beginning to get on with my life again. I teach Pilates and have recently started training for my biggest challenge yet, that of cycling up Mont Ventoux on World MS day next year. I'm hoping others may want to join me.
Anyway, thanks again for a wonderful site and access to so many other people in the same boat.

[EquestrianChemist]

Hello!

I have also been reading this site for a while but just decided to take the plunge and join. I live in Canada currently, though will return to my native Austria soon, and was diagnosed with PRMS 5 years ago.

I am a professor of biochemistry with a research interest in chondroprotective agents in horses. I also compete in show jumping and dressage. Although MS has tried to take horses and riding away from me more than once, I am determined to keep up and excel at the sport that has influenced my entire life. I currently use only afo's and sometimes crutches, after having spinal fusion surgery in 2012 to allow me to sit upright with some form of core control and eventually to walk again and leave the wheelchair behind.

[LivWell]

Welcome! It's great to hear from everyone. I browsed the board a while too before adding a comment now and then. Activemsers is one of my favorite go-to places for community and a positive spin on living with MS.

[kim-mastro]

Hi!

My name is Kim and I was diagnosed back in 1978. I just began dmd (copaxone) June 2014. Long story as to why I waited so long! I, too, am a middle school teacher (u.s.history). I'm from CT and hoping to retire in 2015-2016. We had quite a heat/humidity wave this past week (NM people-how do you do it?) and my classroom isn't air conditioned and will never be air conditioned. A anyway, thanks to Dave for giving us a place to connect with others dealing with the same issues!

[Jim P]

Hello!

My name is Jim and I am from the enchanted state of New Mexico. I am a retired middle school teacher. My beautiful wife of 30 years is also a teacher! We have two daughters. I enjoy exploring in my Jeep. I can't hike anymore but try to get out as much as I can.

After struggling with symptoms for over a decade, I was diagnosed in Jan. 2014.

[Saruncbus]

Hello,

I've been following along as an observer for a very long time. I figured it is time to introduce myself. I was diagnosed with MS a little over a year ago. Life has kind of changed, but more emotionally than anything. I view MS as my own little gift that has helped strengthen me over the year.

I am so thankful that activemsers exists because it has provided me some laughs over the year, and I have certainly gained some positive insights from activemsers. I'm so glad to be able to read about some of your journeys.

Sarah

[Sandra]

Active MSer? Introduce Yourself Here!

Hi everyone,

My name is Sandra. I live in Babylon, NY (that's on Long Island, near Fire Island), but I am a born and raised NYC girl. Long story about how I ended up in suburbia, but once my daughter graduates from high school in 5 years, I'm going back!

I've had MS since 1989, but wasn't diagnosed until 1999. I used to bike, run, rollerblade, and was overall very active. These days, I swim and walk for exercise. After 25 years, this disease has taken a toll! That said, I feel very fortunate that I am able to walk, work and raise my daughter after having MS for so long.

Mina, until recently, Dr. Miller was my doctor, too. he's great; I just felt that after 15 years, i was ready for a new perspective. I now see Dr. Stark, who is part of Dr. Sadiq's practice.

Anyway, so nice to meet everyone. Thank you, Dave, for starting this forum!

[tea6erry]

newbie in albuquerque!

Hello everyone!

I'm Abby, and I recently moved with my husband and cats to Albuquerque, NM from the Washington, DC area, in no small to take advantage of the active outdoor lifestyle here in the Southwest.

I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2012 but continued to stay active with belly dance classes and yoga. I am now getting into cycling and doing more hiking than I used to as well. I am a yoga teacher, a newly-trained mediator, and a struggling writer.

Happy to be here!

[LivWell]

This is a great board -- nice to "meet" you. :-) There's no better virtual support group on the planet IMHO!

I'm new here too--just found this place though I "knew" ActiveMSers on another board, one I no longer belong to.

I've had MS since 1978-1980 and am still alive and intending to have many more years ahead.

I get along pretty well as long as I'm in charge of the time and temperature. When I go out and it gets too hot or too cold, I run into problems.

I sit most of the time and that sitting is in a wheelchair but I can still walk a few blocks unassisted.

Some leg instability has set in during the past year, and now when I go for walks outside, I push my wheelchair and do much better that way.

I live alone in a HUD rental apartment in the Pacific Northwest. My son lives a few minutes away. He's in his early 40s and works as a software developer.

I look forward to spending time here. It looks like a lively place!

[OHMY(elin)]

Long time mstalker

Hello there, been checking out this site since '08, right around the time I was diagnosed...and it's been helpfull seeing everyone else's experiences.
I was interested in the site mostly because I was very active at the time.... Unfortunately due to a physically demanding job, slowly over this time I have ended up giving up the activities I loved (triathlon, cycling) due to energy management reasons. Anyways, after another relapse earlier this year I am now in the possession of a whole lot of free time(currently a man of leisure (ahem)
So now just working out how to get back into an active lifestyle with the changes in my health.
Oh, and I'm another Tecfidera user, and luckily I don't even notice it.
Just thought I'd say Hi.

[visforvicar]

Thank you for your inspiration

Good job! I am very happy that you continue to run. You are a huge inspiration to me! I have had MS for ~12 years and have been relapse free for ~10 years. I switched from Copaxone to Tecfidera about 4 months ago. I have become pretty sedentary and I have also (very selfishly) avoided being active in MS communities. I didn't want to hang out with people who needed mobility aids, etc, because I didn't want to be reminded of what could happen to me in the future. I have only recently realized that maybe I could actually be inspirational to someone else. Your story of your training and running has motivated me to get back in running shape! Thank you so much!

Gary

[teena marie]

Welcome and keep on moving. Feel free to join us in MSers in training.

Teena Marie

[Running funny]

Intro

Hi Everyone,

I am very happy to have found this site. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago and have been trying to network with other MSers ever since. I have experienced 2 relapses this past year and have already started my second DMD. I take Tecfidera now and seem to be doing well. I love to run and the MS has effected it somewhat. Most people I know with MS aren't very active, actually I don't know anyone that continues to run. Maybe most seem to give into the disease. Not me!! I recently ran the Pittsburgh Marathon in May and raised money for the National MS Society. It was grueling since almost every symptom that I ever had all came out at once due to over heating and over exercising. I became a little whiny and depressed for a few days because that was probably my last marathon. Then I realized that I finished before many healthy people, and most healthy people cannot even run one mile let alone 26. I found this site and read everyone else's stories and became rejuvenated. Thanks!! I just ran a half-marathon over the weekend and used some tips from other's posts.
I have a wonderfully supportive husband and 3 great kids that will sometimes run with me.
I am thankful to be connected with ActiveMSers.

[Sparky10]

Welcome, Ambika! Wow, trekking near Delhi must be beautiful! Hot weather affects me adversely also. Feels like my power plug has been disconnected. Good for you for getting out and about!