The Army, MS, and the VA...

I was lucky to have been diagnosed with MS within the seven year window of separation. I got out in 2001 before September 11. What does all this mean?? Well, it means that if you are diagnosed with MS after separating from the military, you could be entitled to compensation and/or pension benefits. It takes a good minute to get all of the paperwork in and for the VA to respond and get you the appointments needed, but it's an easier battle than fighting with the SSA without a lawyer. The VA hospitals have been very good to me, other than the whole "hurry up and wait" game the military/government plays. What am I trying to say, you ask?? The point is that if you volunteered your life for this great country and you end up with some kind of condition that is chronic and/or permanent, your service in the military may have aggravated your condition. I was an 88M and Hazmat qualified, so there's no telling what made me more susceptible to developing MS. MS is certainly a pain in my rear end, just like any other chronic illness. Please go to the Veteran's Administration website, find the info, and familiarize yourself because there are other conditions that qualify as well. It'll help with the costs of your therapies, etc. That is all. Angela

Finally have my blog back...

Let's see....it's been a REAL good minute since I was last here.  A ton has happened since my last post, for which I sincerely apologize. I started a small business and have been working like a mad woman trying to keep up with all the orders for my handmade items. My mother went into the hospital March or April of last year, she passed in August. I've been fighting depression and my MS all at the same time. I still have neither licked.

MS-wise, I am doing well. I have been walking with my quad-cane since November. I only use my wheelchair for grocery shopping trips, due to the time it takes for us to check out, since I coupon. My feet are still numb and tingly. I am still waiting on the balance part to come back and with my record, that's usually last. The Tysabri  is still working like a champ, but the downside is the cold viruses and other bugs flying around.  I stay sick for months....If God if willing, I'll be back to my normal self again by Spring.

Depression and MS Depression are a whole other issue, along with the fatigue, I feel that sometimes I can't win. It takes me forever to do anything. Having two numb hands are not fun at all, but it makes for exciting and awful text messages to my husband with the auto-correct and the auto-predict on my cell phone. It takes me a good while to type and text anything. LOL!

The one thing that is still intact is my sense of humor, no matter how cheesy it truly is. I'm glad to have my blog back. I can't promise that I will publish on the daily.

Glad to see y'all. :)