More MS Notes

Note: I was going to post all about what happened in the past two weeks, but I realized that I really hadn't talked much about how all this other stuff is going for me. I'll make my next post about how that all works.

In the description I said that I was going to talk about my Multiple Sclerosis, and then I posted jokes. Now that might not sound like I'm coming through with what I said, but unless you've dealt with the whole issue, you might not understand. So let me try to explain. It's really easy to get very overwhelmed when you start this journey, that's at least what I've been told. (As well as what I've found) It took me a while, in fact, I'm not sure I completely have gotten over the concept that I have a life altering diagnosis. I was diagnosed in October by my General Practitioner, a personal friend, and then it was a referral to a specialist, and then an entire battery of tests. The first set were with a special Physical Therapist (that specialises in MS treatments, and diagnosis). After a series of tests that left me fairly upset since I had lots of red coded results, and a very supportive staff, I knew things were not right. The PT looked at me and asked "Do you know why you're here?" I explained that I was referred to get an evaluation for MS, he smiled and said "It's not my place to say, but there is no doubt in my mind we'll be seeing more of each other."

I then got to have some tests on my brain and how signals from my eyes, ears, hands and feet made it to my brain. And again the tech asked what they were testing. Once again my response and then once again a reaction of "Well yeah, things are not what would be seen as 'normal' results." Finally in January, a repeat MRI, this time lots of time on my neck and head, and no reaction at all from these techs, but they were much more careful getting me off their machine that they were when I showed up. And then later that month Dr. Mary Amir (my neurologist) had me in her office to tell me that she knew exactly what the problem was and where it was located. We got to work getting me up to speed on how to deal with MS.

It seems that I have an area in my spinal chord near as it's in my neck, about the diameter of a toothpick and about 1/3 of an inch long that just doesn't work. I'm just missing parts of my spinal chord. Sort of a strange feeling when you think about it. How something that little could mess with your left foot, parts of your left leg, and the signals from your inner-ear.

M & M Genetics

I found this great story, and since things are not really being positive at the moment, I thought I'd post it here.This actually comes from a mail list that I get at work if you want similar jokes send an email to:
good-clean-fun-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Anyway, on with the smiles, ENJOY!


Whenever I get a package of plain M&Ms, I make it my duty to continue the strength and robustness of the candy as a species. To this end, I hold M&M duels. Taking two candies between my thumb and forefinger, I apply pressure, squeezing them together until one of them cracks and splinters. That is the "loser," and I eat the inferior one immediately. The winner
gets to go another round.

I have found that, in general, the brown and red M&Ms are tougher, and the newer blue ones are genetically inferior. I have hypothesized that the blue M&Ms as a race cannot survive long in the intense theatre of competition that is the modern candy and snack-food world. Occasionally I will get a mutation, a candy that is misshapen, or pointier, or flatter than the rest. Almost invariably this proves to be a weakness, but on very rare occasions it gives the candy extra strength. In this way, the species continues to adapt to its environment.

When I reach the end of the pack, I am left with one M&M, the strongest of the herd. Since it would make no sense to eat this one as well, I pack it neatly in an envelope and send it to:
M&M Mars
A Division of Mars, Inc.
Hackettstown, NJ 17840-1503
along with a 3x5 card reading, "Please use this M&M for breeding purposes."

This week they wrote back to thank me, and sent me a coupon for a free 1/2 pound bag of plain M&Ms. I consider this "grant money." I have set aside the weekend for a grand tournament. From a field of hundreds, we will discover the True Champion.

There can be only one.

Another Fourth, Another Weekend

This weekend was the 4th of July. We went over to friends for the evening. They had a great party. BBQ hot-dogs & peppers, potato salad, pasta salad, home made ice cream, Joanne's gingersnaps, it was wonderful. Price of admission was you had to bring some fire works. I think we had about 60 minutes of excitement. It really was fun. I did too much and really had to lay low for the rest of the weekend.

Work today was fine. We had a fairly slow day, and I was able to do more study for my Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician certification. My supervisor wants to have all the crew certified, and so I'm still trying to do that. I'm finding it harder and harder to stay focused on this. I just can't seem to remember things like I used to.

I'll just keep pushing and see where we go. This week, I get to have my car worked on and see what other fun things happen. Will is having a friend from Georgia in for a week. This is going to be very interesting.