Many references have been made to my health in past posts, here's the short of it:
I've been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I've had a lot of my food stuff on hold while I try to learn what this means to my daily life, medically, financially, and in general. Here's an update from my most recent visit to the GP:
I was given Baclofen for my spasticity and muscle twitching, she changed how I take my Norco, and the bulk of my other meds remain the same, have Lunesta on hold in case I need it. No Neuro meds yet but here's why:
Overall:
My last MRI was enough to get me my clinical Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, but there is still a lot that is unclear because my muscles were spazzing and I was moving around too much. She's ordered more MRIs, but we're taking things a little differently to get it done.
I have to get myself onto County Health Care. I am not sure how long it will take for that to happen, as I have to get my birth certificate from California. BUT, because my facility, HBHC, has a few other grants and things that will not only help me get my MRI covered, but will make certain it is an Open MRI this time, and that I get the proper sedation (putting me under to stop the muscle spasms), and they will also help me with the transportation to/from it. They will be going for a full with/without contrast Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar sets. Gonna be in there all day.
Also, with the ability to pull a few strings here and there, they're going to try to get me into Northwestern University Hospital to start off with, and once things are clearer, maybe move me to U of C for specialist care. Not sure yet.
Income:
Dr. is sending over a letter that will allow me to make an appointment at the Department of Human Services with the paralegal to get my SSI paperwork filled out until my clearer MRI's come in, and I can get the final paperwork for my SSDI. This is a fairly complicated process and could take quite a while. We have to take it one step at a time, and I have no idea how much SSI will offer me.
I am going back, hopefully sooner than my 2 week followup, to get the county care setup when my birth certificate arrives, so the MRI can get arranged. I also have a 2 week followup, as I mentioned, and see about some assistive devices for around the house, like a shower chair, etc.
This stuff goes on and on.
You may have seen the post I made a while back with regard to a fundraiser that I'm running to try to keep active during my medical work, and despite my diagnoses. Fighting Social Anxiety Disorder and Multiple Sclerosis is a challenge, but I choose to fight it with doing something I love: Cooking Chili.
While the fundraiser is about to hit its deadline, I will still be able to receive donations, and if you wish to help either by sharing or donating, you can go to one of two places:
While I'd love to ask everyone to donate, I know that is not possible for everyone, but sharing this fundraiser is something everyone can do, and with enough sharing, word will reach people who are able to donate.
Thanks again everyone, for keeping up, and helping as you can.
-Kim
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