Hello Everyone - My Story

I just wanted to introduce myself to the subreddit. I am a 34m. I was diagnosed in 2024 when I lost all control of my right arm/hand and had no feeling in 80% of my body. Everything from my waist down had started going numb in my later teenage years. Doctors could never find anything wrong and symptoms would go away. It began happening more often and by my mid 20s, I was suffering debilitating fatigue that I had no idea why I felt that way. By 28, I was working from home, living alone, and began drinking all day every day. I went through 4 rehabs before finally getting and staying sober since December of 2023. 10 months into my sobriety is when I finally got diagnosed. I am now on Ocrevus(3rd full dose was in June), regularly attend AA meetings, and still work from home and support myself.

Since getting MS treatment, I have also found out I have been suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Chron's disease, and I need to have an aorta valve replacement. Ive already had 3 open heart surgeries from aortic stenosis.

Last year was horrible and I spent nearly 7 months on high doses of prednisone. Im December, I was 287lbs. I have been off prednisone since then and I am now 192lbs. Last year I couldn't walk, this year I walk 3 miles every other day if weather permits. It is very taxing, but now that I can move, I dont want to stop. Last year I could not stay awake long enough to cook for myself out of fear of burning my house down. I cook at least 3 nights a week now.

I still dont drive, but Im looking to buy a car in the coming months. Im still worried about driving again, but I do miss the freedom.

Anyway, despite my multitude of issues and poor choices, I am here. I have to remind myself to be grateful every day, even if there is a hint of sarcasm lol.

I hope my experience can help others. Please share yours with me and let's support each other. 2.9 million of us in the whole 🌎, so we should be friends and get to know each other!