I was 7 years old when the right side of my face went numb, and I started slurring my speech. I felt really sick with "the flu" and was so tired, I kept falling asleep in class. In gym class, I was running, and my legs suddenly jerked up, and I fell down. I couldn't move my legs or stand up. I got some feeling back and was able to walk in a robotic manner. I spent two weeks in the hospital complaining about the "fishes eating my legs," and the wax paper over my right eye (this was 1977). Children didn't get MS back then. I spent years with neurologists saying, "We don't know what this is,” and “Come back when you get worse.” I was diagnosed in 2003 when I finally saw an MS specialist. I’ve been living with MS my entire life. Published: June 19 ::

My son’s symptoms were over a three-month period. It started in his back. On and off for two months, my son had pains and aches across the middle of his back. We saw my aunt who is a chiropractor and then my son’s doctor. Both said he was very tight across his back and suggested physical therapy. It didn't help. That subsided and then his pinky finger went numb for a few days...again, that subsided. A month later, I noticed he was walking funny...that also subsided. The back pain came again, but this time my son called it a “buzzy” feeling...but it subsided. Somewhere in the middle of all this, he experienced balance issues, only once though. We knew something wasn't right. Right before our doctor’s appointment we noticed his left side was a little weak. His doctor confirmed that he was definitely having issues with balance and reflexes. He referred us to a neurologist. That same night, we had his first spinal MRI and then a day later the brain MRI. Both tests confirmed MS. Turns out he has many lesions in his spine that were causing the back issues. I hope this helps someone. We haven't met any MS patients that actually started with the back pain. Published: June 19 ::

My arms kept falling asleep, and doctors ruled out carpel tunnel, then I went blind in one eye but not further testing done when I got my vision back. Then right leg stopped working and over night the feeling from my face to my toes was heavy, numb and dragging. I tried Copaxone for 5 years, but then was introduced to all natural products and I no longer am taking 7 prescriptions and do not wear the brace on my right leg anymore. Published: August 26 ::

My symptoms started with blinding headaches that would last for days. Then I started developing numbness and tingling in my lips from time to time which I ignored. One morning I woke up and the my left foot and leg were numb and then when I got in the tub the water was warm on the right side of my body and ice cold on the left; at that point, I knew that something neurological was going on. Published: August 26 ::

At age 39 years I started to get a very itchy left arm for weeks, then woke up one morning and found my legs very heavy, and tired all the time. I had walking difficulties and tried to carry on with life, but it got the better of me. After many tests etc I was diagnosed with MS. I have tried many drugs, but I don’t take betaferones. I continue to live my life on a day to day bases as MS is unpredictable but I do try. Published: July 29 ::

The onset of my MS came gradually over a 4 month period of time. It started with the feeling that I was walking on marbles. From there it progressed to numbness in my toes and progressed to my feet. I thought I had a lower back problem and went to see a chiropractor. I was treated by this doctor for 3 months. The treatments included heat and spinal manipulation. I finally figured out that I was feeling worse when I left her office. I contacted a friend of mine who is an MD. He suggested based on my symptoms that I see a neurologist. The numbness had continued to move up my legs and I also began having shocks through my body when I bent my head forward. The neurologist hospitalized me the same day of my office visit and began all of the tests required to diagnose MS. This included full spinal and brain MRI and a spinal tap. Needless to say, all of the tests indicated MS. This was strange. I have always been an active person and had completed 2 half marathons the two prior years before being diagnosed. I believe mine is progressive since I never go into remission. I am treated with Tysabri which is not approved for progressive; however, it has helped me since I have no additional active lesions after one year. Published: July 28 ::

I thought I had an ongoing inner ear infection, and I found out I had relapse/remitting multiple sclerosis. Published: September 02 ::

I was 11 years old when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The pain was so great in my legs and feet. Like others, MS in kids was not heard of when I was diagnosed, although a doctor did tell me it was caused by my brain. I’ve had pain off and on since 1961. I’ve also had very little help managing the pain. Published: September 02 ::