Great info! I was last tested in the early spring so I’m due for another test. Will have one at the end of this month. Interested to see what my levels are at compared to that study.
Good for you. Maybe take a copy of that study in to your neuro, who may not yet know the new recommendations suggested by this study. He/she may also not agree, so be prepared for that. You have to decide who to hear.
Just wanted to share a piece of good news Camstock. Got my results for vit D and it’s at 137 
I think when I was diagnosed it was around low 80’s. I can’t believe yours was at 29 
Hope you are doing well!
Newly diagnosed with MS
Hi,
So I’ve been dealing with physical issues, primarily fatigue which has become more and more noticeable at the barn before and after I ride. I am not a horse owner but a weekly lesson girl who is leasing a horse for the summer.
My diagnosis just came in on Friday as early stages of MS. I don’t know what that means yet but the balance specialist that I have been working with wanted me to know ASAP that my MRI results confirmed the diagnosis. I am very confident in my regular doctor and the specialist that he referred me to; I do not yet have a neurologist nor do I know what type of MS I have or what treatment options are for me.
I decided weeks before my diagnosis that I will not stop riding. I do dressage (very low level) and would like to compete in local schooling shows but honestly, I do not know if I have the stamina to do a show. I am fine once I am in the saddle but it is the before and after riding that is getting more and more difficult. A personal groom would really come in handy!
I have changed my stirrups to the composite, wider irons with the “cheese grate” type of grips. Right now the biggest problem is that I can’t feel my left foot in the stirrup because of neuropathy and sometimes not feeling that stirrup freaks me out a little but I keep riding.
If any of my doctors make the suggestion that I stop riding, the answer will undoubtedly be “NO”…someone said on here the people who are not horse people do not understand the power of that animal…
Just wanted to share. I know I will be here often knowing that I am not alone.
Hi ejacks – I’m glad you revived this thread. I was diagnosed several months ago and have started taking Copaxone. I don’t know if it’s working or not. I have RRMS and am likely in remission right now, though my right hand and foot are often numb.
One of the first things I did after my dx was read Ann Romney’s book, In This Together. She has MS and horses are a huge part of her therapy. Any doctor who tries to discourage you from riding is not up on MS treatment modalities! There’s a barn near me that offers 8 week sessions specifically for those with MS!
I’m a second time beginner, having ridden when I was younger. I’m 50ish now, and I have no desire to compete. My goals are modest: a nice seat to posting trot is really all I care about mastering. I just want to hack and bond with a giant creature ;-).
Since I can’t bear heat, I took my few lessons in the spring and have stopped until fall. I’m trying to get to Pilates and Yoga, but am pretty depressed and fatigued so it’s hard. I know I need to do those things to strengthen my core and balance.
Hang in there and know that you are NOT alone!
Babette
K – Just a note to tell you your vision issues could be temporary. My first MS sx was optic neuritis. I was nearly blind in my left eye for many weeks, but it resolved on its own… Babette
Thank you for your great words of inspiration. I’m wondering about how the heat will affect me since it is going to be quite hot this week and my lesson is Friday which is supposed to be in the high 80s/low 90s
I hate riding when it is that hot but I’m going to play it by ear. Of course I’ve already paid for my summer lease and now worried that the heat will cause problems for me.
I am going to look for that book tomorrow and start reading it. I just learned last week that Ass Romney has MS although I’ve known that she is a rider. It’s nice to know that I am not alone.
Erin
