Chronic pain from MS --relieved!

Feb. 2010  TESTIMONY

I was diagnosed with MS –May of 2000.  I had many symptoms, which came and went in the first two years.  I thought MS made people feel nothing, maybe LIKE A NUMBNESS, BUT I WAS WRONG.  Most of my MS issues dealt with spasms.  I had read that heat was very bad for me, but I did not know that the cold was going to be much worse.

In November 2004, I began to have very bad spasms in my legs.  I felt most of the pain –in my hips, knees, ankles and toes.  My neurologist assured me that MS was the culprit. 
I slowly started an anti-spasmatic medication [Baclofen].  At first 30 mg a day increasing finally to 80 mg a day.  When this no longer was able to stop the pain, I then began also to take Gabapentin.  I started at 300 mg daily and increased to 1800 mg daily.  My friends chipped in and bought me a new bed, hoping this would help with the pain, which was worse at night.

All the meds did help some, but the pain was still very bad.  I then also started taking sleeping pills to help me fall asleep, because getting comfortable was impossible.  I could sleep maybe 4 hours before the pain would awaken me.

The whole year wasn’t that bad, only October through March, but it was every winter since 2004.  After March, the pain would be so much less, which was a great relief.  However, I was loosing so much strength and range of motion, that walking was difficult.

In May 2009, my left leg was really giving me problems.  I could not lift it to step up --or even swing it to the side.  I had to lift my leg with my hand to get my leg into and out of the car.

Then a neighbor suggested that I “look into Horse Holiday.  They have a Therapeutic ”.  I have always loved horses and always dreamt that someday --I would learn to ride.  At my age [55] and in my worsening physical condition, I thought I could never realize my dream, but it wouldn’t hurt to look into it.

I met Rose on her porch in June 2009.  I just drove in –no appointment.  She was very welcoming, and sincerely interested in my desire to ride, and my physical condition.  We talked for several hours, and I left Horse Holiday knowing that it was a special place, and that I could expect miracles to happen there.

I started lessons the first week in July.  Things went slowly at first --just lying on Moe, [a big wide comfortable horse] relaxing and stretching.  After a few weeks, Rose started to teach me to ride --BAREBACK!  This is impossible, I thought.  The only way to stay on was to use my legs, and --my legs do not have the strength to do this.  At first, it was almost impossible, but slowly, without realizing it, I became stronger.  In mid-August 2009, I realized that my legs were strong again.  I could go upstairs, I could walk, I could jog, I could run!  The real miracle was when I mounted a horse from the ground, using my left leg to lift me up and over.

Okay, so now you know it was a great summer, with lots of fantastic surprises.  What happened in October/no pain!  November –NO PAIN!  December –NOT PAIN!  And, in January –NO PAIN!  Here I am in February 2010 --with NO PAIN!

During the summer, when I was feeling good, I slowly started reducing my medication [with my neurologist’s approval].  I am now no longer taking sleeping pills.  I take 20 mg of Baclofen and 600 mg of Gabapentin daily.  I am continuing to reduce my anti-spasmatic medications throughout this winter with hopes of being completely off them by spring.  I no longer need then because I no longer have pain!

I saw my neurologist the first week of February 2010 and she was very impressed with my strength and flexibility.  I told her about the Horse Holiday program, and she seemed sincerely interested for some of her other patients.  I hope so!

Miracles do happen here!  I feel as good as I did before getting MS in 2000. [You have to remember I am 10 years older now too]  I feel as if I can accomplish anything.  Could the pain come back?  Maybe!  Could I loose the use of my legs?  Maybe!  I no longer live in fear with these things happening.  I now know there is HOPE –that no matter what happens, dreams can come true.

KS