Rhoda with her Husband Jeremy and their children Nate and Cana
Beth's Forward
I am too young to remember too many specifics, but I have known Rhoda since before I have clear memories as a preschooler/early elementary. Her parents were the pastors of our church. I do remember the first time I saw (parts of) the Wizard of Oz was at their house (I'm way too easily bored to watch a whole movie), they (her and her two sisters) babysat us (my brother and I) some, and if I remember correctly they were involved with the most amazing camp, Camp Mantowagon! I especially liked that they had a baby brother, whom I bought his outgrown baby clothes at their yard sale for my baby dolls. At some point when I was about 2nd grade their family moved to pastor a different church.
About Rhoda
Most days are good and I am so blessed to be able to lead an active life and be very involved in the lives of my children and husband. My husband is a pastor and we are both very active and involved in our church and community. I live in Indiana. I have been battling MS for 8 years now. I am in my 30s.
Beginning Symptoms
I was 26 when I had my first symptoms. The left side of my body went numb and tingly for several weeks. Pain in my left leg and weird tingly feelings in my neck (kinda like electrical shocks). My regular dr did blood work and sent me to neurologist. He did a spinal tap and MRI of my brain and spine. Saw a possible MS legion in my spine, but not enough to diagnose. Symptoms went away after about 4 weeks.
Formal Diagnosis
3 years later right after having my daughter, I experienced the same numbness on left side and also began having vision issues. Double vision and blurry vision. Went back to neurologist. He did another MRI and spinal tap. He saw 6 lesions on my brain and the spinal tap also confirmed MS. I was 29 years old. I was given an IV steroid drip for 5 days and then immediately began REBIF shots.
Type of MS and Symptoms
I have relapse/remission MS. The first 2 years I had flare ups about every 3-6 months. They mostly affected my legs. I experience Weakness, heaviness, pain, numbness and tingly sensations. I am Very tired and also began experiencing bladder issues.
Currently
My most recent flare up occurred on January 26th of this year. I woke up with some blurry vision in my right eye. Throughout the day it got worse and within the week I couldn't see much at all out of that eye. Optimologist and Neurologist both diagnosed it as Optical Neuritis, which is a common symptom of MS. They said it is very common in MS patients and usually the sight returns within 3 weeks to 3 months. I had the steroid drip immediately, but it didn't help at all. I am now going on 7 months and still can't see much at all out of my right eye. Everything is dark and gray cloudy.
Medication
When I would have flare ups I received 5 day steroid drip of solumedrol. This usually helped my symptoms to go away within 2-3 weeks. The first year I used a cane some times because of the weakness in my legs and frequent falls. However, for the past 5 years I have only had about 1 flare up each year. My REBIF therapy seems to be helping because my last 2 MRIs have showed only 1-2 lesions and neither are active at the current time. So the REBIF helps rebuild the mylin around my nerves in between attacks. REBIF is injections taken 3 times a week. Although there is no cure for relapsing MS, Rebif has been proven to slow the progression of disability, reduce relapse rates and reduce lesions. I do receive financial help for my REBIF shots from the MS Lifelines and a nurse calls me every few months to check on my progress. I only have to see my neurologist every 6 months right now and he is at Ft. Wayne Neurological Center.
Other Treatments and the Emotional Side
I have many prayer warriors who have prayed for me for years and I believe that this is one of the main reasons I am doing so well with my MS. My attitude and outlook also contribute so much to my well being. I serve a God who is in control and He has shown me through the past 8 years that I have so much to be thankful for and that He is my Healer and my Sustainer! In many ways my MS has taught me a lot about my perspective and the many things that I do not take for granted anymore (walking, seeing, believing, living)
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IN honor of RHODA, and other MS victims like her, will you please consider making a donation to the National MS Society. I am specifically asking you to support our bike team as we raise awareness about MS, and raise funds to find a cure and erase MS. If you are able to donate please visit our MS 150 bike ride page or you can donate via paypal using the email address markosykes@gmail.com.
We are riding in a 150 mile bicycle ride to raise awareness and funds for those struggling with MS. Thank you for your financial support as well as for your thoughts and prayers for us as we train for this bike ride and for those struggling each day with MS.
