On Cognitive Difficulties I just read a new book by Jeffrey N. Gingold called Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis. It's published by Demos Medical Publishing and I found a used copy (looked new to me) on Amazon.com for cheap. I saw it mentioned in the Rocky Mountain MS Center's newsletter and the author was giving a talk near Denver. Mr. Gingold was a practicing attorney when diagnosed with MS.Finally I read of someone else affected by MS as I am. Since starting Betaseron I've come a long way getting past the physical effects of MS. It's the cognitive stuff that gets me. He has suggestions and tips and it was just a good read. - Carolyn, Albuquerque, NM
On Drop Foot & Horseback Riding If you are experiencing drop foot, as I am, there are two devices which have helped me continue with riding and walking. An elastic ankle brace seems to improve my foot positioning in the stirrup and a simple device I found on line called the Dorsi-Strap. Unlike the cumbersome calf length leg brace for drop foot, the Dorsi-Strap is lace, velcro, and an elastic wrap. which helps hold the foot up. Check it out at www.x-strap.com. -- Bev
On Getting an IM shot (Avonex) Dave, you mention Avonex, and not knowing exactly what it's like. I am taking Avonex, a once a week shot. I first practiced on an orange. The needle itself is about 1-1/2"; there is a quick pinch and then it's more of that "did I just do that" feeling—knowing that it's going into a muscle more than actually feeling it. Releasing the medication stings and takes a bit longer than I'd like, but then it's over. My only problem so far, is that since it's once a week, I forget how to do it, and have to practice on another orange before I jab myself again. Good for my vitamin C intake! I have had someone inject me, and that is better, because I look away and don't see it coming. Avonex is refrigerated, so it is important to remember to remove it from the fridge a few hours before injection. The warmer it is, the less the sting during injection. — Betsy Rafferty, Warwick, RI