Finally, some improvement! My meds, not important, but if you're curious: flroinef, lyrica, mestinon, celexa, and BCP (which are obviously not necessary for half of us hehe). I know many of you are on more meds, but most of the other ones out there caused violent or allergic reactions, so this is probably the extent of my medicinal progress.

What has really helped me to improve? Our dog. Many of you saw my post about service animals. My husband and I finally got a dog last month. The research and preparation have paid off, because we now have the a dog that is more wonderful than I could have imagined. I have benefited from his presence so much that I can drive for more than 3 miles with him with me. I have the confidence to go places alone. I am in less pain---WHICH IS AMAZING because lyrica actually hasn't helped my pain nor has anything else that I am not allergic to. My anxiety is almost non-existent when the dog is around. I have something positive to focus my energy on. Instead of focusing on how little I succeed at now compared to what I used to, I can relish in our dog's success through our training. Now, I can go for walks that are little over a mile long (not frequently, but I haven't been able to go for a walk at ALL since Jan until now!) I also use the cane for balance so I know where the ground is. With the dog, I can tell where the ground is and I don't typically need my cane as much (I still need a cane or wheelchair from time to time depending on the task). It's great to have adults and children look at me and smile because I have a nice dog instead of stare or look like they feel sorry for me because I am a young woman with a cane.

My husband and I have decided to make our dog my service dog. We did not get him with the intention of making him a service dog, but he has helped me improve symptoms that I never thought would improve and conveniently, he is already well behaved enough to accompany me in public without a lot of extra training. He has increased my independence to a level I never thought possible. I may still need my husband's help and we may need to hire a maid but I'm not housebound to the same extent that I used to be. Who knows? I may actually be able to return to the work force someday, whether by telecomuting or actually going into work, with our dog's help.

Why am I writing this? Well, honestly, I am a little down (forgive my PMS). A lot of the medications, that my doctors and I had high expectations of, caused detrimental reactions. I have not improved as much as I expected I would by this time and that upsets me greatly. I guess I'm still new to being sick and I have a lot to learn... But after the let downs with all these meds, I think I should count my blessings for what HAS improved, so I am writing this post. There are angels who watch over us when God knows we need them most. My husband returning home is the biggest angel in my life. Our little furry friend is an angel I never expected to be such a big part of our lives. So far, my story HAS been a success even if my initial expectations were too high. The Army has not released me from my commitment yet, but it is most likely coming. I'm learning to accept and value the turn my life has taken. It has been a painful process but I am learning to find meaning in the smallest things that I CAN do. I thank God for my husband and family, my progress, and most recently, our dog. I know God is aware of our suffering and while I lose faith at times, He is always there waiting for us to come home.

I don't have many goals to shoot for... and while I don't want my husband to deploy, I want to be well enough so that he can deploy this January with his unit. I know I can do it somehow. Thank you for all your prayers and inspiration.

Wishing you success,
GoArmy

YAAAAYYY!! I am so happy that you are improving!!!! I know how hard you've been working and trying to get some improvement. I'm sure having wonderful hubby at home has had something to do with it too
I'm also thrilled that your new doggie is bringing you so much joy. When we lost our dog last summer to cancer, I just couldn't stand not having that comforting presence with me, especially since I'm pretty much here alone all of the time. When we adopted Ginger, I was so much happier. There's just something about having a dog around. I talk to my dog all the time - she probably thinks I'm crazy but she loves me anyway!
I know you are not exactly where you want to be yet but you have come so far and you are so strong. You are also right that God is aware of our suffering and will be there through it all. Sometimes, it's hard for us to believe that but in the end it is always proven to me in some tangible way.
Anyway, I am thrilled for your progress and will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please email or call me anytime you need to talk.

Go Army,
You're e-mail made me cry and that is something that I don't often allow myself to do. You are right that God is aware of our suffering and in my case, it happens to be my young daughter. I do lose faith some days when my daughter is so sick that she can hardly move, but I do try to remember also that God is there.

My daughter's wonderful, unbelievable attitude and strength also keep me going. She's only 12 and yet, her positive attitude has been an inspiration to the adults around her. I wish I was more like her and I thank God that he gave her these gifts to get her thru the hard times!

Go Army, I hope you continue to enjoy your dog. Our old cat has kept my daughter entertained and happy for a long time. I also hope you continue to feel better. I'll be praying for you and your husband.
Brenda

LOL Oh boy, did I jinx things... Something happened to my back a few days ago--still can't figure out what. But I actually went to the ER last night because the pain was so bad. I guess it's back to the couch for me. I hope no one else jinxes themselves.

Good luck!
GoArmy