[Tom Jenner]

Hi Ben. Not sure when you were diagnosed. I’ve been dealing with this ugly. Unpredictable disease since the mid 80s. Things didn’t really start to get bad till around 2002, 2003. The stress from a divorce got everything going. And I’ve learned from myself and talking with other people with M. S. There is no norm. So throw that right out the window. It’s just like life. Everyone’s life is differant. We all have our ups and downs. Good days and bad. But unfortunately in my life the bad days greatly out number the good ones. Especially the past couple of yrs, the fatigue is really getting unbearable. Most days I don’t have it in me to get dressed and walk out of my apt door. My memory and thought process seems so screwed up right now. The simplest things like getting my mail and actually opening it. I have quite the pile of mail sitting on my table unopened. I keep telling myself I’ll do it first thing tomorrow. But that tomorrow just doesn’t come. Do you have people in your life you can count on for help if needed. Ben. Are you married, kids ?? If you need there help don’t be afraid to ask for it. Ive lived alone for the past 15 yrs. Well me and my kitty. She’s the best roommate ever. But I’m not going to lie to you. The living alone. For me anyways at this stage probably isn’t the greatest idea. My girlfriend had a massive stroke 2 1/2 yrs ago. I try and get over there during the day 2 or 3 times a week. And every Friday night I spend the night there. Gives her daughter a break. Karen still needs 24/7 care. She’s made great progress over the past year. She’s really worked hard. I’m so proud of her. It was our 5th anniversary for dating August 1st. We had plans before all this happened. We had talked about getting married before this. But neither one of us is going to allow the stroke to stop anything. Yes it slowed things down and for now that’s a good thing. My concentration is on her getting stronger. I told her when all this happened that I would be by her side for as long as it takes and yes we are still planning on getting married. It’s probably not going to happen till next spring. From everything that has happened over the past couple of yrs a few more months is just fine. We both know we have each other although it’s not the best living situation. She lives in one town and I live in the next town over. But we will figure things out. I feel guilty that I don’t get over there more than I do but I’m trying to figure out my own health issues. I’m no good to her if I don’t snap out of whatever is going on with me. The forgetfulness is driving me crazy. I get so ticked off at myself. Just stupid. Simple things and I forget to do them. I write more notes to myself than you can imagine but I lose the notes. I’ve got 5 or 6 notebooks hanging around. It’s just really starting to get me upset. Can you relate to any of this Ben. Talk to me.

Tom