Readers Write.

We want to hear from you. Send e-mail to [e-mail], or write to Editor, National MS Society, 733 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017-3288. Your name will be withheld if you wish.

Dogged independence

I thought you should add one more organization to your resource list on service dogs [see InsideMS, Spring 1999, page 51]. Several I called had requirements I couldn't meet--especially the need to have someone go with me to the training (my wife works full-time). Then I called Independence Dogs, Inc., and they said I could make a donation of whatever amount I could afford (I paid $200 for the dog harness). Also, a trainer would be on call for me the entire 2 weeks of the training course. With Grady, my black Lab, it was love at first sight. He has given me a new life.

I have secondary-progressive MS and have been part of a Betaseron trial for the past 3 years. I called Berlex to explain that I'd be away at dog training school. Imagine my surprise when their director of PR showed up at our graduation ceremony to donate the full cost of my dog training!

DAVID GELLES, NEW JERSEY

Berlex and Independence Dogs, Inc., will continue to work together to provide service dogs to people with limited mobility. Independence Dogs, Inc., is a nonprofit organization. For information, write: 146 State Line Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317; phone: [phone]; web site: www.independencedogs.org

No trade-ins on this Mom

I really enjoyed reading the article, "Your Kid Has a Parent with MS" [see Spring 1999, page 16]. My daughter was only 8 months old when I was diagnosed with MS. She has never known a world without MS. In many ways, this has benefited her. She is far more sensitive to others, especially people who have disabilities.

My daughter has learned that while life is wonderful, it isn't always fair. That's a tough lesson I wish she didn't have to learn so early. I often feel guilty temporarily for "ruining" our plans, but I have come to learn that my child accepts me as I am and wouldn't trade me for the healthiest mom on earth. I am so proud of her.

PATTI MCCLINTIC, NEW YORK

Waiting for a diagnosis

I was finally diagnosed with MS after 4 years of being treated for a mental disease, even though my MD knew of my prior history of "sudden inexplicable blindness in one eye" and recurrent optic neuritis. For years I was medicated with antidepressants and sedatives, when I knew that my problems weren't in my "head" but had a neurological cause.

NAME WITHHELD, VIA E-MAIL

The article "Sticking Up for Yourself in Medical Matters" [see Winter 1999, page 14] sounded like a fairy tale to me. In reality, many MDs do not appreciate someone, especially an RN like myself, questioning their diagnosis.

It took over 6 years to fred an MD who didn't question my integrity--and ordered the tests I had requested for so long. They proved my physical symptoms weren't "all in my head".

Yes, I became my own advocate. It was the hardest fight I have ever been through. Because of my complex symptoms, MDs repeatedly thought they were "psychogenic". After such a long, exhausting endeavor, I see the profession I loved differently now. When we are trying to find out what exactly is happening to our bodies, we have so much fear--so MDs could prevent this if they'd just listen.

JEANNE SUTTON, ARIZONA

Hard-won humor

I really enjoyed "Let Me Tell You About ... Um ... I Forgot!!" [See Spring 1999, page 52.] I once went to the neurologist's office and forgot who I was there to see. Then I forgot my own name so I had to get out my driver's license. They thought it was really funny! Everyone out there with MS should develop a sense of humor and life will get better.

Once I was stopped by a policeman and he asked why I had a handicap tag. I told him I have MS. He said, "Well, you don't look sick." I told him, "Well, you don't look stupid either." He kind of got angry. I guess he didn't have a very good sense of humor.

BECKI MICHAELIS, KANSAS

RELATED ARTICLE: Readers' Query

For a special issue on MS and the Mind we'd like to hear from readers: Since MS came into your life, do you notice a difference in your emotions? Your memory? In problem solving? Do you have practical suggestions for other people?