I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, in Baltimore, while in grad school to become a Pathologists' Assistant. As is so often the case, it has now converted to secondary progressive MS. I have been declining, slowly but steadily, since about 2000. I went from a "normally functioning" young adult to a cane, to, currently, a walker, with a wheelchair on hold in my kitchen for when I need it...  Also, as a result, I am no longer able to work.

For the last 15 years, I have been offered little hope for improvement. The best I was given has been to "slow the progression" of the disease. Over the past year, even that small hope has been denied me. I was told by two local (in Durham, NC) MS specialists, "there's nothing I can do for you." Well, if you know me at all, that's not an acceptable option for me; I leave no stone unturned!

My sister is a master's level RN working at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore. She introduced me to an MS neurologist there who is not so conservative as my local docs. We discussed several treatments they're using. One of these is non-pharmaceutical, using a special exercise "bike" and functional electric stimulation. This has been used in brain- and spinal cord-injured patients (including Christopher Reeve) with success. I figured, "what the heck?" and tried it. I was skeptical, and was told it could take 3 months to see any results.

Well, after my trial-run of one hour, the next day I woke up and had a slight improvement in walking and balance! It was the first time in 15 years that I've seen ANY improvement! Needless to say, I'm a little excited! Ongoing use is needed to maintain this improvement; within 2 days, I was back to my normal disability.

Unfortunately, this equipment is costly (about $20,000). I'm trying to raise the funds needed to purchase this equipment. It's so difficult to have to wait! Please, your help is truly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Michelle Brovitz, MS PA(ASCP)