I had so much fun reading the responses to An Open Letter to Jack Osbourne from People with Multiple Sclerosis (and I was so proud of everyone who wrote in and shared intimate details of their lives to make things easier for a stranger) that I decided to send some letters to other famous people with MS, comprised of all of your individual messages. So much is written about these people and their lives with MS, but it is rare that we ever get to talk to them, as fellow individuals living with MS from day-to-day.
I was a little surprised by what readers had to say about Ann Romney in my previous post, Ann Romney, Multiple Sclerosis and the Presidential Campaign. It seems like people were on the fence between thinking Ann was great and showing great empathy for her, as a person living with MS, and thinking that Ann was misrepresenting the challenges that the average person with MS faces day-to-day.
Here is your chance to talk to Ann directly. Tell her what you think. Share what you wish she would say as a person with MS to the rest of America.
I'll go first, but I'll be brief:
Dear Ann,
I am sorry that you have MS and admire you for being able to keep up on the campaign trail. I hope that you are able to take care of yourself during what must be grueling days. You have brought attention to multiple sclerosis. More people are aware of the disease because of your openness about it, and that is a good thing. You seem to be doing great physically, and I am happy about that. However, many people with MS are not doing as well as you are. Their disease has progressed more quickly or they may have symptoms that are more obvious or disabling. I think we would all be grateful if you would mention this fact occasionally, so that the American public can know that MS can take many forms and affect people differently. Thank you.
Thank you for writing this letter. I would add that MS has got nothing to do with politics and, even more importantly, staying with a wife who has MS has nothing remarkable to say about Mitt Romney’s character. There are thousands of spouses, both Democrat and Republican who have stayed loyally by the side of a spouse with MS, spouses who often have far fewer resources than Mitt Romney have stood by spouses who are far more disabled and less able to be supportive than Anne Romney. Indeed, many of us are convinced that for all the support Mitt Romney may give his wife, his economic policies are likely to hurt people with MS far more than those of the opposition.
I have to agree and I feel somewhat guilty but I have no positive words of advice to give Mrs. Romney. I do feel that it was wrong that she was forced to step down from her position with NMSS so that the organization could remain politically neutral because that is impossible when dealing with a population such as ours. Instead she should have used her position to force the GOP to at least look at, if not address, items on the NMSS agenda
I like Dr. Stachowiak’s comment. I have to disagree with Mr. Freed. I am convinced that it is Mr. Obama’s so called “affordable” care act that will do great harm to people like myself who are severely disabled from MS. It will do harm to virtually everyone, but in particular to the middle class, the elderly, and the chronically ill. It is a bit amusing that Mr. Freed started by saying MS has nothing to do with politics and then proceeded to make a political statement.
Here is the deal.. thousands of people with MS find SINCERE relief from cannabis.
Mitt Romney when asked about medical cannabis last month said ‘Don’t we have anything important to talk about’ then he laughed and ended the interview.
Ann Romney and MS?
Don’t we have something important to talk about?
First of all, I am tired of hearing about Ann Romney’s struggle with MS. I want to shout “Hey Ann; come try to walk a mile in any of the people who have the “real” MS’s shoes! You’d get about 50 feet in mine. And it would not be pretty.
Just ONCE I’d like her to acknowledge how fortunate not only in life, but in MS, she has been. Really, what an ingrate. If riding a horse cures what’s wrong with you, then it’s not MS – or at least not the MS those of us who really struggle with it have.
Stop trying to relate to the “common” man through your “struggles” with MS. You diminish the seriousness of the disease, just by your visage. Take stock, give thanks, shut up about your struggles and move on. That’s what we’re busy doing, not whining about the latest MS “scare”. Puhleeeze!
Mitt Romney shows that he does’nt care about those of us with MS, but for the Insurance Companies.,Anyone who believes that the Affordable Health Care Act doesn’t help we with MS, are buying Republican Propaganda… and I ask that they don’t accept any of the benefits offered… that will shoe that Socialist Muslim Obama!
Dear Ann,
I think Maureen is having a bad MS day. I think its great when people like Montel, Jack O and you talk about your MS. I have been diagnosed for over 10 years. I had to mostly give up all the things I loved doing. And lost my spouse. I look forward to a bleak existence as I am really alone in this. I am 56. I can walk. I rode my horse for 10 mins a year ago in a riding ring. i used to ride the mtns for 3 hours. But i don’t give up on what I am doing. I cry in the shower, I fall and cry, I think about euthanasia for later. I want medical marijuana legalized.But mostly I want you and others to talk about this disease so when I have an MS day, someone will understand if I cannot utter words to order my meal, or get up and walk when they saw me walk into a place just fine. Lifes a trip isn’t it? I want people to understand its different for everyone, every day. and I am still me, i just can’t express it. Horses are great therapy. keep it up even if its just hugging them.
I have much respect for Ann Romney. I agree it must be grueling to keep up the schedule required on a campaign trail. I even read she had a slight setback with her MS while campaigning. I sincerely hope if Mitt Romney wins, Ann will use this opportunity to bring more attention to all aspects of Multiple Sclerosis.
And in a prior comment, someone mentioned spouses character in staying with someone with MS. I must disagree. It does speak for your character somewhat to stay with someone with a chronic disease. My husband left me after 20 years when I was diagnosed. So having that type of character does say something about any individual.
The beginning of learning you have MS is a fearful time from all the unknowns you have. Every patient with MS or the threat of MS feels that. After my MS of 15 years, I still have those moments, but they are so much more manageable since I have a much better understanding with my MS. I joined NARCOMS NOW and done their surveys. That sight has been a great advantage and the info a patient with MS can give them may help us all more in time.
I give you a lot of credit for being able to be on the campaign trail with your husband. I had to stop working last October because my cognitive issues made it very difficult to work. My biggest issue that I have that I know that Ann Romney does not need to worry about is my finances. i an currently on long term disability, which means I receive 60% of my pay and then need to pay taxes on it besides! how can a person survive on that. If I get approved for social security disability then long term stops- My husband read in the paper a few months ago about a possible bill in the house that if passed, people on disability would be able to continue receiving their long term disability with social security together. That would be a great help, of course we know how slow the government moves unless it effects them directly. My husband does not want me to go back to work but if the difference with our income is very difficult- PLEASE HELP, thank you
Dear Ann,
I admire you for being so open about your MS. You have brought a much needed awareness to this disease. My MS diagnoses was a devastating one for me. I had a good career as a dialysis technician that I had to give up because I could no longer keep up with the physical demands of the job. Now I sit at home on disability without the ability to pay all my bills and have to rely on other people to help me. This has been hard to accept as I have always been a pretty independent person who helped other people in need. I would love to go back to work, but who is going to hire someone who absolutely needs to lie down for a couple of hours every afternoon due to crushing fatigue?
I wish you good luck in your continuing battle with MS and pray that your symptons do not get worse as they have for so many of us.
I think this is a good idea and I hope Ann does not stop reading after the political comments. I wish you, Ann would stress te fact that MS is not rosey as you make it out to be. I am now battling the fact that on some days I walk with a cane and other days I don’t and get comments like Ann Romney has the disease and she does just fine. THIS IS A DISEASE THAT IS NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL. I have MS and I look like I’m drunk sometimes. Please do justice to this disease and tell people it is not the same for everyone.
Lets take the politics out of this conversation with one exception. If Mitt Romney becomes president, I selfishly hope his personal situation as the spouse of someone with MS, will bring greater focus to this terrible disease in Washington.
I am concerned with the “Obamacare” plan and do not believe that anything good can or will come out of a plan that requires 2,800 pages to explain its workings. What I can tell you is that a plan that includes a 3.5% tax on the sale of real estate alone is huge an will greatly hurt those that have homes to sell. And that is only one of the many new taxes that have no place in a health care bill. That tax may very well be the money that could be needed to pay for equipment needed to improve the quality of life for someone with a disability. Maybe it’s a van or an elevator or other required modification or equipment.
As far as the issue of supportive spouses and their commitment to one another, I have one comment to think about, ” For better or worse, in sickness or in health”. It would be nice if more people that made that commitment practised what they committed to do. I lost my wife 3 years ago to complications related to MS that progressed rapidly over a time span of 17 years. I would never think of leaving her just as I know she would support me if the situation was the reverse. As luck would have it, I was Diagnosed with MS about 10 years later. What are the odds? Unfortunately, I am well aware of several people that suffer with MS that are not as fortunate.
I wish Ann Romney well with her struggle with MS and hope she continues to bring greater focus to this disease and the growing number of people that are affected both directly and indirectly. I think your kind, compassionate demeanor will serve all us well as our “first Lady”.
Be well.
Dear Ann,
I hope that if you become First Lady you will bring more attention to MS, as Michelle Obama has NOT done (her father had MS and she has not mentioned it in length since the Democratic National Convention in 2008). I feel that someone who has had this disease touch their life so closely should be more committed to bringing awareness and trying to bring about change, especially when you have seen the toll it takes on those you love. I know there are a lot of concerns and issues America is dealing with. I hope that if you guys are in office, we will see a positive change in our country. Wishing you the best of luck, health and happiness.
Dear Ann,
Dear Ann,
I admire your commitment to your husband’s campaign trail and can’t imagine how difficult it must be sometimes. If you’re anything like me, the crushing fatigue alone can be overwhelming. I also appreciate your openness in talking about your having the disease. MS is a disease that can be difficult to comprehend by people who don’t have it. It’s confusing enough for those of us who do! When I hear it mentioned by you or commentators that you have MS, I know it must be difficult for many people to relate. As with many of us with MS, you “look” fine and don’t appear to be suffering. It would be wonderful if, when possible, you could talk more openly about MS in general and the variety of symptoms people with MS can have. Before I was diagnosed, I didn’t know anything about MS and think that’s still the case for many folks. It is very exciting that some well-known people who have MS are speaking out about it and I hope you can help the general public understand.
I just want to say that I’m glad for you that you’re able to stay so active in your life living with MS and hope that continues for you. God bless.
Mrs. Romney, I find your story very inspiring to many people who are currently suffering from multiple sclerosis. I myself face many challenges. Often times these challenges go unnoticed by my friends and family just because people are really not noticeable. People always say when I tell them I have MS, oh you look good. Always a funny point. My question about celebrities such as yourself and the other wealthy people who have MS is they have access to what ever type of medical care, physical therapy, and any type of therapeutic ideas. What’s the regular guy to do. Who’s just trying to struggle, just to buy groceries, let alone the $50,000 new medications that are coming on the market. I myself consider my family to be lucky as I have insurance. But I know many people who suffer from this disease who have lost their insurance. When I hear your husband say his first goal is to repeal Obama care I wonder if that’s really going to help the people who are in trouble because of illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. I would take great joy in the event I were to ever meet you. You truly are inspiring to those of us who have MS. If you make it to Scranton Pennsylvania please take a moment to say hello. Derek
Dear Ann,
when I see you on camera, I am in awe of your energy level and how difficult it must be on some days to be on the campaign trail. After reading the above comments, I have to add my hope, my plea, for you to take every opportunity to voice the fact that everyone has a different MS journey. Please! Reminding people of this will be a great service to so many and possibly will add understanding for many others.
I know your journey is not one of enacting legislation, but I still must share that I feel safe for the time being. Knowing the ACA will allow me to buy insurance with my pre-existing condtion is a huge relief. Knowing I won’t reach a lifetime limit of my coverage, exactly at a time when I will need coverage the most, brings me comfort. No one can say what will replace the act, because they seem more concerned about repealing it than presenting any workable plan. The answer is always: “we are going to repeal it first, then look at what we might address”. And so it goes. The days ahead remain uncertain both health-wise, and financially.
I hope you can be an advocate for those of us who carry the same burden as you carry, all while taking every opportunity to share that there are countless marks on the scale of the severity of MS. countless.
Be well, keep fighting, and thank you!
My daughter is 52 yrs. old and has been in a nursing home for two years. The attitude of insurance carriers is MS is a chronic and progressive disease in her case. She does not receive PT on a regular basis even though it has proved very helpful. They no longer give her any of the miracle drugs. Any suggestions woul be appreciated. I also believe there are many more cases of MS in this country than the 400′,000 figure that is cited.
This letter is from a Heartbroken Mother.u
I spent nine months fighting an insurance company that ruled against my getting a wheelchair better suited to my spms than the old one I had been using. The new one was deemed “not medically necessary”. I could not find out what kind of specialist made that determination or how it was made. No transparency at all. Finally someone took pity on me and asked the insurer to do an “audit” of the decision, and my new wheelchair was ordered. All of this could have been avoided if health insurance was not so top-heavy with beaurocrats whose job it is to deny claims, hoping their customers will accept their denials and just go away. Fortunately I have the persistence to fight for what is right.
Will we ever see a day that insurers will work hand in hand with patients? I fear that I will not see it in my lifetime or the lifetimes of my grown children. Ann Romney, please advocate for fairness and transparency in the insurance industry and not just for how can cut costs on the backs of people like me.
Greetings Ann,
No politics from me, I am NOT voting this year…
I would really like to see you “tell it like it is” with regards to MS. The pain, the cognitive issues, the fatigue. Don’t sugar coat it for political or even religious reasons (I’m a former Mormon, ’nuff said). Speak up! Let people know that it sucks having MS! Stick up for those of us that have no means to take advantage of various therapies that might benefit us, like acupuncture or equine therapy. Come to a support group meeting here in Reno NV, and talk to some of us that have lost jobs because of MS, and have had minimum care as we wait our TWO YEARS for Medicare coverage.
Best Wishes for continued mobility!
Dear Anne – I am sorry you have MS – I am sorry my 26 year old son has MS and all affected people. If you have any compassion please please try to use your platform for the legalization of medical cannabis – and not the 3rd rate product the government puts out. I have met so many people who can manage their symptoms and function after a few precious drags. The dispensaries are a GOD send – Do not take them away from us. Keep big pharma out of any thing cannabis – they will only poison it.
Dear Mrs. Romney,
I watched you on t.v. with your beautiful horses & I cried. I saw that sparkle in your eyes from just being near the horses. No. Horses aren’t a “cure” for M.S. How ignorant to even suggest such a thing. But, if you love them…..no matter what you may be struggling with…..it is a tonic for the soul just to be able to hug a horse around the neck! Pure, pure love! And love is medicine.
God bless you,Ann. I truly hope & pray you will, one day soon, become 1st Lady of the Land
Then, I’ll pray every day that you stay strong alongside your very caring husband.
Love, eaglehaslanded
Dear Mrs. Romney,
I am sorry that you have MS. I am 57 years old and was diagnosed less than 3 years ago. I have had symptoms on and off since my early 20’s but none of the doctors put 2 and 2 together. I was finally diagnosed because I now have a permanent disability relating to one leg, one arm, and one eye.
Through all those years and even now, I have managed to work full time while raising a family. I understand that each person’s journey with MS is different. Some of us show it more than others.
The one thing that is not different is that at some point most if not all of us will need some health care. Also that most of us do not have your financial resources. I am a Republican and I don’t want something for nothing. But I do want the ability to buy health insurance. Having been diagnosed with MS should not keep me from being able to buy insurance. MS is not a preventable disease. Why shouldn’t I be able to buy insurance?
Medical facilities, prescriptions, and physicians all charge people without insurance more. My MS medication is over $3000 a month without insurance. There is a price that insurance companies negotiate for drugs, certain services and procedures. The doctors and medical facilities are not allowed to charge the patient more than that. Those prices are not negotiable for the uninsured.
I don’t believe Obamacare is the answer but before it is repealed, the Republicans need to come up with something else that allows all American’s to buy health insurance. We aren’t asking for a free ride, just an opportunity to buy health insurance regardless of employment.
I admire you for showing strength on the campain trail, but I do also hope you understand that showing any signs of your MS should not be considered a weakness. It is just the truth. Your openess to discuss MS in recnet interviews has also been encouraging. Much like the current first lady has been with her father and his MS (which sadly took his life). There is so much good that you can do to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis and I am happy that you have chosen to deliver that message in public and private works.
I was very pleased to hear Mr. Romney say that although he would repeal the health care law, he would be keeping all of the things that make it work. So politically, I guess that would be a win for him (I guess by renaming it somehow). I have read his past record on health care in Mass. and I look up to him for having the courage to do what is right in that state. It is my hope that if he is elected he will forgo the rhetoric that got him elected and continued to put his efforts behind laws like his “Romney-care” that made so much sense and has worked so well. It’s sad in this country that we can’t just agree on anything anymore because of the ‘sport’ of winning a race and no hold’s barred politics.
I do hope that you continue to have good health through these summer months on the campaign trail. But, I am very openly voting to give you and your husband a good bit of down time after November.
Thanks Tessa Monaghan for your wise words!
Wow, I couldn’t have said better than you with “when I can’t talk and can’t walk out of there but I walked in just fine” Thanks for your honesty because I’m a “one-way girl” and feel great whether the first 1/2 hour but then like there’s nothing and I think, “Oh no how am I going to get back home?!
Thanks for saying the exact words and so happy to read your wisdom
Thank you Tessa!
Ann, I find it hard to believe that few on this site will send you the same respect and encouragement without the disdain… can’t we show her the same respect love and encouragement that we sent to Jack and his family. My heart goes out to you Ann and your family! Regardless of your money, your political point of view, you too are human… and have suffered like us. I am sorry that you may struggle and not receive the respect those of use out of the media and politics have, PRIVACY and respect…. Everyone here at some point has been judged by what someone else thinks MS should or should not look like….Im sorry that you have to read negativity. You deserve love and respect. I am sorry that you suffer. I am sorry that ANY person suffers. I send you, your family and everyone else affected by any disease love and compassion. Peace be with you and yours.
I forgot to add Thank you to all of you sending POSITIVE comments may you too experience the love and encouragement you have shared back to you and yours…. Bless you for having grace to be kind…
Peace to you…. but I can tell by your comments already that your bucket is already full….. Blessed in spite of, it shows…
Dear Ann,
I was surprised the first time I realized that you were on the campaign trail with your hubby because I knew that you have MS. I think that is so brave of you and I hope you’re holding your own and maybe even enjoying it some. I have MS and, like you, I am still up and about and function pretty much independently and I’ve very thankful for that.
I just wanted to encourage you to continue to fight the good fight and I also wanted to tell you HOW MUCH I RESPECT you for putting your family first for so many years. I have no doubt that you will never regret that. I hope you stay well and I am so hoping that you get to pick out the new pattern of presidential china in the White House! You’re inspiring to a lot of us. Hang in there!!
wow…I am really surprised at some of the comments – especially the one insinuating that Ann Romney doesn’t have “real MS.” Aren’t we all in this together? I feel that there is such polarization in this country right now, especially among those who seem to hate the “rich.” If we looked at every person with MS not as a brave warrior with a disease, but as a democrat, republican, “have” or “have not,” we not only dismiss them as a partner in fighting this disease, but demean them as well. Honestly, we need all the help we can get in publicizing MS and getting funding so we can find a cure. Infighting gets us nowhere and even sets the cause back. I find it curious that no one attacked Jack Osbourne because he was wealthy. I have always found a kinship with MS sufferers because it is an unpredictable and scary disease and we can all use support. Regardless of my political affiliation, I would like to tell Ann Romney to keep strong during a stressful time and if her position helps to bring more attention and funding to MS, then we all benefit from it.
@Kim…. you are a Beautiful Spirit…
Blessings and Peace is yours
Ann,
I admire you and your husband.
I feel gentle yoga helps me a great deal with my MS,
which I have had since 1982.
I am now 52,
Please stay cool this summer and take care.
Jamie
How odd is it that when we have an open letter to someone that has M.S. that just happens to be the wife of a guy who is running for president it becomes an attack on HIS character and how this has nothing to do with him, The amazing thing is that people actually think that by saying it has nothing to do with him they are making some kind of statement ,some new info. NEWS FLASH!!! I think he knows that his wife has M.S. and it has nothing to do with him wanting to be President, Anyway Mrs.Romney I hope you are doing well and I pray for you and your family
Dear Ann,
When I first heard you had MS, I felt sad for you, but also happy that we had a good spokesperson. I was hopeful that you could express that everyone’s journey with MS is different. Mine is extreme low back pain, extreme fatigue that has made it difficult for me to work. I have had 2 relapses in 3 years.
Mrs. Romney, please bring up to America what MS is all about. You were apart of the NMSS. I hope you can use the information you learned to educate more people about MS. I know I was really scared when I was first told I had MS. There are still days when I’m still scared. But I believe you have the opportunity and maybe an obligation to bring this information to America.
Thank you!
Ok…I will be brief and to the point…MS is a very exspensive disease to be “blessed” with….I work because I still can and am fortunate enough to be able to unlike so many of the brave warriors out there that are afflicted with this disease….but all but every penny I make goes to hefty insurance premiums and medicine co-pays. I am in need of routine follow up MRI tests….I can not afford to pay my co-pay of the tests so have to keep putting them off and just pray my shots are doing the job. PLEASE….I beg every politician out there….let’s have a huge wake-up call for the “common” man and women who pay taxes, are PROUD Americans, and are in desperate need to just have the basic things we need to get by day by day.
Some of the comments on this post are simply unbearable to read. I have MS, and have had for the last 15 years or so. I had to give up my carreer eight years ago. I have the RR form, so I am more fortunate than others, but since each person’s case is different, we all have the same sense of loss, lament and uncertainess. There is one difference though, between Mrs. Romney and I. Which is this post is about as public as I get with my MS. I occasionally find it nice that my MS doesn’t show to the same extent as with others, because it allows me to interact “normally” with people. Mrs. Romney will never again have that ability, but rather will now suffer to whatever exttent her case presents, in front of the public eye. So all of you that posted kind, helpful and non-confrontational thoughts, THANK YOU. As for those of you who used this medium to attack, disparage and otherwise be contrary for whatever reason, please except my apologies as I am going to ignore, and hopefully forget everything you said, as there is nothing at all helpful about it!
In recent months, you have become the face of MS to many Americans. I appreciate your willingness to share your story. I am delighted that you have the support of your husband and family. So much of what we deal with in MS is not visible and not understood. I have read the comments asking you to let the public know about the manifestations of MS that are debilitating and life-altering. I hope you will do it–when you have the time and energy. I hope that your positive attitude will impact others with MS. I see too many of us giving up and not pursuing the options of exercise, stretching, and meditation. Like others who left comments, I am very, very concerned about Obamacare and how rationing of health care may affect all of us, but especially those of us with chronic conditions. I spent 40 years as an educator and paid into health insurance plans that I rarely used. To be denied at this time in my life would be devastating and very unfair. Good luck to you and Mitt as your pursue the challenges in your lives.
Having recently turned 65, and having MS for 19-yrs, I have had multiple experiences under private-sector healthcare provisioning. And now w/ Medicare, I see a slight IMPROVEMENT in my healthcare provisions, NOT a deterioration. OBAMACARE is as step in the right direction for A-L-L MS patients. To say otherwise, as some have stated herein, is simply an ignorance or distortion of the FACTS as they truly are…all for a political-agenda of dubious value.
Dear Mrs. Romney -
Since I have had MS for 14 years, I can understand what your day-to-day routine can be for you. But, I have also been divorced from an abusive alcohol for 20 years, raised 2 children who are now 23 and 25 and lost jobs do the fact of my MS. Have you ever heard the comment “You have MS? Oh, but you look so good!” I’ve “looked good” for those 14 years, but have dragged myself through them most of the time. Do you find you feel that way many times? But then have you needed to get the kids off to school, go work a job on your feet for 10 hours, pick up the kids after school at the after-school program, make dinner, clean up, get you and the kids to bed to wake up and do it all over again. On the weekends, do shopping and laundry. And still have people say “But you look so good!” and all you want to do is scream!!!! I say this so that you can please give the public a realistic look at what the average person with MS goes through. And, yes, I did say that I have lost jobs because of my MS since I didn’t look like I was going through any difficulties. The last job I lost caused me to loose my house since I finally couldn’t keep up with the mortgage. I was able to accomplish everything I needed to, for them. I now live by myself in a one-bedroom apartment because that is all I can afford. I am 55 and have worked since I was 15. I’m not married to a wealthy man. I do not have a housekeeper or a chauffeur. I don’t get to rest when I need to. Please show the common side of MS that many of us live through every day. Please don’t misrepresent what it is like to have MS – we have fought very hard to get to where we are so that people can try to understand our lives. Please keep us in mind every day and represent us for all we have been able to accomplish in our lives even though we “look so good”. Thank for reading my letter, Vivian D. Swibel, BSN, RN; Indian Head Park, IL
Dear Ann,
I wish you would take MS out of your talking points. I would rather have you not talk about it, than talk about it the way you do. I feel that you do not educate anyone and in fact hurt people living with chronic illness. The fact that this is the best you can do, even with handlers and speech writers seems to me either arrogantly stupid or criminal. I wish you all the best and truly hope you remain healthy, but I find the way you handle your MS in the media cheap and tacky. Please stop using MS as a sympathy card, it severely harms others who have not been as, fortunate, lucky, blessed as you.
If you become the First Lady I hope when you choose your special project it is MS. The majority of people have no idea what MS is and what a struggle it is for us.
Also, my insurance finally agreed to cover the cost of a new drug for my MS. It took two months of my neurologist’s office, the drug manufacturer and myself to convince them that I did so well with it when taking it thru a two-month free offer from the drug manufacturer.
They refused to understand this medication was a system management medication not a disease modifying medication (I’m on a disease modifying medication). Insurance said I could not be on two separate MS medications.
In the meantime I could have been getting stronger instead of having
to deal with the stress of not knowing if I’d be able to get this medication. There is no way I’d be taking this medication if the insurance company wouldn’t cover it……the cost is $1,400.00 for a one month supply.
Please help us, Ann, we need all the help we can get.
All of you who say Ann misrepresents MS should be ashamed of yourselves! As MS patients we should all recognize that EVERY person’s MS is different and not every symptom can be seen. You who compare yourselves to Ann and suggest she doesn’t have it bad are hypocrites and bitter. I for one am grateful for her example and putting a spotlight on the disease. I’m not even 30 but have been diagnosed for years. Im young but have learned NEVER to compare my disease to somebody else’s because I will NEVER know the full impact MS has on that person.
To Ann – Thank you and may God bless you and hold you up in thus trial.
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testimony
i am jenifer from Malaysia
i just want to share my experience and testimony here.. i was married for 6 years to my husand and all of a sudden, another woman came into the picture.. he started haiting me and he was abusive..but i still loved him with all my heart and wanted him at all cost…then he filed for divorce..my wholelife was turning apart and i didnt know what to do..he moved out of the house and abandoned the kids.. so someone told me about trying spiritual means to get my husband back and introduced me to a spell caster…so i decided to try it reluctantly..although i didnt believe in all those things… then when he did the special prayers and spell, after 7 days, my husband came back and was pleading..he had realised his mistakes..i just couldnt believe it.. anyways we are back together now and we are happy..incase anyone needs this man, his email address churchofproblemsolvedchurch@yahoo.com his spells is for a better life.
Hate to break everyones heart here. Here’s the low down an having a horse with a $77,000 vet bill.
No way is Ann Romney riding this horse. That is the Romney hoax. My wife’s family has been in the horse business for nearly 80 years.
IF Ann Romney ever rode THAT horse, it would be ruined. WHY? A show horse like that could only be riden by the trainer/rider. Any horse that does what is dose would be spoiled taking on another rider. This horse has to be so well trained, it will ONLY be saddled and riden by one rider.
So, Mitt and Ann, what’s the real answer here.
Sorry folks, this is just the Romney’s being Romney’s. What a farce.
Not sure how you deal physically, but must be nice to afford whatever you need for MS. I’m 42, 2 children and husband. We bought house that can’t live in anymore. House purchased before diagnosis. It’s tri-level with stairs. Tried getting motorized chair through MS center, was denied, reason, couldn’t use on all levels. At time only needed to get to bus stop to get kids or, take “walk” with family. House was set so I could get around holding well placed furniture and stair rails when on stairs. MS progressive now, barely able to get up/down stairs. Banks etc…go south. Had perfect credit and card companies jacked rates. Haven’t worked since first child born, figured I’d go back once they’re in school but, nobody wants to hire persons in wheelchairs w/MS, (unpredictability of i). Volunteer as I can, kids school, animal rescue. It keeps me from killing myself. My husband, not making 250,000+ a year, is making TOO MUCH to qualify for help yet not enough to keep up with illness. Done ABC meds and still take ones that help but, am disappointed with greed the insurance and pharmaceutical companies show. Can’t stand for 5 minutes, insurance wants to know would I use standup MRI for my yearly because cheaper. Not knowing/caring that this is difficult or if I would use different doctor/facility treatment. I’m going to MS Center where latest things happen. Really!?!? We can’t afford caregivers with what my husband makes. He’s my caregiver, not trained. Is your husband yours? Has he helped you off floor after falling because legs too weak, changed big girl pants because MS affects removal of waste? I’m guessing you’ve others who deal with that. We’re not poor but, the system in place is a load. If you became poor and needed assistance but turned down because make TOO MUCH and didn’t have insurances in place, how would you handle it? How will the Romney’s help those without gravy trains survive!
R.Davis
Not sure how you deal physically, but must be nice to afford whatever you need for MS. I’m 42, 2 children and husband. We bought house that can’t live in anymore. House purchased before diagnosis. It’s tri-level with stairs. Tried getting motorized chair through MS center, was denied, reason, couldn’t use on all levels. At time only needed to get to bus stop to get kids or, take “walk” with family. House was set so I could get around holding well placed furniture and stair rails when on stairs. MS progressive now, barely able to get up/down stairs. Banks etc…go south. Had perfect credit and card companies jacked rates. Haven’t worked since first child born, figured I’d go back once they’re in school but, nobody wants to hire persons in wheelchairs w/MS, (unpredictability of it). Volunteer as I can, kids school, animal rescue. It keeps me from killing myself. My husband, not making 250,000+ a year, is making TOO MUCH to qualify for help yet not enough to keep up with illness. Done ABC meds and still take ones that help but, am disappointed with greed the insurance and pharmaceutical companies show. Can’t stand for 5 minutes, insurance wants to know would I use standup MRI for my yearly because cheaper. Not knowing/caring that this is difficult or if I would use different doctor/facility treatment. I’m going to MS Center where latest things happen. Really!?!? We can’t afford caregivers with what my husband makes. He’s my caregiver, not trained. Is your husband yours? Has he helped you off floor after falling because legs too weak, changed big girl pants because MS affects removal of waste? I’m guessing you’ve others who deal with that. We’re not poor but, the system in place is a load. If you became poor and needed assistance but turned down because make TOO MUCH and didn’t have insurances in place, how would you handle it? How will the Romney’s help those without gravy trains survive!
R.Davis
Not sure how you deal physically, but must be nice to afford whatever you need for MS. I’m 42, 2 children and husband. We bought house that can’t live in anymore. House purchased before diagnosis. It’s tri-level with stairs. Tried getting motorized chair through MS center, was denied, reason, couldn’t use on all levels. At time only needed to get to bus stop to get kids or, take “walk” with family. House was set so I could get around holding well placed furniture and stair rails when on stairs. MS progressive now, barely able to get up/down stairs. Banks etc…go south. Had perfect credit and card companies jacked rates. Haven’t worked since first child born, figured I’d go back once they’re in school but, nobody wants to hire persons in wheelchairs w/MS, (unpredictability of it). Volunteer as I can, kids school, animal rescue. It keeps me from killing myself. Husband, not making 250,000+ a year, is making TOO MUCH to qualify for help yet not enough to keep up with illness. Done ABC meds and still take ones that help but, am disappointed with greed the insurance and pharmaceutical companies show. Can’t stand for 5 minutes, insurance wants to know would I use standup MRI for my yearly because cheaper. Not knowing/caring that this is difficult or if I would use different doctor/facility treatment. I’m going to MS Center where latest things happen. Really!?!? Can’t afford caregivers with what husband makes. He’s my caregiver, not trained. Is your husband yours? Has he helped you off floor after falling because legs too weak, changed big girl pants because MS affects removal of waste? I’m guessing you’ve others who deal with that. We’re not poor but, the system in place is a load. If you became poor and needed assistance but turned down because make TOO MUCH and didn’t have insurances in place, how would you handle it? How will the Romney’s help those without gravy trains survive!
R.Davis
Out of respect for you and your spells I must make this testimony know to all. I’ve been to other spell casters and psychic readers before, but in my opinion you are the best. I just wished I came to you earlier, but hey I got the best for last and that is Dr Stanley. My ex was gone for a year and I went everywhere and other spell casters for help but no result until my friend introduce me to Dr Stanley. After that Love Spell and Break Up Spell was done I finally gotten calls from him out of no where within one week. Him and the other lady broke up and we are going on a vacation together just the 2 of us in a week… Thanks and I love you for helping me. To everyone who is looking for a real spell caster contact drstanleyspelltemple@gmail.com he will help you……….James Faith
Ann Romney is a disgusting disingenuous corporate shill, regardless of her health status. Of course the ACA helps people with MS & any other chronic condition, to argue otherwise is ludicrous. She stands up there to be seen as a woman with a chronic illness as though her husband’s policies would do anything other than give less rights to both females and people with health conditions. She is the worst type of lying hypocrite. Apparently having more money than God can turn you into a disgusting, nauseous human with no humanity.
I do not understand her bragging about MS and breast cancer. It makes me sad because I have seen people who really have these illnesses and they truly suffer, i.e. breast cancer disfiguring surgery, extreme sickness and fatigue from chemotherapy and radiation not to mention the debilitating effects of MS. I find it hard to believe but, possibly, money can buy anything. It is certainly trying to buy the White House with all the millions spent on Romney’s campaigning while American children go to sleep in cars hungry.
MS does not discriminant due to income. Mrs Romney is in the same ” club” as we all are. The disease brings different challenges to each MS’er, day to day , sometimes hour to hour. It is ludicrous to suggest Mrs Romney does not have ” real” MS. I ask you, do YOU have the exact same symptoms as me? Do YOU have the same challenges as any other cohort with MS? The answer is of course , NO.
Mrs Romney I wish you the very best , to each person reading this , I wish you the very best. Every celebrity that has this disease , we ALL represent the disease. I myself have siblings that dismiss my disease and disability. They keep saying ” she can work, she is not really sick”. I had to leave behind my career in Dentistry due to my symptoms. For all those who are like my brothers- our symptoms ARE real, we do have good days, better days and days that display our disease to the fullest . Do not assume we are not sick due to lack of perceived symptoms. Ours is a silent, sneaky , unique and mysterious disease . Wishing us all well!
I have just finished reading the comments from all the people who are currently suffering from this miserable disease. I fortunately don’t have it, however, my Mother did way back in 50′s she went years trying to get a diagnosis…some physicians thought she was looking for attention…some just didn’t have a clue…she had one period of remission and I was so happy to see my mom waiting for me at the door to come home from school. She had a severe case was bed ridden, catherized, couldn’t feed herself had difficulty talking to name just a few things. Back then there wasn’t any MS society at least we didn’t know of any…as a child of 8yrs old I would feed my mom breakfast before leaving for school, and feed her lunch when I came in for the lunch break from school.. My dad was a mailman and left for work at 6am and got home around 4..in between that time she laid in bed all day every day. In the evening my dad would carry her downstairs, and I would hold the catheter bag…there wasn’t much in the way of medicines but I know there were doctors visits sometimes they would come to the house because we were unable to afford a car and relied on buses, sometimes, some very good people let my father borrow their car to go to the doctors. In between all this there was the regular routine and non routine things that happen in everyones life..like I needed surgey for appendicitis, but didn’t know it had pain all day and waited for my father to come home to call the doctor. My mother died at age 31 after 4yrs with this damn disease,. She never got to see me grow up.and I don’t remember much of her except sick and in bed. I don’t have a clue how my father did it all as well as he did and I’m sure there were times he just wanted to scream, but I never saw it and never heard anything except support for my mother. My heart goes out to everyone who has this horrible disease and to their caregivers
Thank you very much for writing. We are looking for new writing from you regarding Ms Symptoms.
Do we know for sure that Ann Romney has M. S.?
So many people , I have read, on the Internet have asked that question and I am asking it here.
Let’s have Ann Romney show America her medical records, just like the Rommey’s show their tax records. NOT.
I suppose that will never happen, but in the meantime, we will have to suffer listening to her wailing on and on as if she is the only person in this whole wide world who has a dibiliting disease.
Sorry Ann. You may have just pulled off something big on the American people.
Why hasn’t Ann Romney been resting more if she indeed does Have this disease? Why is it that she is always on her husband’s campaign trail with him, flying here and there. She is now on a continual guest appearance on many shows Hmmm. i wonder.
P.S. Did anyone catch that out of place leather dress and (oh, those shoes!!!) she wore when guesting on Jay Leno’s show a few nights ago.
Certainly not the look of someone who has M. S. or any disease for that matter. You can check out the photos on Huffington Post if you care to see that outfit!
(http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/303215/ann-romney-s-winding-trail-katrino-trinko) is the most interesting. Mrs. Romney was diagnosed with MS fourteen years ago at age 49. She had lost sensation in her toes and an MRI confirmed the clinical diagnosis. A year or so before her diagnosis, she suffered a variety of symptoms – leg numbness, dizziness, weakness, tripping, and extreme fatigue. The neurologist (Dr. Howard L. Weiner, the director of the MS center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston) who confirmed her diagnosis immediately started massive IV steroids and chemotherapy. The rigorous intervention slowly reversed her symptoms.
She stopped the chemo because of the “side effects”; but it is only a 4-day dose….then recovery. The high dose cyclophosphamide put her in remission! I think she gives the impression that her horse back riding and eastern/western medicine has stablized her disease, and she has been in remission for 20 years because of it. This is disheartening to me. Feel like people look at her “success” and maybe they think if they (or I) just took better care of myself, I could be in remission also. Or, like we aren’t tryiing hard enough, not doing something right, have to be wealthy and own horses?
No, she was lucky that the chemo put her in remssion and halted her disease.
Ann
I have a friend who has MS who is your age she started out with a foot drag,visual changes, weakness in her lower extremities .As a friend I went with her to a Neurologist and within days she was diagnosed with MS. -to be truthful -and to be honest; I question your diease process or you have a very mild form of it. As a nurse I have seen people much much younger than you die in a very horrific mannner.
My friend now is w/c bound and has a catheter.thankfully her husband is a tall strong man who can pick her up and provide for all of her care!
She along with many other MS patients would not ever be able to venture on as a political wife. I am just questioning and wondering where you fall in all of this. Medicaid is something everyone eventually needs, you may want to ask Mitt about this.
thank you, pattyvan
She’s lucky to be able to do what she does. And so was Michelle Obama’s father. I have MS too and I’m sorry but I don’t believe in ‘alternative’ therapies. Maybe they work for people who have a ‘light’ version of MS but there are others that rely on MS Therapy medications, like Rebif, Copaxone, Gilenya, etc and Solu-Medrol. As well as other medications that help with ongoing symptoms like severe muscle spasms. I want Obamacare because there are people out there who have MS and have NO health insurance. I met someone the other day who has LUPUS and NO health insurance. When this country can not take care of its sick – there is a serious problem here. I have no family left to help me out and churches and other help cannot afford to take care of my health. I was in the hospital last year and it was well over $100,000 for a 9 day hospital stay all because of MS and some other undiagnosed medical problem – which might be Lupus. I HATE the fact that I have had to rely on the government to do it for me but I do pay my share. And I’m still trying to work myself, so I was appalled and offended at that 47% comment that Romney made a few months ago. Anyhow, if it wasn’t for the changes in the government regarding healthcare, I would be worse off than I am now and I wouldn’t be able to continue working at all. Sad to say but a fact. Its also sad with what they want to do with Obamacare. I say leave it so it can save lives. A millionaire who can afford a $48,000 a year medication if he/she had to, countless medical testing, and hospital stays for MS or any other serious illness DOES NOT know what its like to be someone like me.
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I just finished reading so many letters from bitter people. I don’t understand how so many of you insinuated that because the Romney’s worked their butts off to become wealthy that it is a terrible thing? All of us had that opportunity! Whether we made the choice to utilize our “free will” that was given to us by GOD to live in the comfort of a 7-3, 8-5, etc. job or work 15 or more hrs a day to build a business was a choice made by you!
I have PPMS and every six months I have declined since diagnosed in 2007 at 51 years old. I feel blessed every morning when I wake up to be able to enjoy anothe day. It may not be pretty, but I do my best to walk up and down my driveway a couple of times a day. I am blessed to still be able to do this. I live alone, and love my own apartment but I know in my heart that at somepoint I will not be this fortunate.
To attact another person with MS, and thank GOD she has RRMS and not progressive YET. I just don’t understand the selfishness of some people. May GOD help you to live and let live…
Dear Mrs. Romney:
In addition to Julie’s wonderful column, I read the interview of you & your husband by Oprah Winfrey. Thank you for your candid comments in the interview. When you said it took you 3 solid years after diagnosis before you were able to resume many life functions, I was encouraged (very loosely paraphrased there!). Thank you for speaking up. Best wishes, Suzanne Ponder Sparks
OK, I’ll be the first to admit this about myself: I just didn’t believe this stuff works, but it DOES!! I am a professional with an advanced degree, and I work in finance. The people I work with have no idea I turned to you for help in matters of the heart, but what matters is that I did, because it was through Prophet Ajiniso and his encouraging, inspiring words and his special, God-given gift that I met my own “Lady,” the one of my dreams. She appeared in my life almost on cue. I admit I didn’t really believe the spell would work, but what did I have to lose? Thanks for a win-win situation all the way around. just visit: darkabolajispell@gmail.com and see for your self.
I don’t know exactly what to say. I just want to testify that your work is really powerful and helped me to get rid of that bad luck and bad karma I had for years. I feel like I’m a new man now. You’re just as amazing as you say!!!! But to be frank, I think that there is no word to describe how fantastic person you are dr vudu!Dr vudu is here to help you if you are in need meet him on templeofovudu@hotmail.com
Tracy D.
I am a single Dad who is stable and grounded according to my family and friends and I have to agree. I have my children and am self employed. I run my own financal business and have been doing it for 7 year. I am not looking to find a mom for my kids simply someone to enjoy some time with and see where it could lead.
I have been told I have a excellant sense of humor and am quick whitted and rarely at a loss for words. In other words I am not the infamous unarmed man being the blunt of everyone else’s comments. I am personally looking for someone who has a great sense of humor themselves and able to stand on their own feet and bring it on. Sarcasm in measured doses is welcome, however out right vendictive hurtful comments are not.
I am looking for someone who knows how to communicate vocally as well as physically. Basically not afraid to wear their emotions on their sleave when the time is appropriate. I am not looking for a rock, simply someone who can change direction like a river when needed, however know when it is time to go over the falls and relax in the pool below.
In my business, I am very time flexible and enjoy spending most of my free time with my kids.
I also enjoy volunteering at their schools as much as I can. I am looking for someone who holds family near and dear to their heart. They do not necessarily have to have children, however realize if they do that I am a very involved parent by choice.
I do have room however for that special person in my life. I am not looking for a casual fling, however am open to becoming friends and seeing where it leads from there.
I will for now leave it upto whomever to ask whatever questions they may have as it is hard to express on paper exactly what I stand for and who I am looking to be partnered with in life.
Send a wink and see where it leads….
HI
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AFTER THE LOVER SPELL MY LOVER CAME BACK 2 DAYS AFTER
Ann Romney has MS and so do I. With her exposure to America about her having MS would have done a world of good had she persued the topic with the rest of the world. Unfortunately she did not and I am sorry for her not doing so. This would have perhaps brought some respect and dignity to those who suffer this disabilitating disease.