June, 2015, on the morning of my birthday, I had an apptmt w/a neurologist at IU North. A too-long drive was one of several reasons I decided to switch neurologists. My reality has been shaped, significantly, since January, 1994, when I was diagnosed w/multiple sclerosis. 1/8

1994: By 2nd of what became 9 days in the hospital, I was paralyzed waist down. Neurologist who diagnosed had: (1) results of 4 MRIs & an LP (lumbar puncture or spinal tap); (2) labs fr numerous vials of blood sucked out of me; (3) reports fr various other tests; and 2/8

(4) consultation with a neurologist who was viewed as the MS guru of Indiana. I was told the MRI results were clear: plaque on myelin sheath of my central nervous system, findings of the LP were significant for MS, blood & CT scans & all the other tests confirmed. Also... 3/8

onset of symptoms had been so marked, MS was definite. Only w/an autopsy could they be more certain and, as I told the 1st neurologist, I thought an autopsy was premature. He didn’t laugh at what I thought was a good one-liner. I asked to see, but never was shown, the MRIs. 4/8

I know. I had a right to see my medical records, but also had been given a traumatic diagnosis & was whacked out on drugs. I read about MS, and about the MS industry. In 1994 an MS patient = approximately $250K overall to a lucky neurologist. MS is easily misdiagnosed. 5/8

1994: it seemed new, expensive drugs for treatment of MS came out every week. Shortly after I left the hospital, I tossed my crutches & began to walk - a lot. I switched neurologists to Dr. Guru. In his office, people sat in wheelchairs, some from as far away as Maine & Florida. 6/8

Dr. Guru told me the ppl came to him because his success rate, as reflected by average number of exacerbations, or “attacks” of MS, each year, was so low: 0.22. I thought that was great. I’ll write more tomorrow. The full blog was 9/7/15 www dot civildiscoursenow dot com. 7/8

I’m Mark Small, pro-choice, pro environment, pro-civil rts & pro-separation of church & State GOP candidate for City-County Council District 2. This might not be related to a campaign issue, but SFW? I approve of this message. Hell, I wrote it. 8/8