MS is often called the "hidden disease". There will be days when I look and act perfectly normal. I hope that these days will be frequent in number. So how do I know that I have MS? I admit that I was skeptical at first, but the evidence, using two out of the three of the ancient Greeks' rhetorical devices - that is, logos (logic) and ethos (that of my physicians), but not pathos (pathetic, isn't it?) - has convinced me.

The primary evidence for my MS is an MRI of my brain showing multiple areas of demyelinization - lesions - 6 to 8mm in diameter. Those are, not to put too fine a point on it, dead hunks of my brain big enough give an audible "splat" when dropped on a hard surface. Reflex tests uncovered some missing reflexes on my right side, pointing to additional lesions in my spinal cord. The symptoms that I'll describe later are typical of MS. The MRI technician's evaluation and my doctor's opinion were of probable MS. Two neurologists at different medical institutions in Dallas, one of whom is an MS researcher at a medical school, have diagnosed MS.

Looking back, I'd have to say that knowing was better than not knowing. Now I can reassure myself that the symptoms are not just in my mind, they are literally in my head. They say that knowledge is power, and knowing that I have MS gives me the power to deal with it rationally. Or so I keep telling myself.

Let's just say that when I was told I briefly Spoke in Tongues and said some words that I had forgotten that I knew.