I remembered the words of my neurologist when he informed me that I had MS.  Of course, I wasn't happy about the diagnosis, but I felt somewhat relieved it was only MS.  He said it was treatable, but it was not "a walk in the park."  He was right about that.  It's tough. 

I was now looking forward to my newly diagnosed Lyme treatment, and believe me when I tell you --- that treatment is no "walk in the park."  Treating Lyme disease is like chemotherapy.  You body is bombarded with massive doses of antibiotics designed to kill the virus in your blood.  Naturally the antibiotics kill everything else in your system.  It's not easy.

Here's a great aside to this story.  Once it was discovered I had Lyme, we told our friends.  It was good news!  One particular friend of ours, television producer Joel Tator, was conveying the story of my condition to an associate of his.  Joel said, "The guy's jaw literally dropped.  He grabbed his cell phone." He called me.  This person was an executive at one of LA's television stations.  He was someone we knew and could trust.  He told me he too had been diagnosed with MS, years ago. He was preparing for the worst and out of the blue another doctor discovered he had Lyme disease!  He was subsequently treated for Lyme and has been totally healed!  He told me the same would happen to me, keep the faith and that he was pulling for me.  What great news.

And so, here I am writing this story.  I am a product of the 60s.  I believe the "Peace and Love Generation" could best describe the vibe that permeated my age group.  I am proud of that. In fact, the day that I am writing the final chapter of this story just so happens to be the 40^th anniversary of the so-called "British Invasion" (musically) of America.  On this day, February 6, 1968, The Beatles' plane landed in New York, thus setting off a phenomenal period of time when the music seemed to speak to the people. 

I'm sure this occurrence is not exclusive to my generation, but it has been an important aspect of my life.  Of course, there are many other artists that promoted peace and love in their songs.

It seems that "Peace and Love" was the mantra of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s.  Since my medical odyssey began years ago, I discovered a new mantra for me for the 2000's.  It is one simple word: Hope.

At this time, my energy is returning.  Mentally, I am just like I used to be before the diagnosis.  Physically, I still have a ways to go.  My gait has not returned yet, but there is distinct improvement.  There is increased movement and sensation in my toes, feet and legs.  I am told to expect a full recovery, though it could take as long as six months to two years.