This article was originally published in the McCook Gazette on Jan. 12, 2024.
McCOOK, Neb. - Jennifer Cox's life took an unexpected turn in July 2023 when her left leg began to swell. Initially believed to be arthritis, her condition worsened, leading her on a journey filled with uncertainty and misdiagnoses. Finally, after months of searching, a spinal specialist discovered a large lesion on her brain, resulting in a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Cox now faces a different future, one filled with challenges and uncertainties.
Cox's journey began on July 21, 2023, when her left leg swelled from her hip down to her foot. Seeking medical help, she visited a doctor in McCook who initially attributed the issue to arthritis in her knee and prescribed anti-inflammatories. However, as her condition continued to deteriorate, it became clear that there was more to it than just arthritis.
Determined to find answers, Cox sought further medical opinions. Diagnostic tests revealed two lesions on her brain, one of significant size, explaining her leg swelling and confirming the presence of MS in her body. She credits her parents, Letha and Cloyd Cox along with many friends and family members, for supporting her throughout this journey. Mentioning that without her aunt Ernestine Smith, she wouldn't have been able to attend many appointments due to her limited mobility.
She describes one point where she was on the floor unable to get up and her 17-year-old daughter, Chloe Wilcox, had to lift her and put her in a chair, “I don’t know what I would have done without her.” Cox has 3 children, and since her diagnosis, her boyfriend, Louis Butler, and his daughter have moved in to provide additional support.
Cox faced delays in seeing specialists due to long waiting lists, making her path to an accurate diagnosis even more challenging. Eventually, she was able to consult with Dr. Lakshman Jayafopal Arcot, a neurologist specializing in epilepsy and multiple sclerosis at UNMC in Omaha. Dr. Arcot confirmed Cox's condition and identified approximately 20 lesions along her spine. Cox expressed relief saying, "By the time I got to see him on Sept. 16, I got in there and Dr. Arcot knew exactly what it was.” She shared that there was initially a very long waiting list but Dr. Arcot was able to move things around to see her sooner.
The impact of MS extends beyond physical limitations for Cox. She now faces emotional and financial burdens as well. Her mobility is severely limited, preventing her from performing tasks she previously excelled at, such as operating a crane at Valmont. Cox has also received an outpouring of support from her workplace. Additionally, she has had to apply for long-term disability due to the uncertain prognosis, and the mounting medical bills have forced her to seek assistance from Medicaid.
There is no cure for MS, treatment typically focuses on speeding recovery from attacks, reducing relapses, and slowing progression. Cox now goes to physical therapy twice a week and takes a 20mg injection of Kesemptia which has helped, she no longer needs to use a cane for walking but she’s far from being able to return to work.
Despite these challenges, Cox remains optimistic and determined to raise awareness about MS. She emphasizes the importance of community support and expresses gratitude for the help she has received from friends, family, and coworkers in McCook. Cox plans to advocate for improved support systems for individuals with MS in her hometown, including better accessibility to treatment options.
As Cox continues to navigate her MS journey, she hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges. Despite the hardships, Cox remains resilient and determined to live a fulfilling life, leaning on the support of her loved ones and the strength within herself. “I guess what I'd like everyone to know is that I feel grateful because I've had a lot of people who have helped me and amongst all of this.”
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