So today I was officially diagnosed with ms

teabag29

Wasn't a complete surprise the symptoms were pointing to that but still a shock hearing it.

Kayslay

Sorry to hear but look on the bright side you've found whats wrong, I've had agonizing symptoms for over a year with no diagnosis as of yet.

Discuss (or Google low) low dose naltrexone therapy I know someone with ms that uses that and lives pretty much a normal life.

Better_Days

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis OP.

Two things that may help when you are able to think about it

1) Joining a local support group - and they may also be able to advise regarding locally available services

2) Shared decision making - the pros and cons of the options available
http://sdm.rightcare.nhs.uk/pda/multiple-sclerosis/introduction/

lemontart

oh dear, many many hugs to you xxx

missbiggles1

Kayslay wrote: »

Sorry to hear but look on the bright side you've found whats wrong, I've had agonizing symptoms for over a year with no diagnosis as of yet.

Discuss (or Google low) low dose naltrexone therapy I know someone with ms that uses that and lives pretty much a normal life.

That's coming very close to offering medical advice, so you might want to edit your post.

densol_2

Im ever so sorry to hear your news {{{ hugs }}}

Kayslay

missbiggles1 wrote: »

That's coming very close to offering medical advice, so you might want to edit your post.

I guess I missed out a word.

I meant discuss it with (or ask) your doctor about ldn therapy.

Bennifred

Sympathy, teabag29. I was diagnosed with PPMS (primary progressive multiple sclerosis) in 2009.
It can be both a shock and a relief to be diagnosed, can't it? Relief that there is a reason for the symptoms and that you aren't imagining them, but shock that it is actually happening to you.
There is a lot of information out there - some useful, some not. You need good powers of discrimination to see the difference!

B_G_B

Good Morning Teabag29. Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I only occasionally pop into the D&D board to have a poke around for general info. There are others on here that are far more knowledgable than me on most matters discussed, so I rarely if ever post here. When I spotted your post, I did recognise an earlier posting of yours when you were waiting for an MRI, and for some reason I felt compelled to put a few words down this time.

I was diagnosed with PPMS nearly 3 years ago, after years of surgery, physio, MRI scans, nerve conduction tests, loads of other tests that I can’t remember the names of, and enough B12 to sink a battleship! It is handy to have a diagnosis but as you said, still comes as a bit of a shock.

I am no expert on MS, I leave all the clever stuff to the Neurologists, MS nurses, and other specialists. I do however have a few thoughts based on my own experience.

My first one is that all symptoms, experiences, treatments, useful info, things that work for me, things that work for other people etc may be different from person to person. However, I can talk to someone with different symptoms and there will be an empathy and understanding that I find heartening. I hope that you find the same.

Also, some of the most useful things that I have put into my life are not MS specific. The biggest for me is having my groceries delivered. Practical stuff!

Another example...
I use a wheelchair most of the time now which is on permanent loan from the local NHS wheelchair service people. I found that unloading it out of my car, it was getting dented and scratched because I was I was dropping it due to lack of controlled strength & balance. Solution…. bought a thin rubber mat designed for use in a dog kennel. Laid it on the driveway up against my garage. I can now throw the wheelchair out of the car without a care in the world. This may seem like a silly idea, too simple. It would be of no use to a lot of people. It would be impractical for others. My point is that sometimes the best solution is "outside the box”, and by talking and listening to others, I am able pick up ideas to make my life easer. I could go on and on, perhaps I already have, but hey ho.

I wish you all the best.

teabag29

Thanks everyone. It is a relief but yes a shock to. I feel too young for this to be happening to me, I also feel like ive lost the chance at ever having had a life for me. I know ms doesnt mean death and lots of people manage ok but I feel i will never now experience life like other have.

As a child i was neglected and abused by foster family, i went on into an abusive relationship and had my child just after my 18th. I have had to give up alot to be her carer as she has a catalogue of special needs.

She is now 16 and the plan was that I may be able to use my degree soon to secure me a job and start living a bit (ive never done the normal things like go clubbing, girly friends, learn to drive etc), I have largely spent the last 16 years being abused and controlled by my ex and losing any confidence i had plus looking after my child who is a handful to say the least (plus my other kids).
I have no friends at all or family.

I have now met a new man who is a decent guy and my only support, we've been together 2 years and have our own baby. My daughter has started a college for special needs and is settling well. Things were starting to look up and this was supposed to be my time, then I got struck down yet again with lots of symptoms which seem to be spreading all over this time (this relapse is still here 2 months on) and then i find out i have MS.

I just hope I am able to live a fairly normal life with it so that I can finally live a bit and enjoy life. Sorry for the long post, feeling a bit sorry for myself today

nannytone_2

teabag ....
it must be a shock, but i hope i can give you a little perspective.

in february 1996 i had an appointment at moor fields eyes hospital.
i 'thought' that they would classify me as partially sighted, and i was prepared for this.
instead, they registered me blind. surprised doesn't even come close
i thought about it all the way home and then phoned my dad.
i admit i got more than a little upset.
my dad ( mr logical) said 'can you see the same today as you could yesterday?'. i agreed that i could. so he replied 'so what's your problem!'.

i think, like me, you are looking at the problem long term and what may happen.
accept the situation for what it is. you are in no worse a position than you were the day before the diagnosis!
instead of dwelling on the negatives, it really helps to keep positive and make the most of every day as it arrives.