Does a diagnosis of MS change a person completely?

Question

I noticed a huge change in my spouse's personality after he was diagnosed with MS. He's only 34, plays hockey & quite active but it's almost like I don't know him anymore. He can't understand the change in him either. Things he used to love now irritate him & he is very short-tempered now which was the exact opposite of his "extremely patient" personality. I'm guessing it's one of the brain lesions affecting his personality but what can we do about it? Can this be reversed? He is also taking Beta- Interferon IM injections weekly but misses his dose sometimes. Is there a neurologist out there who can explain this to me? Any other family members experiencing the same?
HELP! MS not only changed the man I love, it's breaking-up our marriage too.

Answer 1

I was diagnosed with RR MS 15 years ago, and yes it can change your personality for a while.
First off let me say I am so, so damn sorry you all are having to go through this - MS sucks. www.mssucks.com - it's a real web site and it helps you learn to laugh at yourself - a sense of humor is important - if you don't laugh you just cry, and crying all the time is a bummer.
It could be a lesion causing the personality change - but probably not.
Your husband has just been told he has a disease that cannot be cured and they cannot even tell him what to expect in the next few years. Trust me this has a huge effect on the personality - even if you don't know that is what is causing it. Avonex side effects are a major drag, it's why I stopped taking it, and my neurologist has me on solumedrol IV infusions every 6 months. (not much fun either - but better than the aches and fever from Avonex - not to mention I do not have to stick the needle in my own arm) Another reason people miss/skip their shots is denial ... no one likes to think about their body betraying them.
If you live anywhere near Cleveland Ohio - we have a place here call the Mellen Center - it is only for the treatment of MS and one of the best places to be treated in the US ... hell, even if you are not close find a way to get here ... really, they are the best - I have seen plenty of neurologists, and I wouldn't trade my neuro at the mellen center for anything. (Dr. F Bethoux - not only a great doctor - but also eye candy for you)
If you have any questions or just need to vent please e-mail me.
Just by asking this question it is obvious you love him, he really needs your support now. He won't admit it (I know I wouldn't) - but he is terrified.

PEOPLE! MS IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE!!!!! FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!
I know people with MS that are hardly affected by it, death sentence, Jeeze-oh-man – there are worse things than MS – yes it sucks, loudly and with great fervor – but if a doctor is going to tell me I have something that cannot be cured I would much rather hear MS than say … brain tumor or cancer.

Answer 2

It's a death sentence if he lets it be. There are good medications out there, but the diagnosis will cause him to be depressed and touchy until he accepts that he really does have MS. I was diagnosed with a deadly disease in 2003. It took a long time for it to actually sink in. I was very depressed, and I stopped eating and got real thin. Now I know there is a cure for it, and my hopes are back up and I am happy. An early death sentence is difficult. He should talk to a professional.

Answer 3

I've been diagnosed with MS for 5 years. While I didn't have the extreme changes that you describe, it can change a person's perception of themself, who they thought they would be as hey aged, and what they would do with their life.
The interferons, including Avonex that you are describing, can cause or increase depression. you should definately mention his irritability and short-temperedness at his next neuro appointment. With the drastic changes that you see in your husband, it may be worth seeking therapy/counseling as well, preferably with someone experienced with dealing with people with chronic conditions. It can really help to talk to someone about these things, and sometimes medications can help as well, if necessary.

Answer 4

The best answer to your question is to suggest that you look up www.webmd.com and also do a google search about MS. There is a lot of information about the disorder and hopefully some good treatment options too. I know a case of a lady who was diagnosed with Ms but who recovered through prayer (she is a Christian). So, seek help from a position of knowledge. Do a little research of your own. Best wishes to you and to your husband. Sending Reiki to help both of you.

Answer 5

MS usually begins with physical symptoms, but can affect cognition as well as personality i don't know how long he has had the condition try to get him in to see a counselor if possible --- just to talk depression is a major issue with MS One important thing to do is get him exercising and consult a physical therapist as early as possible exercise naturally releases endorphins, and also, it gives a sense of accomplishment as well as self control (MS patients often go through a type of greiving process due to their severe loss of control of many aspects of their life) GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS

Answer 6

Why wouldn't it affect him? MS is an early death sentence.
The medications now will prolong his life for a while, but eventually, the MS will win, and he will decline. I'd be pissed off and touchy too.
I would suggest that both of you seeing a therapist will go a long way towards helping you deal with this major life threatening illness.

Answer 7

A friend of a friend of mine was diagnosed w/ MS years ago, and it totally changed her.
Try to be patient with him, put yourself in his position if you can.

Answer 8

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