When will it finally hit me that I have Multiple Sclerosis?

Question

I'm 20 years old. I found out Friday I'm being diagnosed with MS. In two weeks we will be discussing our treatment plan. But I keep reading all these personal stories about people with MS. I read them and think "oh thats not gonna happen to me." But in the harsh reality of things.. This is my future. Will it hit me when I get my first shot of a slow down MS progression shot? Will it hit me when I'm struggling more day to day? I just hope I progress slowely and things can be normal... But I'm sure all new cases say the same thing. Everyone I love and know have high hopes that things will be normal since it's been caught early. But what if they aren't normal, I have no garantee. I worry about the strain that will be on my husband and I who have only been married .3 months and finding out this new.. What will it do to us? I'm very confused...

Answer 1

the good thing is that you are young and caught it early. I am 46 and was diagnosed on May 31st of this year, I am still trying to come to terms with it, and trying to deal with having to take shots for it for the rest of my life. the best advice I can give you is to take your shots, love your husband like there is no tomorrow and live life to the fullest.

Answer 2

First of all I just want to say I am sorry about your diagnosis, but don't stress your self out over it all. I know that sounds hard to do, but every case is very different. My dad was diagnosed with MS about 2 years ago. I was very scared at first, because I had no clue what it even was. Now that I know more about it, it isn't as scary. My Dad has been doing pretty well actually. He has Relapsing Remitting MS, so it comes and goes. He has some hard days, and then he has a lot of days, where you would never even know that he has MS. Your Husband, Family, and friends are going to be your major support system. They are there for you if you ever want to talk, and they are learning about MS just like you are. You will have some rough days, but don't freak out yet. Doctors always tell you the worse case scenario, but that is just to prepare you, most of the time what they say could happen, doesn't or it doesn't for many many many years.
The best advise I can give you is to really research MS and learn as much about it as you can. It really helps.

I hope this helps!!! Don't give up hope!

Answer 3

I was diagnosed four years ago when I was 24. At first you will be over loaded with information and searching all over for information on the net and the MS society. There are so many stories of really sick people with all sorts of symtoms. It is really scary. What I figured out is that these people are the people the MS society wants donors to find out about. I don't mean that in a bad way. It is a serious illness and there are a lot of sick people. I have had itfor a while now and I have only been sick once. I would be a bad poster child for getting donations. You will come to terms with it in time. The hardest part for me was slowing down and listening when my body was trying to tell me I pushed it to far. Once you have time to figure out what might trigger your MS to flare up you will feel like you have more control over it! Good Luck!

Answer 4

Everyone who has MS has a different story. Your story will be as different as all the stories that you read. My story is totally different from anyone else's story as well. When it "hits you" that you have MS will also be different, and it may be a little scary to say that to someone else. For me, telling other people that I have MS was when it really hit me.

There are, however, a few things you have in your favor.

- You've caught the disease early. This is a good thing, and with early, aggressive treatment, you may be able to slow the disease progression significantly.

- You're young and (presumably) healthy. This will also be a big help to you. Stay healthy and in shape and this will help make any symptoms easier to manage.

- You have a large support group, people who know and love you, especially your new husband. They are a great source of support for you through your journey.

Learn as much as you can about the disease, and stay abreast of new changes. We are seeing rapid advancement in the science surrounding the treatment of MS, and hopefully we will start to see some improved treatments within our lifetimes.

If you have more questions, ask me directly, or feel free to ask any of us in this forum with MS. We'd be happy to help.

-CJ

Answer 5

Tracey,
I understand exactly how you feel. I was diagnosed 2 months ago and I started my injections 2 weeks ago. Go the MS society.com and there you will find lots of valuable information. Only check the reputable sources.

I also worry about the strain that this will put on my husband, but I know that he will stand by me. I have begun to take the injections and just like they say, they "zap you" at first. After 48 hours I am back to normal, so consider taking the injections on Friday. Always keep ibuprofen in the house and watch movies or sleep through the down time. PRAY!!!!! PRAY!!!! and be grateful for what you have.

I found a book that may be of help to you. Evidently there are health ways to combat this disease and give us back our hope.The title is" Healing Multiple Sclerosis, Diet, Detox and Nutritional Makeover for Total Recovey" Ann Boroch. Check it out for valuable information.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Tracey, it just takes time to adjust. People usually go through a cycle that runs through denial, anger, grief and finally, acceptance. I have relapsing/remitting MS. At first I went on Copaxone which staves off exacerbations. Some of my friends are on the interferons but I would never take them. I now take a drug called Low Dose Naltrexone and that has made me feel like new. Trials of this drug are now being done in Philadelphia and San Francisco. There are also a lot of other drugs on the horizon that will do us a lot of good. Get in touch with the National MS Society and go to the meetings for support. Many people with MS live perfectly normal lives. so don't go pushing the panic button. Educate yourself and be proactive in your treatment. And chances are that with all the research going on, so much will be discovered during your life-time. I know that hearing the diagnosis is scary. Be sure to come on here if you have any questions. There are many of us who would be more than willing to help. Feel free to email any of us who are open to it. Honey, although I have MS, I have learned how to keep myself in good shape and I enjoy my life more with each passing year. Take good care now. I'll wish upon a star for you tonight.

Answer 8

You may still be wondering all of this 20 years from now. There's no way to know what course your disease will take, so there's not much point in worrying about it. A good way to approach this is to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Really, your future is no different from anyone else - no one knows what's going to happen tomorrow, and a MS diagnosis doesn't mean your life will change appreciably.

Answer 9

First of all, I am so sorry for what you are going through, what a tough thing to have to absorb during what should be the happiest time of your life. Well, you can still be happy.... You are young and strong, and if you have the mindset to fight back, hopefully you can keep the ms progression at a slow crawl. Medical field is creating miracles every day....be strong!
I am sure that your husband will stand by you and help you when you need it

Answer 10

Tracey,
You have been one of the lucky ones - all your answers are really nice. The only thing I have to add is to visit NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society and Multiple Sclerosis Foundation for current factual info. Both provide patient support. My peer caller from MSF called me today.

There is a MS group for 20 somethings on Yahoo - don't know name of it. Women also have a group - MSWOMEN on yahoo. THere is also the MSWORLD.ORG that has a forum for young dx.

CJ was VERY on target - go back and follow his advice! We are ALL different, you could put each of us in a room together and none of our stories would match, might have similar threads.

I had a 10 year remission...you might be lucky and have a 60 year one!!!!

Also find a local support group - they will or could become your second family!!!

Answer 11

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