New Here

[TracyBelle]

New Here but not to MS. Looking to ease the isolation as I have no car and only leave for Dr appointments.

[jimeka]

You have come to the right site there is always someone around to offer advise, companionship, a good laugh, etc, so welcome and feel free to contribute at any time Tracy, blessings Jimeka

[WAshingtongirl]

Hi, Tracy. I read your 'bio' and I'm sorry about how MS has affected you and your dreams. We often talk about reinventing ourselves or accepting the 'new me.' Some days that is hard to do.

I understand your desire to talk this all out with someone other than your husband. I so appreciate the people here...and I believe my husband does, too. He often wants to 'fix' me too. We both wish he could. 😉

A warm welcome to you!

[Iona60]

Hi Tracy, I'm fairly new to the site also. I understand your isolation as I live in FL, and for half the year, I can't go anywhere by myself, as I need to be dropped off right at the door, due to my heat intolerance. I haven't posted much, but everyone seems really nice. Welcome.

[WAshingtongirl in reply to Iona60]

Iona60, I live in Washington now, but prior to moving here 10yrs ago, we lived in HI. We were there nearly 20yrs. The heat and humidity did a number on me and my MS while we lived in paradise

When we first moved to Washington, my MS went into a big-time remission. It lasted about 4yrs. MS is back and reminds me of its presence daily now, but the weather here makes me feel so much better.

My husband's mom lives in Jacksonville. I think the heat and humidity in Florida is even worse than it is in Hawaii. I am really sorry the heat keeps you from getting out more.

We're happy you're here!

[Iona60 in reply to WAshingtongirl]

We relocate to NC for the summer months. But, I'm working less and less and it will be too expensive to keep 2 homes soon. My daughter is in CA and is trying to find a place where we could all relocate to that would be affordable and OK for my MS. Please tell me about Washington.

[WAshingtongirl in reply to Iona60]

I have family in the Fayetteville, NC area. That's hot and humid too! I actually moved my mom out here 3yrs ago. She prefers the weather here in WA.

I live in Western Washington, between the Olympic and Cascade Mountain Ranges. It's very green on this side of the state-lots of cedars and other fir trees. Summers are gorgeous. Sunny, warm, but not hot except for the occasional heat wave. We are known for our rain, but it's usually a mist or drizzle-not like the afternoon thunder storms you get in FL! I like the fog and rain, but many people get 'down' (SAD-Seasonal Affective Disorder) and struggle from Oct-Apr).

Eastern Washington is less green, more flat, and has the weather extremes we don't have hear, near Seattle. They get snow, colder winter temps, and the summers are hot. But that is the sunnier side of the state.

Where in CA are you looking?

Making a big change like this can be exciting and stressful. I hope you can work as long as you like, and make the change when you truly want to!

[Iona60 in reply to WAshingtongirl]

My daughter is in Mountain View, near San Jose. It's part of Silicon Valley and much too expensive for us to relocate to from FL.

She has talked about Seattle or Portland, but I think both she and my husband wouldn't be able to deal with the gray winters.

I've kept working for the last 11 years since my dx, but it's time to stop and I'm trying to sell my business.

Thanks for the info.

[WAshingtongirl in reply to Iona60]

Seattle and Portland aren't as expensive as where your daughter is, but the Seattle area can be quite pricey, especially when moving from FL. (We live in a less urban area on the Olympic Peninsula, about 2 hours west of Seattle.) I pray you find an affordable place that suits all of you, and that benefits you with your MS.

Hoping all goes well with the sale of your business, too. 💕

[WAshingtongirl in reply to Iona60]

Iona60, I meant to ask what kind of business do you own? Running your own is so much work.

[erash in reply to Iona60]

Iona, where in Fla? I'm in the Orlando area.

[Iona60 in reply to erash]

We're in Jacksonville.

[Iona60 in reply to erash]

Jacksonville

[Elle61 in reply to Iona60]

I use to live in Florida , I would join in on a MS group meeting once a month. They have great resources provided by MS Society for you down there.

[agate]

@TracyShort, I've never had a car, but I have had MS for 36 years. I use a lift-equiped paratransit service for essential appointments as I have a wheelchair. It usually works well enough but I don't often go any place I don't have to go to because arranging and waiting for the rides isn't easy, and I get tired.

[Hidden]

TracyShort hello, I'm MSFIGHTER and I am so glad you found this wonderful chat room! You have come to the right place to find support, companionship, someone who truly understands what it means to have MS and what you are currently going through. On top of all this we pride ourselves in being a safe place where you can come with concerns, questions, and you can get involved and be part of our large extended family. As we know isolation is one of the worst things you can do when you have MS. It leads to extreme loneliness and in some cases depression which we don't need on top of all the symptoms we deal with when we have MS. So welcome to our family. I would like you to take a little information with you and the fact that together we are stronger. From here all out you are part of this together! I look forward to talking to you soon. Please get involved and stay in touch. You have and we have a lot to offer each other.

[greaterexp]

I'm so glad you found us, but I'm sorry for your isolation. I've appreciated the support and information I've received here, since my family can only understand so much. I'm blessed with a wonderful family, but it's hard for them to watch my decline. Writing here is a much better place to vent and find more real understanding without overwhelming my family.

I think we can all relate to grieving the loss of what might have been and our plans and ideas about what our futures looked like to us. I sometimes feel as though I've been dropped into some alternate universe, and am starting all over in figuring everything out. There is suddenly a new reality..

We will be hoping and praying for you to find fulfillment in your life in a new way, and that you will feel less isolated. We are all rooting for you.

[WAshingtongirl in reply to greaterexp]

So well said, greaterexp. Thank you.

[erash]

Stacy, as u can see from the previous replies, this is a warm and welcoming place. I look forward to reading these chats every morning. Welcome to your new family and we are here for each other ❤️

[Royjr]

Welcome Tracy. I've had MS for years and this by far is the best chat site in the world in my opinion. They'll make you laugh, smile, think and appreciate life. So welcome, sit back and enjoy.

[katepoet]

Also friend me on facebook to join my support group for MS. It's a private group so our conversations area private and everyone agrees to be polite. It's called Living for a Cure and my name is Kit Minden.

There, you can let me know where you're located and I'll see if I can find you some more resources.

[bavery207]

I have only been on this site a few weeks, but have found it a great source of info. and humor. Welcome, and I hope you enjoy this site as much as I do.