Hello

[Tennyfire]

Hello, I am a 55 year male with PPMS. I am in a dilemma. My wife and family has recently informed me that they can no longer take care of me. I would like to get some information from others on what my options are. Thank you in advance.

[WAshingtongirl]

Welcome Tennyfire at what sounds Like a stressful time in your house. Where do you live? Most areas have senior assistance programs whether they are provided through the church or state government agencies. Some programs provide in-home care and assistance. Often, your insurance will cover this. So that may be the first place to look. If you still need more info, come back and we'll see what else we can come up with.

[jennie62 in reply to WAshingtongirl]

Tennyfire

WAshingtongirl is right! Between churches and government agencies you'll have the care you need.

Get in touch with your local Social Services agency, there should be some programs available to you!

I also have PPMS and am 54 years old and found that the local MSAA was very helpful! Call them too!

Wishing luck! Hugs and prayers

Jennie

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi Tennyfire welcome to the MSAA Community. I hate that it's under these circumstances though. As WAshingtongirl said it must be extremely stressful for everyone.

Give mymsaa.org a call and they will be able to help you with that. Or give you other options.

800 532-7667 ext 154

Please come back and visit us anytime. We are always happy to make new friends, help each other out and most of all Support each other! Please let us know how you are doing!☺

Jes 🌠

[SueAB]

@Tennyfire , You certainly have a full plate! Every county has a Department of Aging, I would check with them in addition to all the other good suggestions. Keep us in the loop and let us know how you make out. Remember - DEGU - "Don't Ever Give Up!"

[greaterexp]

Tennyfire , I'm so sorry you are dealing with such a big issue. Though I don't have any answers to add to what has been written, I sure will pray that a great solution is found, and that it is one that you will be truly contented with. You have built-in friends here to vent to. Please let us know how things are going and what solutions you are finding.

[Fancy1959]

Hello Tennyfire, it's Fancy1959 and i would like to officially welcome you to this wonderful chat room. I hate that you have had to meet us under such stressful situation. I have SPMS but I am blessed to have a very supportive family. First, I would like to ask you a few questions. What symptoms of your MS make your family say they can no longer take care of you? Tnere are always ways to fight back against this beast that tries to consume us!

Are you pleased with your neurologist and is he/she progressive in your treatment against MS? Don't ever let anyone right you off! FIGHT BACK against this monster, against any doctor, or even family if they say there is nothing more they can do for you! Never give up and remember to keep a positive attitude. I know that can be very hard to do. As an example I fell not once but twice today. Yet I still pick myself up, take a quick nap to reinjuvate myself,and then go on.

In the meantime besides thenumber Jesmcd2 gave you, you can also call the National MS Society at1-800-FIGHTMS. Both can offer resources that will be helpfull and give you ideas to follow up on. I'm glad you have joined our extended family. I just wish it were for different reasons. Realize you have found a safe place to come ask questions, voice concerns, or simply speak to someone who truly understands what you are going through. Until we speak again please take care of yourself. Remember that together we are stronger!

[agate]

@Tennyfire, how sad for you. Or maybe it's really a pathway to a situation that will suit you better, even though it won't be family caring for you.

People do manage without family around to help. I've known quite a few people who've done that, and others are right in saying most states have a system in place for providing in-home assistance for those who need it and can't afford to pay.

There was a neighbor of mine, a man with severe MS (no use of his voice whatsoever, wheelchair-bound, very limited use of his hands and arms, unable to stand at all). He lived in the same building I was in between 1984 and about 2001, and all during that time the level of his disability seemed to be about the same.

He had a power chair and a manual chair and a lift for getting in and out of bed. He had a helper (paid for by the state of WA) who came in for about 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. He kept the same helper for most of those years. She ran his errands, did his shopping, laundry and cleaning, fixed some of his meals, even took care of his cat sometimes.

She wrote and read not a word of English and her spoken English wasn't always understandable (she was Thai), but somehow they got the jobs done. She also helped him in and out bed and helped with shaving and dressing him.

[Nom_De_Plume in reply to agate]

Nice story. Thanks for sharing that, @agate!

[WAshingtongirl in reply to Nom_De_Plume]

Welcome Nom_De_Plume ! I believe you are new here. I'm sorry MS brought you here, but hope you find us to be a warm, funny and encouraging group of new friends. We look forward to getting to know you better! 💕

[Nom_De_Plume in reply to WAshingtongirl]

Thank you, Tutu. This is a wonderfully supportive community. I am so happy to have found it!

[ssdw1958]

Can I say one thing what is there problem, sorry about that. I had to get that off of my chest In your community do you have counciling on aging. For awhile I had been going to a couple of things and this one woman asked me I was a member of the gray hair club at first I took offence to that then she explained it to me. It's when the older individuals get together. Maybe your town or even a church has something you could go on line to find out. I am 58 and retired. So I know it can. frustrating sometimes but there has to be some one family that can assist you. One reason I haven't gone much is I don't have a car but I do have that I can call.

Good luck to you