It is true, this illness is overwhelming, it is just so much YOU can not possibly know where to start.
Let's make this REALLY EASY. You are going to soil yourself. I did just the other day and I am nearly 20 years in. Yes, I do know better, BUT, just BUT. I was prepared though, I am always prepared. Go to the toilet before YOU leave the house. Wear your protective underwear. I prefer Depends Flex fit size S\M. May as well make it a little tight for extra protection. My wife wears hers going out and to bed. There is also a protective cover on the bed for those leak through moments. I also track my water intake and stop drinking around 9 pm. Why give the bladder more reasons to ruin my sleep. Know were the toilets\bathrooms are in places that YOU go regularly. Know how many seats or stalls are in them. Be prepared to go into the opposite sex if YOU have to. Of course, YOU can just accept the consequences.
Do YOU see what I am saying, can YOU picture in YOUR mind where things are? Where to go in that panic-stricken emergency? If YOU CAN and YOU DO. YOU, my friend, have LEARNT a very important lesson. Now go forth a teach it to your family, friends, whoever might be there one day to help you. Make a game of it, have some fun. Fun is important it makes good memories, and good memories are what you will need on those 3 am dark lonely nights. I know that one from past experience as well.
Okay, at this point let me say I am NOT nor do I play one on tv a Doctor of any sort, Back in my day, there were but 3 medicines, all injectibles. Actually, where I lived they only had ONE. They did get more later as the years went by. YOU are in a position now where YOU are spoilt for choice, YOU lucky lucky YOU. I will suggest that you go for the most effective, most tolerable medicine. Go with what you will follow, not I say or your Neuro recommends. They can suggest the most effective medicine in the world, but if YOU are scared of it and do not take it as prescribed it is useless.
DO NOT fall for the wait and see line. It is YOU that has to live with the consequences of waiting and see, not them. Advocate for yourself, be strong. If YOU do not think YOU are, change your thoughts yesterday.
YOU, my friend, I am very sorry to say have a chronic lifelong illness. YOU are in the right place for support, but YOU have to ask for it. YOU probably will not listen to everything I SAY ANYWAY. Do not worry I am a grown up and I understand.
Having said that, understand this is NOT a fatal medical condition. It will and does take a lot of adjustment, But it is the adjustment that YOU can achieve. Do not be to upset, -if I can cope YOU can as well. All it takes is the CHOICE to say I CAN, I WILL, I DO this ms thing. Actually, YOU really do not have much of a choice. YOU are a member of this club, so let's make the best of it together.
On to your next moves, now that YOU have researched your Disease Modifying Therapy, (DMT) Start exercising. I do core exercises. They help me stand straight, get up off the floor WHEN I FALL, sit straight, get out of bed and I find they are mostly good fun. Learn the basics then start applying them to your situation. Apply everything to YOU so that YOU will actually do it. This life is not for YOU to just give up on. It requires that YOU DO. BELIEVE in yourself, I know it is hard, but if YOU do not care or BELIEVE in yourself, why should anybody? Do NOT be a martyr, ask if YOU need help, but try to help yourself. As I constantly say this a very long illness, 50 to 70 years depending on your age, so YOU really do not want to burn yourself or your caregivers out in the first 6 months. Having said that the first few years until you start learning about your very own ms does require some serious adjustments. It DOES get easier for our Relapsing Remitting ms. For others, I do not know as I do not have those conditions.
Start eating better, one doughnut a day not a dozen. If YOU are exercising your core, why cover that beautiful 8 pack with flab. You are still an attractive person, get out there and flaunt it. It builds your morale like few other things. We live in a society for better or worse where we can be pitied. If YOU can, do not give anybody a reason to pity YOU. Stand tall, hold yourself straight, look the world in the eye and just know, that YOU are DONG IT. Whatever IT is to YOU. YOU are doing IT so tell the world to take a step back and get out of the way. A strong proud mser is coming through, and if YOU have to fake it until YOU make it
Okay, this is way to long so I guess we get to talk more tomorrow. Have a nice day and be gentle with YOU and those around YOU who are probably even more confused than YOU. ms is like that, rather confusing and tricksy.
Royce
Always wishing YOU the best inn or ms journey
