I've always been a very busy person & didn't know the word "no" until now but I still only use it on the things I can't or don't want to do!

[Boxerfan]

I like so many others was diagnosed a while ago. I joined this site a month or two ago but up to that point, was "handling everything on my own". I didn't realize how much I needed a support group such as this one until i joined and started reading the posts. I've replied to a few already but hadn't formally introduced myself. I was diagnosed Sept 12, 2014 after I finally had my boys take me to the ER after 3 weeks of double vision, balance issues and numbness in my feet (still since Jan 2008). In 2008 they put me through all kinds of CAT scans, MRI's of head, neck & later back/spine (always get copies of your MRI's btw - it can show how you are doing over the years and various doctors.) I was 44 at diagnosis and a high school technology & woods shop teacher. I have two boys (at the time of diagnosis my oldest was a Junior & youngest a freshman) & a supportive husband of now 25+ years. It was hard to hear the news of RRMS but on the other hand both me & my family were relieved it wasn't a cancerous brain tumor. My youngest son had played football with a kid in middle school that we watched his dad get the progressive MS and go from helping to coach the team to barely being able to get into a scooter to come watch the games. My diagnosis hit him really hard but over the past 4 years he has been better with coping with it, especially once he learned the difference between mine and his friend's dad diagnosis (at least for now).

I think the most frustrating thing I fight with besides fatigue is remembering names - kind of an occupational hazzard for a teacher.

[miwido]

I was the same... lurking in the background and I finally joined this group. It's helps me to see that others have the same battles and how they cope and overcome obstacles. I was always the "go to" person - whether work, family or friends. Over time I have had to watch that dwindle and it's so frustrating and depressing. Some days it's hard to stay positive, but I keep trying. Coming here and reading posts and sharing helps! Stay strong!

[greaterexp]

We're so thrilled that you've found support and encouragement here with this great group! I'm glad you've joined in and introduced yourself, too!

Thanks for sharing your story. We all feel a closer connection when we learn about one another's stories.

[Jazzyinco]

Hi & a very warm welcome to u boxerfan, Glad you could pull up a comfy chair, a cup of good joe & have joined in on our supportive, awesome & wonderful family of MSer Warriors. As you've prolly seen, here u can vent, rant & get some knowldgable support from others who've been here & there where u are in M.S. It does attack us all differently but we do know the ins & outs! We're not Doc's but very knowledgable, almost should be cuz of all the research we all do, some of ys came out of the medical fields too, so again welcome here!💐🌸🌷🙏🌹🐾🐈💜❤💖💪Many Prayers & Blessings---Jazmine Rose

[OKgal]

Hi! So glad you're here. We were diagnosed around the same time. I, too, had years of weird, unexplained symptoms. Thank you for mentioning getting copies of your MRI's. It's so important and I didn't know to do this when I had the first one. I have the original copy now, and have collected every copy since then. Soon, I will need to purchase a separate filing cabinet and I shall call it the MS cabinet. I'm glad to hear your son is getting used to mom having MS. It's so different with everyone. Can I borrow him to come educate my husband? Ha!

Again, welcome!

[OKgal]

Ha-ha! I've also had everything with same hospital. I call to request the discs. Go to pick them up and they've completely messed up the request. I, now, have every mammogram, three discs of the same brain MRI, a copy of my colonoscopy, etc. It's so exhausting running back and forth to get what I requested. I started waiting on them after I have the MRI's and go online to pull the radiology reports. BUT, I'm still with the same neuro and am not moving, so it's really not too important I collect everything. I'm just OCD that way.

[bxrmom]

Boxerfan I'm HORRIBLE with remembering names, even of people I have met before. I went to a rescue dinner with the other volunteers a couple of months ago and sat across from a lady that I don't remember meeting before but when I introduced myself she said we had met before. Guess I sat near her and her husband at our last rescue dinner and totally forgot.

Welcome to this wonderful group, sorry for the reason. Glad you are here. Look foward to getting to know you.

Jessie

[mrsmike9]

Nearly diagnosis twins! I was diagnosed on 9/9/14 but I was 55 at the time. I, too, have trouble remembering names, and just about everything else! I keep a small pad of paper with me so I can jot things down.