I am new to all this and a bit overwhelmed.

[Jen4Navy]

I have great Drs at Strong and friends with MS, why is it me?? What did I do to deserve this? Was it because I grew up in Middleport or because I was a bad person and God was mad at me?

[jimeka]

All of us who have faith have been where you are. No, God is not mad at you, you will find out as you go along your journey how he will use you. In between having rough days where you dislike the world and the good days that come your way, if you look back you may have helped someone else who was having a bad day. Just small things like a smile, or a look of understanding, so hang in there, you don’t know how strong a person you are yet. Feel welcome here amongst people who truly understand, it is a safe place that you can vent, laugh, cry, and trust, also there is a lot of information on the MSAA website, plus we have some very knowledgeable people on this forum who are always willing to share. I forgot to say hi, blessings Jimeka 🦋

[Jen4Navy in reply to jimeka]

thank you for your kind words.

Jen

[BigMar7]

Jen, welcome to our group of friends who happen to have MS. God does not hate you, he doesn’t care where you live. I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 56 fourteen years ago, and at the time that was considered “old” and no one in my family had ever had MS. Because of my age it took 3 years to be diagnosed, meanwhile I was reading all I could about MS and I was not surprissed when the 2nd neuro did a spinal tap and confirmed my worst fear. I took Copaxone for 12 years. Then I read that the daily modifying treatments (DMT) don’t work after the age of 60. Neuro #5 is an MS specialist and after looking at all my MRIs agreed with me! I’ve been needle free for a year and will go for my yearly MRI in January and see him in February. 😀❤️

[Jen4Navy in reply to BigMar7]

How could you take those shots? OMG!!!

Jen

[BigMar7 in reply to Jen4Navy]

Jen for the first year of injecting the Copaxone I did not use the auto injector. I had it but I guess I thought I should do it, I really don’t remember. Then it became part of my daily routine: wake up in the morning,come downstairs, eat breakfast,inject myself and then go back upstairs to dress for work. I retired in 2005 and kept the same routine. You will learn you can do anything you have to, I was terrified of needles but I got over it real quick! MS will make you into a Warrior ❤️

[greaterexp]

You've come to a family here who understand what you're going through very well. I'm not sure when you were diagnosed. The early days after diagnosis can seem overwhelming. There is so much information to try to take in, choices to make, symptoms to deal with, doctors to see, questions forming constantly.

It does take time for the diagnosis and all it means to sink in. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. It's the same with learning about and accepting this diagnosis.

When I was first diagnosed, I came to this site often for answers to questions (though we aren't a substitute for your doctors) and for support and encouragement. I hope we can do that for you, too.

I also get a daily email devotional that helps me very much from Joni Eareckson Tada.

joniandfriends.org/

I wish that I could send a warm hug to encourage you. You're certainly not alone in your feelings. I hope that you have family and friends who will be supportive for you, but we're always here.

Please let us know how you are getting along. And check into what MSAA can offer you, too.

mymsaa.org/

[Jen4Navy in reply to greaterexp]

thank you, it is nice to know that there are people out there to help and support me.

Jen

[MS_Indestructible]

welcome to a wonderful group. Nothing is wrong with you! you have been diagnosed with a terrible life altering disease that no one understands. We have it also and have many experiences amongst our members. Whatever your feeling, many of us have already experienced or have wondered the same thing at sometime during our own journey. First you have to become your own best friend. Second, know that you are that same wonderful person you were before your dx. You just now have to learn what your new normal will be. Finding this site was a good first move.

[Jen4Navy in reply to MS_Indestructible]

I miss me, I miss the happiness, non-headache days and fatigueless me. I could hurt anyone, even me at times because of this stupid MS feelings I have. I hate it but I am trying. Thank you,

Jen

[MS_Indestructible in reply to Jen4Navy]

you will find a way to your new "norm". ms can affect our feelings and emotions. Depression is also part of it. Don't be afraid to talk to a therapist about your feelings and emotions. Or stay here on this site and just start reading posts that others have made. Many of us have reached a point where we like our "new" self over the old one. That just takes time and is not easy. You are aware that your feelings are from the ms and that is a big start. Just know you have a bunch of new vfriends here in this community who can relate. Be good 2U always ~terry

[erash]

I can’t say it better than others have already said—be kind to yourself. You are not to blame. 🌈

[goatgal]

Jen4Navy Banish those unproductive ideas. You did nothing to deserve or earn MS, and God loves you. MS happens to all sorts of wonderfully good and kind people (many of whom will support you here on the forum.) MSers grew up and now live in all the varied regions of the world, they were raised in a variety of family structures and cultures, and as adults followed an array of productive and interesting careers. Some are raising families of their own. None of them did anything to deserve MS, and many of us (including me) have asked the same "why me" question. Someday there may be a cure, right now there are many medications to mitigate the effects of MS, and most importantly, right this minute there is a community of people here on the forum who understand your question and your struggle. Lean on us; we are here.

[Ikeeptrying]

Hi Jen4Navy, I'm sorry you've been diagnosed with this horrible disease. Rest assured you did nothing to deserve this. It's my belief it's random and just bad luck. I have 4 serious autoimmune disorders and I felt the same as you, i.e. what did I do to deserve this? When I thought about it i realized I didn't do anything to deserve it. Just bad luck and bad DNA. My thoughts anyway. This is a wonderful forum and may you be comforted by the many kind and wise people here.

[dearydear57]

Hi Jen4Navy! Welcome to the group! I grew up in the finger lakes region and have lived in several states since I left. I have served in the Army, raised children, at one point worked 3 jobs, and have weathered assorted devastating events throughout my life. So, did I do anything to deserve MS? I don't believe so. I believe God never hands us more than we can deal with. That being said, He must have enormous faith in your ability to adapt, overcome and keep going. And, when you need a little help, a quick pick-me-up, or an earnest conversation about this disease and the various medications and symptoms out there (since each person is different) then this is the place you want to be. In the short time I have been part of this group, I have found everyone to be supportive and helpful, while never being judgemental. So, feel free to vent, ask questions or relate some new experience, we are ready, willing and able to listen.

[mrsmike9]

No, no and no. Perhaps you will find new talents in this MS mess! I discovered an art just because I needed therapy for my fine motor skills and insurance wouldn't pay for it. It has turned into my escape and saves me.

[sashaming1]

You didn't cause it. None of us feel that we deserve it. We don't know why we were the lucky ones. God wouldn't do it.