It's been 20 years since my MS diagnosis! When I was first diagnosed I was so afraid for my future and although it's not what I thought it would be, I'm okay! Life went on, and along the way, I learned a few things; MS is not my fault, You can't control everything, Mental health support is really important and so is a support community, MRIs aren't the whole story. (For more, check out my article, link in bio- FYI- not a business! Writing is a labor of love!)
How long has it been since you were diagnosed? What was the most important thing that you've learned?
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BeHealthyNow
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It's only been 6 since diagnosis and 20 since the first event. That means I did a lot of crazy things during limbo and I continue to do so, perhaps with more limits now, but I'm very pushy when I want something 🤣 I learned it's a crap shoot and the best advice for one may not be the best advice for me. I'm fascinated by the variety of stories, ty for sharing!
I was diagnosed over 11 years ago but they said that I probably started with it in my 20’s, I am nearly 66. This community has probably been the best help for me, not only for ms information but knowing I can off load and not be judged, I have made some really good forum friends, and we all understand each other, blessings Jimeka 😊
I was diagnosed 16 years ago, with symptoms first showing 32 years ago. I am 61 now. The most important I have learned is not to throw in the towel! I just keep pushing past the bad disabilities which I have experienced in the past somehow. I feel very, very blessed. This forum is a joy. Truly like a family! Thanks for sharing.
I was diagnosed 11 years ago, I'm 62. What I eventually came to realize, is that this is now the 'new' me. Is the 'old' me gone? Well no, but he's in the passenger seat. And the new me is an OK person. He just needs to take it slow and learn how to navigate. After a decade, I've learned how to live this new life a bit better. New friends and lifestyle. But my good friends are still friends. And my family is supportive. If I could go back to good health, of course I would. But I've learned so much on this journey. So like we all have to, I'll try my best to keep moving forward.
Thank you for sharing! I'd trade MS in a minute too but I can't deny that I've learned things about myself and others that I may not have otherwise. I like your attitude- Best to keep moving forward!
it has been 17 years on a different journey that has changed my life not all bad just have had to change some things and work to do some that i want to do that use to be easier ...i am 69 so how much is old age and how much is the MS.. doesn't really matter for if i want to do it ,i usually find a way just a different way ...hahahhah...my life is still great ...no major complaints...just have to live life and of course laugh at myself at times for i isn't going to stop just because i have MS ...go on and enjoy it ...LIFE...YES ENJOY LIFE ...LAUGH AND SMILE ..you are still the same person....love and happiness to all of you for you have helped to make it tolerable ...ahhahahahah...lots of good jokes and good laughs and wonderful pictures and great memories....
I was diagnosed in 2014 so not a huge amount of time. I wish I'd known that I could and would adjust to having MS when I was first diagnosed. Yes, I get tired easily and I have to think out things before attempting anything but (so far, knock wood) it's doable.
4 1/2 dx but decades of “something is up” years before that. Still learning but now I say “No” instead of trying to please others & no longer carry guilt about it 😉
Yeah, that's hard! It's just naturally ingrained to not want to disappoint people. After about 15-16 years of struggling to keep up with everything I just started saying no. With lots of explanations but then I realized people only hear the no part. So, then I just said no, I'm sorry, I can't, with no explanation and it was funny because people would wait for the why. After like I year of people like, really? you're not coming (or whatever) They took no for an answer and I feel a lot less guilt.
11 years for me. A mixed bag. i can't say i'm glad or grateful for it but i do have resilience and perseverance. One thing i never would have done is start my own business. I'd still be working at some agency complaining about my boss and waiting for retirement. Mindset IS 90% (10% effort) the best advice i could give would be to exercise everyday which goes back to use it or lose it.
Ah, that's what I'd love to do! Start my own business working at my own pace from home but I'm on disability, so afraid to try. I dream about all the things I could do. I know I could do it (if I could work part-time when feeling well, but it wouldn't be enough to earn a living so I can't risk it. Like you said though, I do have resilience and that's a good thing!
I was diagnosed 14 years ago. I had symptoms 10 years prior to that but I refused to acknowledge them. Ah, denial!! One think I have realized recently is that I am strong. I mean mentally, emotionally. I have learned when I am out in public with hiking poles or a walker to be proud. I have MS and have trouble walking and I don’t care it it makes other people uncomfortable. It has been interesting to learn about this aspect of adapting to my life now.
That's such a wonderful attitude! Good for you. Why shouldn't you be proud, right? So many people don't even bother to exercise or get out there and do stuff. I think having MS pushes me to try to stay fit.
8 years ago, the lesson that took me awhile to listen to, was my body, message i usually end up on the floor when your body tells you to sit down or lie down, it really means it.the other day i pushed myself past that point so i could finish it,well the first time this ever happened,i was standing there and my legs collapsed!when i don't, that is usually when i end up on the floor,tripping over rugs or just generally clumsy
It's such a scary feeling when your body just stops. That happened to me at the grocery store. At first I felt my legs start to shake and get heavy so I just stopped and walked to check out. By the time I checked out I was leaning against the grocery cart and my car was downhill from the store. I got to my car and my legs just collapsed and I felt like against my trunk with the groceries still on the cart. I was mortified. I didn't even care if I got hurt. Thankfully so many came and helped me and got me in the car. Sat there for like a half an hour. Now the second I feel my legs starting to go, I stop what I'm doing. A very hard lesson to learn
I learned the same lesson, we probably all did. If I feel my legs starting to get weak, I must stop what I'm doing and find a place to sit down, immediately. If I don't, my legs will collapse and I'll be on the floor.
Sometimes I'm so tired and cranky and symptom-y that I don't want to do anything. I ran across this quotation somewhere and it helps me get out the door: "Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure."
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