Hi Everyone

[jcol2436-]

Hi everyone. New here and still kind of new to MS, while trying to parent. Guess I toggle alot between the I'm okay and being upset. Thrust into this poverty and my entire life taken from me. Guess it will take a while to get used to. Don't know what my future is going to be. It sucks.

[leking1]

Hi jcol2436, and welcome to the family. You have come to the right place. It is scary, especially at first. We all understand what you are feeling, because we have/are/will be there ourselves, and we will be there for you. I was diagnosed 43 years ago, and I was a single Mom to a little boy around 8 years old. I worked every day to keep a roof over our heads and get him the things he needed. I worked at a small, private college, with a big library, and even bigger connections, so my reaction was to get every book, every article I could find about MS, and learn all I could, as I knew nothing about it. Turns out, nobody did in 1980. Oh, I learned the basics about lesions, and relapsing and remitting, and that it was very difficult to diagnose, and there was no cure, and no meds you could take for it. I've learned WAAAAAAY more by living with MS that I did reading about it. MS is just like the people who have it, every person is different, just as each person's symptoms and MS may be very different. I am a much stronger person than I thought I was. I can handle anything that comes my way. You are, too, you just haven't accepted it yet! If you need to vent, cry, yell, laugh or just talk, or maybe just sit for a few minutes with someone who knows what you are feeling, come by anytime. Someone is always home.

Linda

P.S. I was able to return to work, with a few concessions, as time went on, for around 30 more years. I am 75 years old/young now, 4'11" tall and I weigh 90 pounds. I can still walk, better with a cane, and a shopping cart is my best friend!

[jcol2436- in reply to leking1]

Thank you

[kdali]

Welcome! Yes, it can be very stressful learning how to navigate MS issues, and parenting adds a fun layer of insanity to the MS mix. MSAA has great resources online, and this crew is a fabulous mix of real people living with a variety of challenges.

[anaishunter]

Welcome to the group. There's no question that a MS diagnosis is overwhelming. So many questions, so many confusing answers if any at all.

Take your time to unpack all the information you need to digest and don't hesitate to ask questions. There's no odd question.

You're in the right place because MS is different for each person but it's very likely that on this forum you'll get an answer or advice from someone who is facing a similar scenario as you are. Don't face MS on your own, use the collective knowledge of this forum.

Know that you'll be ok.

[goatgal]

There is no doubt that MS is difficult in myriad ways. Coming here may help a bit because those here are supportive, encouraging, understanding, and knowledgeable. You can vent, share your struggles, ask questions, and help others when they stumble. Each of us is different, but we all walk the same path. We know how hard this is for you. Take care, come back and share when you are ready.

[Elizt3]

I’m just going to say “welcome to the group”, since all the other people posted such meaningful, heartfelt messages. I couldn’t say it better than they have. This is a great place to get information, support, ideas, inspiration, and some humor, too.

[Fancy59 CommunityAmbassador]

Jcol2436-, it's Fancy59 And I want to officially welcome you to our family here at MSAA chat room. Take a deep breath and realize you're not alone period everyone in the chat room has undergone similar experiences when they were first diagnosed. It is extremely overwhelming and the questions bombard you daily about what is happening to your body and what's your future holds.

The very first thing I would recommend is that you find yourself a great neurologist. Don't do what I did and probably many of us did and believe our first neurologist was the best. Unfortunately, there are some neurologists out there that simply don't truly understand MS. You are the best advocate for your health. You need to make sure you're getting all the help you can get to help keep this disease in check as much as possible. There are many resources out there and if you stick to a large university in your area, they generally have MS specialist as part of their neurology team. I would also suggest you contacting the National MS Society at 1 800 fight MS. They will send you to the chapter closest to you in your region, and then they will send you to what they call their partners in hope neurology offices.

Start there and get things settled with a true expert in MS. We can help you through rough spots and talk to you about our similar experiences, but understand we are not doctors, and we cannot give medical advice. Just advice to soothe your nerves and let you know you're not alone.

Don't let MS bully you into giving up your life. Fight back with all you have . Start with exercise and keep your muscles strong and work with what you have going on that's good with you. Depending on where your MS is, work might still be in your future even if it's modified slightly. Most neurologists can help you with cost on the medicines and treatments out there that we call the DMT's.

Come to us as often as you need period no question is too big or too small and we will try to help you understand what you're going through period I won't go Uber more because I know you're already overwhelmed but this would be a good place to start period I hope to talk to you soon. Period the more we talk to each other, the more we get to know each other. Take care until we talk again and remember together we are stronger. Fancy59.

[Amore55]

Hello and welcome to the group of wonderful people here who have experienced this path you are traveling. You have gotten some good advice already. Keep asking questions about your situation, both here and with your neurologist. Learn all that you can about your condition. And please keep moving! It’s so important for your health and well being. Believe me. Many of us have found that out, some the hard way. Much love to you, Kelly

[mrsmike9]

I was super scared in the beginning as well. I think that is perfectly normal. Take your meds and learn what your body tells you. (When it say, "that's enough!", listen) I hope you are like me and don't have too bad of a ride.

[jcol2436- in reply to mrsmike9]

Thank you. I hope so as well

[Greentime]

I can remember the beginning, in 1985, like it was yesterday. Terrified and hyper aware of every sensation in my body. As there were no meds, I decided the best I could do was walk, power walk if able. It gave me a little feeling of control in what felt like an out of control situation. Fast forward to 2023. My newest neurologist, who did a fellowship in MS at the Mayo clinic, told me that it is now known that exercise makes a BIG difference. So that is my advice for you. It has worked well for me.

[Brindisi1]

Prayers- you are stronger than you think. You have family to encourage & love. you. All the advice here is heartfelt Look forward, life is good even with the bumps .

Keep the faith.

[jcol2436- in reply to Brindisi1]

Thank you yes it is

[Mollyabigail]

Hi, jcol and welcome! Give yourself time to grieve, friend! This is life-changing. I was in total shock for the first few months, and it took roughly 2 years to come to terms with it. Dig deep and use your faith. You've got this, I promise. Life goes on, just differently.

[jcol2436- in reply to Mollyabigail]

Thank you

[Tazmanian]

Welcome

[jcol2436- in reply to Tazmanian]

Thank you

[Juliew19673]

Hi and welcome aboard! Your not alone we are all here for you just ask.

[jcol2436- in reply to Juliew19673]

Thank you

[SandraKOE]

So So Sorry. Will be praying for you. This definitely is a good community here. Lots of support. I’ve said this before on here but if you’re on TikTok that is also a great community. #mstok & #Ms’r. You can easily just do a search MS. I’m 57 & have even asked my grandson how to do some things. Always learning & researching. I’m not sure that you can ever be too informed. We all have MS, but like the tv commercials, MS doesn’t have me. @saneasley.

[mm1527mm]

Was diagnosed almost 4 years ago. My oldest were 1 and 2 at the time and I had my third baby first post diagnosis in March. I still experience these emotions sometimes I'm fine sometimes I feel sorry that I have the diagnosis. Keeping busy helps distract me. This group has been so supportive and so helpful especially when I was first diagnosed. One day at a time