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@Cassy 

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Cassy

WHEN MS STRIKES IN RETIREMENT

HI Awaiting a diagnosis but confident I have MS..late onset as I am 65.From Reading it seems late onset is primary progressive MS and it feels progressive as my legs weaken and I developed foot drop. Please is there anyone on this site who got a diagnosis late in life and how they coped as retirement plans now aren’t going to be possible the way I had hoped.Also just need to relate to someone in a similar age group with late diagnosis Thanyou
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@Vixen
@Vixen
 

Hello @cassy, welcome to Shift. I'm in my 50s (diagnosed at 50) and it was a terrible shock. I know there are regular contributors on here in the 60s and beyond, so hopefully you'll be responses. For me at this age, me and husband did a massive restructure last year, effectively enabling a state of early semi-retirement and it was the best thing we ever did. At the other end, there are diagnosed folks on here who are in their teens which, I guess in many ways brings a whole different set of traumas and agonies, ie contemplating marriage, jobs, careers, children etc. Stay safe, and keep us updated on your journey; we all know how it feels.....

@Mick_Burtenshaw
@Mick_Burtenshaw
 

Hello @Cassy Only found this Group today.... I too am awaiting an "Official " diagnoses. I am 61 and have had noticeable n Symptoms for about a year and a half now.. but looking back have had some recognisable traits as i call them for some time.. I have seen three very good specialists privately as waiting times via the NHS , really took a toll on my mindset.. all three diagnosed likely Primary progressive M S after looking at my records MRI scans, lumber puncture, electronic, and physical tests. my primary NHS consultant, not providing me with the answers I was looking for , time never stands still and at my age and close to retirement , I felt that I needed answers to help me plan ahead, I have always been self employed as a builder, but now find I cannot do many of the jobs that used to be my bread and butter, due to the symptoms , I now encounter. fatigue, loss of power and dexterity,in limbs, but i have found due to covid isolation last few weeks ,that inactivity certainly makes me feel worse, and has thrown an extra spanner into the works.. :0) One very highly respected specialist told me that he thought it took most people a couple of years to come to terms mentally with a diagnoses... I think he's right.. another good friend who has Secondary progressive MS told me not to Fight it, but to adapt and learn to live with it ... Best Advice Ever.... Hope this helps.. Speak again .. Mick.