@New to this, hospital waiting. on Shift.ms

Welcome to the family Pete! Initial diagnosis time is one of the most difficult times of our journey. So many unknowns, grasping the reality of its real, what's next etc. I do not necessarily have any answers, but what I can offer is some encouragement, and suggestions from experience. Everyone's journey with MS is different even though the symptoms are extremely similar, thus the nick name the snowflake disease. My first question would be, is the Doctor a Primary Care, Neurologist or an MS Specialist? The steroid infusion should, operative word should clam everything down. In otherwords you should have a window of time. I was right at 2 months before I began my 1st Disease Modifying Therapy (aka DMT). Suggestions for you for peace of mind: *Begin educating yourself. There's a wealth of information right here as well as numerous websites such as The National Mulriple Sclerosis Society. * Advocate for yourself. If you're not comfortable with something ask. With out getting into my story I can say confidentially that had I not begun doing that within a reasonable time from my diagnosis (less than sixty days) I would be in a wheelchair today. Although I was inexperienced in doing it at first coupled with the reality and minimal knowledge and understanding, it was with out question we the wisest action I could have taken. * You feel like you're in the dark reach out to your doctor, ask questions. * Begin making a list of the questions you have. Prioritize them so when you do see or talk to your doctor you are prepared. So many factors go into play as far as your question, is this in line with others experiences. The type of MD, his or hers bedside manner, your location, and on & on. Remember they are just that "our experiences". Research, treatments, disease management has advanced so far in the last 5-10 years. This is not a death sentences illness. We can live normal lives for the most parts. Much comes from within you. Your perspective. Are you going to be proactive, optimistic, this is not going to control me? Or are you going to let this consume who you are and drag you down grumble and complain, the woo-is-me mindset? In closing Pete when I left thr hospital 11/6/2017 for all intensive purposes I could barely walk (2-3 steps hanging on to something). Today I'm very mobile, rarely need to use a cane or rollator. I'm living my life. I am a stubborn Indiana, USA farm girl, I'm determined and will never give up. And neither will you. Don't let others in MS communities drag you down. PLOM disease can be contagious - Poor Lil' Old Me😊 Always here~ Angela