@Sylvanna 

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Sylvanna

How long did your diagnosis take?

Here's the thing, although I am actually really pleased to finally have a diagnosis of 'mild' RRMS I am really angry about how long it has taken. It is 8 years since I first went to the GP after suffering what I now know to be my first really obvious relapse. The delay in diagnosis was not for want of trying - or of relapses for that matter. Not that this is a competition, but how long did it take for other people to get the correct diagnosis? I am curious because I feel like I have waited a ludicrously long time. I even remember telling my GP about 5 years ago that I would have to give up my career because the pain and sleep disturbance was unbearable - fat lot of good it did me. Now I have no career and bear all the signs of mental trauma from the repeated denial of my reality by those from whom I sought help. I am not a negative person but this really screwed with my mind, not to mention my body! I'd love to hear from others who know what I am on about. I know my story must be fairly typical. Thanks in advance.
@Stumbler

@sylvanna , there are many tales of implied Hypochondria on this forum. For me personally, I had my first episode in 1985 and was diagnosed in 1997. I can't say I had much going on in the interim though. Your personal experience is all history now, it can't be changed. While I agree it has been a frustrating experience, I would draw a line under it and concentrate on living in the present. Onwards and upwards. :wink:

@Vixen

Hello @sylvanna, sorry you are feeling so bad. I was very fortunate in getting a quick diagnosis which was about 4 months from 'sudden onset' to diagnosis earlier this year. BUT it is a fact that I may have overlooked previous symptoms or that they were so minor I didn't feel them. The problem is, that's the nature of our mysterious MS. By contrast, my sister has unfortunately got a diagnosis this year too. Only when this came about this year, did she, GP and neuro start stringing together previous flares to become part of the diagnosis. I see completely why you find this frustrating. That said, there is lots of overlap between various conditions and doctors are very reluctant to make a call on one, probably for good reason. Doesn't help us patients though, and it's really upsetting when we know ourselves that there is something really, really wrong. As @stumbler says though, you need to focus on where you are right now as we know that stress and anxiety does have a marked impact on MS. The good news is that I see from your profile you are on Tec - like me - and that we are all in a good space at the moment in that research and discovery is really ramping up which will hopefully be benefitting us all in some way, shape or form in future years......x