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@VixR 

Last reply

VixR

Introducing Myself!

Hi, my name's Vicky, I'm 41 and I was diagnosed with MS a whole 9 weeks ago! It has taken 10 months to get this diagnosis, I was initially diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis. I have an appointment with the neurologist next week to discuss treatment options. How do you all cope with MS? At the moment I'm so angry and scared. I was managing to work for 30 hours a week, with a view to going back full time soon, but have just been signed off for 4 weeks, and feel like I'm back to square one.
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@Stumbler
@Stumbler
 

Vicky, welcome to our illustrious group of people. Now, you've recently had one helluva shock to your system. Being diagnosed with MS is a life-changing experience. You're going to look at your plans for the future and think, well, that's it! Yes, you're angry and scared. These are both understandable reactionary emotions. But, take your time on this. Be kind to yourself. MS loves you being worried and stressed, as it thrives when you are in this frame of mind. MS is not a life-threatening condition and doesn't dictate that you buy a wheelchair. It's a condition that can be managed so that you can lead an almost normal life. So, take your time. Educate yourself to learn about this enemy and see how you can live together. Have a look through present and past topics. And, feel free to ask any questions.

@aardvark
@aardvark
 

Hi Vicky and welcome to Shift Just to echo <a href='https://shift.ms/community/people/Stumbler/' rel='nofollow'>@Stumbler</a>'s great advice: educate yourself about MS. Not every medical "expert" knows that much about the condition, although because of the God-Complex that many doctors suffer from, they're unlikely to admit it. You need to become an expert on YOUR particular version of MS, as everybody's experience with MS is different - there are no absolutes. You need to learn to listen to your body like never before, it's the best way to deal with the curve-balls you're bound to face over the rest of your life. And shift is a great place to start this journey of discovery - you're unlikely to find a friendlier spot on the Internet. Personally, I'm 45 and diagnosed earlier this year too (although I've known for some time that this diagnosis was likely). You wouldn't know I had MS to look at me (unless I tried to run anywhere :) ) - and I'm hoping this is going to be the case for a very, very long time. Call me wildly unrealistic - but it's a possibility and that's enough for me at the moment. I prefer to call it optimism or "keeping a positive mental attitude" - a concept that you're going to encounter a lot in people's advice from now on. Anyway, must get back to work! Speak soon... Stay well and good luck with everything Mark