Sure, I will give you hope! I too was dx'd at the age of 38 years. I am now almost 55 years old and no, I am not in a wheelchair but I had to give up working after losing my eyesight.
You must view this as being a change in your life, not a death sentence.
I know exactly how you feel and try to stay positive if you can and don't let these "expert" neurologists freak you out. In fact, they do NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES MS. Period!
Take care and welcome to the group here. :)

Only 25% of all ms patients will EVER need a wheelchair. And most of those due to the fact it's easier to get around (i.e.-energy issues), not mandatory.

Fun hopeful fact:: It's estimated that 35-40% of all ms patients lived and died while never presenting a symptom. It was only found through autopsy that they did in fact have ms...While you are past this prognosis, it should convey hope that you are not doomed. There is no such thing as a certain path with ms. It's what makes it scary. It is also what makes one less fearful that they are fated to lead a predetermined life. Take a peek at the other side of that coin.

Most of what you hear/read/are told is only possible, not probable. There is an enormous difference between those two words.

You have walked by at least 100 people in your who have had ms, and you didn't ever notice. It's only occasionally visible to a passerby.

Need more? Got a bag full of 'em. Lolz.

No seriously though: It sucks, your life's over, buy a wheelchair-your gonna need it in two years max, tell your loved one's you're gonna miss them, get your affairs in order, pick a plot and lay down in it. Game over....Hey look at that, I just officially obtained a license to practice Neurology! I'll be damned. Who says a kid with ms who's had 2 minor attacks in 10 years would never do anything worthwhile?? Well, my diagnosing Neuro 10 years ago for one...Oh, yeah remind me-I've been meaning to punch that guy in the mouth and ask him how it feels to have your a** kicked by a "cripple".

Yeah, my cynical sarcasm supersedes poetic prowess. I truly hope you got my drift. Anyone-doctor or not-who tells you they know how you will turn out (Ok or not-so-ok) is a LIAR. It is not a disease of predictability.

You have walked by at least 100 people in your ***life*** who have had ms, and you didn't ever notice. It's only occasionally visible to a passerby.

Correction, oh god-not OCD too. Ok, that tears it-I give up!.... 8^D.




Forgot to mention...sorry to hear the news, hope or not. Welcome to the board. There are many people and friends to be met here....

Everyone's initial reaction to getting an MS dx is going to be different. Whatever you're experiencing, whether it's shock, denial, anxiety, anger or even relief, keep in mind that these reacions are normal. You will also re-experience some variation of them whenever MS brings new symptoms and challenges into your life. The fact of the matter is that for the rest of your life you will be wondering what your MS has in store for you! The trick seems to lie in finding a balance between taking each day as it comes and taking steps to protect your quality of life (thru treatment) regardless of what the future brings.

As someone said before, MS is not a death sentence. Far from it. You may be symptomless or you may be bothered by just a few periodiocally,. I don't know one person on this board who does not lead a somewhat productive life in comparison to their illness,. If you have to have MS, you are at the right place, this support group will help you through anyting.

The hard truth about MS is this, it may be difficult to predict from morning to night (let alone from one week, month, or year to the next) how you're likely to feel. Similarly, no one can tell you with any certainty just how your MS is likely to behave over the long term.

Before you get that dx, I suggest that you put your financial affairs in order regarding insurance. Life insurance should be obtained immediately, and long term care too. Life insurance can be obtained with a MS dx, but it will cost you. LTC insurance won't be offered to you once you get an official dx.

Good Luck and keep us informed. Many hugs!

THANK YOU ALL! for the kind words. I needed to hear it. My husband said I am here for you and your support you don't need to be on this site, I said these people have MS, I want to hear from THEM! Thank you AGAIN!

Can I ask you all? Still working? headaches? numbness?

I'm officially on the books as working, although I get paid for 40, I only actually work about 10 due to MS fatigue. I also still get numb from time to time, it doesn't stay long but is bothersome just the same. Thank goodness I never got headaches.

It's nice to have the total support of your husband, but it is especially nice that you can talk with people that truly understand what you are going through, those being members of this site. Don't ever let your husband know that his support is not wanted, you're lucky he is there for you.

Hi Amy, It's ok to be scared. If you weren't you would be a real oddball. I am 52...was dx 6 years ago, but had symptoms for at least 12 years prior. Now it all makes sense about how I was feeling. I am still working. Been an aircraft mechanic for 26 years. Not as agile and flexable as i used to be but I still can hold my own. Luckly I work for an excellent major airline. I have had some issues but still can work.
From experience, eat healthy, get rest, don't over indulge in spirits, be good to yourself.
Keep in touch with these people. You will find out that you are not alone...the weird things that your body feels a lot of us have had the same stuff. For the most part we look fine and healthy but feel like sh#!*@ when this stuff showes its ugly face. Hard trying to explain to someone who doesn't have this crap. When I am good to myself I feel good, when I am not...boy do I pay.
Get educated, ask questions, keep in touch with these ms'rs. Good people. You'll be ok.
Sending you good vibes, Patrick

I was diagnosed just about two years ago with PPMS and while it has been tough sledding and a challenge, the kindness of people has been overwhelming. Whoever mentioned getting the LTC grab that and a good disability policy. If you participate in an employer retirement plan, they sell DI for that, too. It will continue to make you and your employer's contribution into trust for retirement through age 65. They also have some unique life products that payout on chronic illness or similar to LTC when you can't do 2 out of 6 ADLs. They insured me even with MS, full disclosure, the premiums are high and even if I never touch it, after 20 years and paying in 90,000 it has a CSV of 70,000. Not a bad deal all-in-all. I'm only out 20,000 and the time value of money.

While my body has crapped out on me, the brain still ticks just fine and I have had no vision problems. So I can still put in 40 a week as a tax attorney. Even on bad days, getting into the office makes me feel better. I get to visit with my coworkers and clients and think about something else. On really bad days, I'm set up to work from home. Under the new regulations of the ADAAA, MS is now a per se disability.

Some days are just #$@! but be kind to yourself and enjoy life. I was able to sit out by the pool this evening, under the palm trees, with the woman I love. I'll take it, MS and all.

HiGeminiAmy,
It's me, SharonMom. I want to start out by expressing my condolences to you. Before I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on 8-12-09, I did'nt know very much about this disease, so I too, like you was VERY scared...Please be nice to yourself and allow yourself to feel grief for yourself. This is NOT a selfish thing to do----It IS what you deserve. I have cried out of love for myself many times since I was diagnosed...
But please do not let the fear overwhelm you or keep you from enjoying the "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" that our United States constitution guarantees to us.
And Multiple Sclerosis REALLY is not so bad. I am almost 44 years old, and am on disability. If you get a positive diagnosis, you might go down to your local social security office and apply for it, providing that your Neurologist agrees that you need it. As the government WILL be calling your Neurologist if you apply for disabilty. My disabilty case was approved the first time I applied for it-----And the rumor that after you have been on disabilty for 2 years that you can get medicare must be true, as I received paperwork from the U.S. governement just last week saying that I can start receiving Medicare on August 1st of this year.
Now GeminiAmy, I feel like I am retired! Although I am still a full time housewife. I had to stop driving a couple of months ago----This does NOT happen to everyone who has M.S. But I am still walking---Yes I do use a 4-wheeled walker, but I can still walk, and go to the bathroom by myself, and do most of my housework.
Me and my husband Steve even found a good Christian church that we attend most Sundays. This has truly become the highlight of my week. So please do not be too scared ! Focus on the things you can still do, and you might even e-mail the National M.S. society---They will help you find an M.S. support group in your area. You might even try joining hands with your husband, and praying with him. Theres an old saying that, "The family that prays together stays together!" Good Luck, and may God be with You!

As others have said, it's not a death sentence. The initial diagnosis was overwhelming and a shock. Took a little time to come to terms with it. I was diagnosed May 2009. I am walking just fine. Just some balance issues. My vision's a little burry, but it's fine. I do have constant numbness in both of my hands and fatigue. I have some pain from time to time and get really shaky, but that's it for me. The best peace of advice that I can give you is to LISTEN to your body. No one else will be able to see how you feel. If you feel fatigued and shaky, then rest. Don't feel guilty about it or let anyone make you feel bad. Don't push yourself past your limits physically. Some days you'll feel completely fine and like yourself, but you'll have days you just aren't up to anything. Just don't push yourself and rest on those days if you can. Most importantly, try to keep a positive attitude if you can. It can be a challenge, especially if you go an extended amount of time feeling sick. Just try to stay positive, simplify your life, try to have as little stress as possible since this can make you sick and just be sure to continue living by doing things you enjoy.