Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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/ Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

Anyone have to stop working because of MS?

deleted_user
deleted_user
I started cosmetology school a couple of weeks ago and actually started Copaxone the day before I started school. I had been perfectly fine while waiting for school to start, but this last week has brought with it the feeling of a heavy tongue when I'm talking, the inability to express my thoughts, and tingling hands. I'm starting to feel like cosmetology was a stupid move. I try not to let MS rule over my life, but I can't help but think about all the what ifs ahead. Styling hair is more physical than I previously thought and what if I find myself unable to do it because of MS?

On another note, I have been feeling sorry for myself and crying every other day this past week. This is not like me at all. I took my diagnosis like a champ, soaking up as much info as possible and just being basically curious about what others have gone through. I think its the fact that I'm taking a shot everyday and getting Shared Solutions packets in the mail every 3 days that's messing with my psyche. I'm thinking that full-time school is a waste if I'm just going to end up unable to move or function to do hair. I feel like I should just get a regular job and spend time with my kids. Am I going overboard with the pity party or am I pretending to be superwoman by starting a physically challenging career 3 months after being diagnosed?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yeah, the fatigue was a killer, and mental health work is extremely stessful!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I was dx'd in 1994, 15 yrs ago. I was able to work until 2001. I was dx'd due to Optic Neuritis. I had another episode and it was confirmed. I worked for the Police Dept inside of the Operations Room. In 1999 I started have other symtoms; pain, losing my balance, numbness and fatigue; however, the pain began to get so severe that I could not function. I took a 3mos leave of absence, I still did not get better. My Captain suggested that I take a year leave of absence. I tried coming back again. I just could not do it. Therefore, in Mar 2001, I was forced by the MS to leave my job.I had to go on disability(S.S.) I was sooo very sad; but, the Lord knew I was going to have to leave because of the past 7yrs, I have had worse symptoms. I still miss working very much. You know how you would gripe and complain about going to work and needing a day off; well, now I feel like going back to work and not taking off any days, ever!! hahahaha!
I found out that we have to just trust in God that His grace will be sufficient for us to be able to go through this w/o falling apart. God bless!!
ChrissyH
ChrissyH
I am a teacher and continued to eacj until my neurologist pulled me out for 2 years to 'recoup'. Two years are now up and he's not going to sign me back in. Fatigue can get you when you have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day.

Don't forget to save some energy for you kids.
SpyderNCSU
SpyderNCSU
I was in Quality Control with Goodyear for 23 1/2 years...........MS dropped in and the neuro said no more work and Goodyear thought I was a safety liability.......OH well.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My employer (of 15 yrs) decided to do a '1 person lay-off' which meant ME ! I tried to fight because they knew I had MS but it didnt work out. My neuro then said "well, I dont want you to work any longer anyway" so SSDI is the way I had to go in 2002. Between 1993 & 2000 I worked 1 full time job everyday & 1 part-time job 3 nights a week. Now I can no longer even walk 50 ft before my legs 'give up' so here I am !!! My wonderful husband is the full-time caregiver here plus he works outside the home too. Great guy...... everyone should have one!!
- J
deleted_user
deleted_user
Yes, I lost my job and eventually everything i owned. What I wouldn't give to feel well enough to work. :-(
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am a high school English teacher and when I was DX 14 years ago I hoped I could teach five more years. They knew I had it because I returned from opthomologist (diplopia) and read chart when he left the room that he suspected MS. I came back and started to tell someone then broke into tears so everyone knew. At five years I went half time, later quarter time, this year one class and I'm going to retire now.

It has been good for my brain to teach and I'm worried what will happen now.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I stopped working more than 10 years ago. I didn't even know cognitive problems were part of MS (it wan't acknowledged then. Sure would have been easier to deal with it if it had been acknowledged.
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
I'm wondering how to handle all of this too. My position was elminated in September. I was just informed my disability will start paying in April and I'd like to feel good about myself when I wake up in the morning.

Figuring out what type of part time work I might be able to do or how to subsidize this meager income would be a wonderful thing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i just saw your post about beginning cosemtilogy. i have had my license for over thrity years... i would be happy to give you some insight as to the degree of difficulty this profession can hold.

i do not wish to be discouraging...but cosmetology is very demanding on the physical body. additionally, it requires clear cognitive abilities in order to develop color formulus and interact with clients and so forth. it can become a very stressful line of work...it can also be very rewarding.

i did very well in this career for over thirty years. i could not have done all that i did in cosmetology with MS. it just wouldn't have been possible with the limitations it has delivered to me.

we are all different in our MS... please email me if wish, i would be happy to help you.
deleted_user
deleted_user
WHEN I WAS DIAGNOSED THE 1 1/2 YEARS AFTER THAT WAS A LOT OF LEARNING, EMOTIONAL UPHEAVALS ANE RE-PRIORITIZING MY LIFE...AS SYMPTOMS HAVE WORSENED I HAVE HAD TO CUT BACK MY BUSINESS AND DECIDE WHAT DID I REALLY WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE....DID I WANT TO WORK MY BUTT OFF FOR MONEY OR HAVE A BIT OF WORK AND DO MY PASSION WHICH IS PAINTING AND I MAKE A BIT OF MONEY SELLING PAINTINGS....WHERE U HAVE CHILDREN THEY R REALLY IMPORTANT..I HAD TO B REALISTIC RE THE FACT THAT I HAD TO PUT MYSELF FIRST RE RESTING, EXERCISING, ETC..THE FATIGUE FACTOR PLAYS A HUGE PART FOR SOME OF US..
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