I had similar feelings when I went to a retirement party for a fellow lifeguard I used to work with. I went in my scooter. I was terrified, but I chose to not let MS steal more experiences. I went and people treated me the same and loved up on me. I believe in not letting the fear of what others will do or say stop me from living. So often I get stares and it is uncomfortable. 98% of the time I smile graciously and people smile back. 2% of the time I am a grump and fail to feel kind. We are all entitled. Don't let MS rob you of memories to be made. Don't let it keep you hidden and at home. Don't let the fear rule. Step out and live.

Yea, I hear u. Through FB quite a few classmates know that I have MS. It's my husband's & my 25 this Nov. I don't know that I'll go. It's not the MS keeping me back. It's the extra 30+ lbs that some of the meds gave me & I haven't been able to get rid of.

Oh I hear you Chrissy! It's not MS that really keeps me away from any reunion of high school or any other "happy experience" that I tend to avoid being a part of.
Sure for the first few seconds, I "should be" and AM a little extra anxious seein old "friends" looking how badly I do look now/ compared to then. But then I start to remember what my grandmother (who passed on 6 or 7 years ago) would tell me when I was nervous about how I looked. To just not let other people look badly with judgement towards you and even REMEMBER their looks. EVERYONE looks sick OFTen, it cannot be tottaly avoided. If we can't change things anyhow at THAT moment, other people have the GREAT OPTION to just look the other way!!
I do try to look the best I can out in public, but I have been known to actually leave the house with the SAME shirt and pants on that I had on yesterday, the day before and same as the last time I was at the place if I saw ANYONE I knew! I would've died if I was seen wearin the same shirt the day before back when I was only 20. Now all I think is "ehh, atleast I've got clothes on! I'm all covered!"

The way I look at it is....

The people from back then that you're actually still friends with are the ones who

1) would know about your MS and still love and care for you.

2) are the ones whose opinions actually matter.

Yes, going back to see people you "used to know" can be fun and exciting... but then you sometimes wake up realizing why after all these years you aren't actually close anymore...

you reminisce in old memories.. enjoy the new life given to them.. but once again go on to the life in which you have now. Good, Bad, and the Ugly everyone has one.

Princess -- good advice it passing on U gave me a huge grin. :)

I agree. Even if you didn't have MS, everyone is always self concious. Hold your head up high, smile, and have fun. People wont talk if you are having a good time.

Anne,
I wouldn't go to my high school reunion, because of the MS and the weight I have gained from not exercising and eating too much and the meds I take. A combination of all and not dieting. It's my own fault I'm not trying to get out of it, but I fear people will stare at me and be so surprised at me now, or not even recognize me. Ive had that happen to me, someone didn't even recognize me I've gained so much weight. The disease progression also would be an embarrassment to me also. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I do. I really enjoyed reading the comments to this threat as I love the outlook of so many that would go to the reunion. It's just not me.

This Saturday I'm meeting two girlfriends I haven't seen in years. I'm anxious about getting together with them and what they will think of me, if anything. I'm just wired this way.

We always have those lingering thoughts in the back of our mind. But I agree with ezone, go anyway if you feel up to it and have fun! Perhaps take a trust friend or loved one so you know you will have fun no matter what because you have support! Just enjoy the moment. Hold you head up high, you are an amazing person and if someone doesn't agree with that, then you move on to someone who is worth spending time with. Best of luck. Remember, you are worth it!

I have just realised I never shared the outcome. . . After all the worrying (weeks making sure I had OK clothes, nails etc) the day arrived. We went to the lake, and there were FOUR alumni! Me, my friend and her husband, and one other guy!
I had a nice few hours at the lake talking to my friend, but WOW four of about 300!

I'm glad you went but what a sad reflection on the rest that didn't go.
We had a primary school reunion planned & I was bit worried but was going, ended up in hospital after surgery, still was going but ended up with compartment syndrome in the leg in plaster. Not allowed out as had to rest in bed with leg raised. Couldn't get out of bed for ANYTHING! Bed pans suck!!

What made me look on them different was I went to have an x-ray & ran into a girl I knew at primary school. She had been through a real tough time with both babies having issues & being in hospital for months, she lost 1 & the other one has heaps of medical issues.
Made me realise that we all go through our own trials trying to find her on fb but didn't manage to.