Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group
This community is a place where members can discuss current events and weigh in on what's going on in the world.
Sorry that Im posting more questions than answers here at the moment, but its all so new and my whole world has changed in the last 2 months!
A question I wanted to ask is if usual to have some emotional changes when you have symptoms of MS?
The reason Im asking is that I seem to have some personality changes since becoming ill. When I could walk around normally before these latest symptoms came on, I felt quite confident getting around by myself, taking day trips on the train or attending social functions, taking on new work assignments etc. Since this latest 'episode' or whatever it is, which started with vertigo attacks, loss of balance and brain fog Ive lost a lot of my former confidence and focus :(
Now that i can't even walk without holding onto something and my legs are so weak and unreliable i really don't want to leave the house alone.
Several times Ive nearly fallen onto concrete and uneven surfaces, steps or hills are the worst. Where we live is a Medieval old town with very steep, narrow streets with large, uneven cobblestones - yes lovely to look at but dangerous to walk on!
Anyway, I am just worried that I am losing my confidence and personality as the symptoms seem to get worse each day and I just want to stay home and rest (not to mention the crushing fatigue) does anyone relate to that? thanks :)
A question I wanted to ask is if usual to have some emotional changes when you have symptoms of MS?
The reason Im asking is that I seem to have some personality changes since becoming ill. When I could walk around normally before these latest symptoms came on, I felt quite confident getting around by myself, taking day trips on the train or attending social functions, taking on new work assignments etc. Since this latest 'episode' or whatever it is, which started with vertigo attacks, loss of balance and brain fog Ive lost a lot of my former confidence and focus :(
Now that i can't even walk without holding onto something and my legs are so weak and unreliable i really don't want to leave the house alone.
Several times Ive nearly fallen onto concrete and uneven surfaces, steps or hills are the worst. Where we live is a Medieval old town with very steep, narrow streets with large, uneven cobblestones - yes lovely to look at but dangerous to walk on!
Anyway, I am just worried that I am losing my confidence and personality as the symptoms seem to get worse each day and I just want to stay home and rest (not to mention the crushing fatigue) does anyone relate to that? thanks :)
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Usually I get a daily influx of emails on health topics. An article from Dr. Mercola really stood out recently though because it mentioned that fat cells have their own mitochondria. Not only was this the first I'd heard of this, he also mentioned that fat serves a purpose in our metabolism. Another new factoid for me. The bottom line for me was to appreciate that even our fat cells play a...
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I just do not feel well and I really think that it's because I cried yesterday on my way to work about my Aunt who is in the hospital. I don't think that we will have her much longer. She is very frail. Now she needs help eating. So, this is the third time in a year that I felt this way after crying. I think crying releases toxins into my body. I also worked up a sweat at the gym...
Its great that you have some help with the walker and scooter - must make you feel more confident. Im just on the point of ordering a walking stick from Amazon but wrestling with myself that maybe I am 'giving in' to these symptoms too soon ;)
I worked for 21 years as a church administrator, and the minister conveyed to me shortly before I retired on disability that a member said that I was "rude and brusque." I will never know what the circumstances were, but that's not me. And I was totally unaware. I've made a few minor adjustments - like thinking before speaking, a good habit for everyone!
As for using assistive devices, I personally would rather walk with a cane and keep my balance, than to risk falling and hurting myself (which I have done in the past). It's a tough decision, but you have to do what YOU need to and to heck with what anybody else thinks.
Thanks for your kind words. My new walking sticks (with arm supports) should arrive express delivery today from Amazon - I chose the color red so I can go faster :)
Within the last 48 hours my balance and walking got worse and yesterday I tried to take the bus home from work and kept falling and knees keep giving out. Time to get real and get help.
Now I am worried about how fast my symptoms are increasing in the last months (extreme fatigue, all over weakness and vision problems) and how I can keep on earning enough money to pay health insurance and all the bills (sigh). Apparently if I do get a firm diagnosis in October I may get some social support but until then still in Limbo land. Wish me luck!
Now, 6 years later I use a non-fold up cane, and a very lightweight mobility scooter for distances. I own a pair of forearm crutches which I bought a few months ago, but haven't used them yet (I think the need is imminent).
Sounds like you have things organised there with your mobility aids, is walking getting harder for you? or does it change from month to month?
Well I got my forearm crutch yesterday and tried it for going to work. However its just incredibly slow and awkward and takes ages to get a short distance.
I have one more quick question!: is it normal for your walking function to rapidly deteriorate within a few days? I mean on Tuesday I could kind of walk and stumble unaided but kept almost falling. Yesterday I got my walking stick but now its Thursday and my legs have got even weaker and not functioning at all. I try to walk and my legs shake all over , my whole body trembles and I buckle at the knees. I am becoming immobile fast and dont know how I am going to start my lecturing job again at the end of the month - has anyone ever experienced this? don't see the doctor for a few weeks and neurologist next month. Not sure if it might be time to warn my boss of my condition so he doesn't get a shock come semester start?
Telling employers anything is a tricky one. Are you in a stable situation? Could you lose your job somehow if you tell them?
My insurance covered a scooter when I was working and it is more helpful than I'd imagined. I didn't want to use it at first but realized that it's a matter of energy conservation and I'm worth it.
A lot of us have upgraded our diets and exercise too. I do a lot of stretching and my diet is sugar free, gluten free, and just so much healthier than it used to be. I count calories and nutrients with "http://www.myfitnesspal.com."
We make changes for better health gradually. So I hope you consider this time an investment in your future. Yes, it's challenging but we're all here to share what works and help each other.
~Lorrie
Thanks for your comments , to clarify the situation I am a freelance teacher and have no employer (its almost impossible to get a employment contract here as a language teacher in Germany) plus there is NO way I could hide my health condition from anyone for 1 minute since I have recently become almost completely disabled, can't walk and tremble all over when I try to move. Its completely obvious that I have a serious illness, but since I got worse during the semester break, I havent seen my team leader or colleagues since last June. They will get a shock when they see me next :(
I was planning to resign from my freelancing here anyway in the next 6 months since I hope to move back home to NZ soon, might just be a bit sooner than planned.
Lorrie I have been almost completely gluten free and have always carefully watched my diet for almost 30 years now (I trained as a Natural Therapist back in my 20's) but thanks for your comments :)
I go into hospital for the first of my MRI's tomorrow - feeling nervous- wish me luck!