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.
I have not been on DS in a long time. I very much need this support group once again and will likely become a 'regular' again.
I'm scared. I have possibly progressed from RR to PSMS. Just had neuopsych tests done--6 hours worth. Results confirmed what I thought was true and then some. Cognitive skills are not good. 8% processing speed. 34% ST memory. ADHD characteristics (not ADHD before). Organization issues. Cannot multi-task cognitively. Still have good command of language and speech. Looking back, I see a slow decline which has now resulted in not being able to work (will finish out the school year and then quite possibly be completely done). Will see neuro. on Wednesday.
Physically, very slowly regressing. Fatigue is like nothing I've ever experienced. I thought I knew MS fatigue but have now discovered just how wicked it can be. I am worn out. My son was just deployed to Afghanistan and this terrifies me. Depression is worsening. Eyesight, due to a rare cataract (which I do have an appt. for) is not very good, but I can see well enough for now.
Has anyone experienced the same things or some of these? Does this sound like SPMS? Am still taking daily shots (Copaxone) which are ruining my skin despite rotating a lot. Also take LDN which helps fatigue.
I at at the point of despondency--was hanging in there despite the fatigue until I found out last evening that my son's job in Afghanistan is much more dangeous than I was led to believe (another son accidentally told me the 'other' part to his job and it scares the **** out of me!). My depression goes hand-in-hand with the MS and with the news of my son, my fragile grip on it has broken. I am so scared--for my son and for progression. Can anyone please help?
Eloise
I'm scared. I have possibly progressed from RR to PSMS. Just had neuopsych tests done--6 hours worth. Results confirmed what I thought was true and then some. Cognitive skills are not good. 8% processing speed. 34% ST memory. ADHD characteristics (not ADHD before). Organization issues. Cannot multi-task cognitively. Still have good command of language and speech. Looking back, I see a slow decline which has now resulted in not being able to work (will finish out the school year and then quite possibly be completely done). Will see neuro. on Wednesday.
Physically, very slowly regressing. Fatigue is like nothing I've ever experienced. I thought I knew MS fatigue but have now discovered just how wicked it can be. I am worn out. My son was just deployed to Afghanistan and this terrifies me. Depression is worsening. Eyesight, due to a rare cataract (which I do have an appt. for) is not very good, but I can see well enough for now.
Has anyone experienced the same things or some of these? Does this sound like SPMS? Am still taking daily shots (Copaxone) which are ruining my skin despite rotating a lot. Also take LDN which helps fatigue.
I at at the point of despondency--was hanging in there despite the fatigue until I found out last evening that my son's job in Afghanistan is much more dangeous than I was led to believe (another son accidentally told me the 'other' part to his job and it scares the **** out of me!). My depression goes hand-in-hand with the MS and with the news of my son, my fragile grip on it has broken. I am so scared--for my son and for progression. Can anyone please help?
Eloise
First of all may I say plse GD all WILL be well with your son and YOU my dear lady need to be strong, for his sake if not your own. Lots of soldiers there are doing many dangerous jobs and come through just fine. So part of being strong is trying to keep a grip on the worry so it doesn't spiral out of control and turn into demylinating stress.
Did you know that when the body is under stress it produces hormones (cortisol being one) which actually have a direct impact on the immune function including demylination? So it is REALLY important to try and rechannel your worries and not allow them to create a poisonous stressful environment in your body.
As for your "progression", I put that into quotes because what may seem like progression may be an exacerbation of your sx due to this stress you're under. Anti depressants can help with the depression and if you're going through an attack then possibly a bout of steroids. Equally important is making sure you're taking the right supplements, eating right and exercising if you are able to.
It is so easy to forget about looking after yourself when you're worried about someone else but it is imperative you do. When your son comes home, and he WILL be coming home, you need to be there in all you're glory ready to welcome him home and celebrate his return.
About your son. You must try to Let Go and Let God take care of your son from here on out. The stress can be causing a flare as suggested by Atheana. This is a choice your son made, to defend his country, and you should remain supportive. Don't let him know you are worried about him to a point of distraction (letting him know you are worried is okay, just not to the point that you really are). This would only cause h im to become distracted at a time when he needs his wits about him. Pray alot, talk alot about him, and try to keep in regular contact with him. Hopefuly these things will assure your fears a little bit. I'm sure you are very proud of your son, and I thank him for what he is doing for our country. Remember that stress is a killer for MS patients. Try to divert those feelings of stress about his deployment into the joys of being proud would bring. I will keep him in my prayers.