u mean an outside ms group like on the outside i did once years ago and now i go to a monthly womens ms luncheon at Dunkin Donuts. i like the luncheon its mostly older women a few yung girls it scares me that yung kids r getting ms. there was a 12 yr old last month. thats scary crap.

I've gone to my local group before and sometimes I'll go to the seminars and what not. It's nice to talk and see other people with MS, although since we're all different it's still kind of strange. Different disabilities, stages and forms of this disease makes it so we relate, but in different ways. I still found everyone helpful and very nice.

I contemplate going every now and then just to get out more.

I go to one that is informal. We all go to physio & stay afterwards to have coffee & chat. It is a great support that way.
I so attend some things the ms society have & it is always interesting to meet others with ms & chat to them about how they are doing too.
You can only go along & see what you think of it.

I went to one in West Palm, twice, 3 years apart, just because I was there and knew someone online who ran one.

I just went to one down here in SWFL and will be going to their monthly luncheon this week.

I went to one in my community labeled as the MS women's group. They met 3rd Wednesday AM at 10 AM each month. run by a real witch. i called to find out more and she said it's all in the paper, the time, the place, etc. Just come and we'll be there. Now this is at a local coffee house. I asked how I would know them and she said just look for canes! I did that the 1st time and no one looked like they were them so I left. The 2nd time I went I saw a woman with a cane and asked if she was meeting with the group and she was nice enough and said yes. i joined them and just sat there. The leader didn't introduce herself or others. They (about 4 of them) chatted about their families, community, etc. Then they got up to leave. The leader said she would e mail everyone about the next meeting. I asked if she wanted my e mail address and she said no that the meetings were when they were and i was welcome to join them. I waited another 3 years to go again and when I did, it was virtually the same so I never went back. I now understand that this particular group no longer meets - hm I wonder why! And people ask why I don't support my local MS society chapter! They were the ones who referred me to this group and it is supported by them. I much prefer this space!

I have been to a couple of them over the years. Years ago, the first one was very apparently sponsored by the pharm company. I didn't learn a lot really. The last one was in June and I didn't expect so much but the doctor speaking was local and I did learn a few things. I got the impression they were looking for input and suggestions and probably could use help in drumming up topics and enthusiasm which I am seriously considering. My memory is vague but I'm thinking the first one was organized by the local MS organization and the latter one, by the national MSAA. The second one wasn't as lavish but was fairly informative. The topic was focused in on optic neuritis and there were questions and answers. The introducing neuro had a few good pointers too on things like being tested for D before swallowing an abundance of it and it being a fat soluble vitamin. I think if more attendees are interactive, these things will be better. What have your experiences been? I do usually see folks a whole lot worse off than myself but then again, one of the last ones like that had had MS since about 1965 or so, long before there were the drugs we have available now.

I should add that the announcement came through the mail and there was an 800 number for responding - well organized.

I work full time (thankfully) and by the end of the day I have just about enough energy to go home, eat something, feed the dog, and plop on the couch.....so to find time after work to go to a support group is out of the question for me (which is also why I dont do physical therapy). Weekends are spent exercising, running errands, doing laundry and cleaning the house.....and if there is any energy left - maybe out to dinner with my boyfriend. I find this website to be the greatest support group ever....it is somewhat anonymous for those of us that are on the shy side....and it is 24X7 - there whenever you need it.

As far as seminar type gatherings, they are notably sponsored by one of the big pharmaceutical companies and therefore very biased.i.e. their primary concern is convincing you to take their drug not educating you about the disease or your treatment options. IMO.

you make several good points, and this forum of DS is one of the best support groups ever!

Thank you all for your input. It seems like I'm not missing anything by not participating in a outside support group!

I think I would like to get more involved with some of these groups. They probably could stand for input from someone who actually has MS. I'm going to put that on my "to do" list.

I really enjoy the online DS support group.
For an adventure I restarted a local exercise support group, here in my town. Over the years, I have learned that the more active I am, the better I feel, the better I sleep.

One thing that I have learned along the way it that everyone with MS,
has there own methods to treat.

I find most dwell on how each person feels? I have not been in a group that focuses on daily living. online kind. I have never been to a outside group.
karie