Hi Kayce1970,

How long have you been diagnosed with MS?
I have no family on my side that supports me in the least, my father passed away due to complications related to MS when I was 12, so my mother knows the worst face of MS, she even lived on our property till recently. I thought that of all people she would understand what I am going through, but to tell you the truth, when I tried to talk to her, she would always bring up a friend or aquantance that is ill or in hospital and has never been supportive, the best thing that could have happened was when I chased her off our property. My husband and daughter is all the family I need. However, that being said, try and talk to him, he might surprise you, every person reacts differently, Family are never easy to deal with. Good Luck and lots of HUGS.

Hi
That's a very personal decision because only you know how to relate to him, what and how you tell him depends on those things. I always tell people casually, like talking about the weather. Also have to consider his health and how close he lives. If he is someone you can depend upon if you needed to. Does he ever visits?
Many things to consider before telling, or how to tell.
Alma

Hi,

I understand that you are in a very difficult position with this, your father has missed quite a chunk of your life. It is good that he has made communication with you.

It is important to let him know that you are still there, even though shrouded by this disease. He probably knows very little if nothing about ms, so you will need to go at his pace, and allow him to react in his own way, and not have any expectations of how he will react - he may need time to process it all.

If you talk to him on the phone about it, maybe start with a general statement, such as "my health is really poor", followed by a positive "fortunately, I have great support". allow him to ask questions, and hopefully establish a natural flow. Try not to burden him, rather allow him to step forward if he chooses.

The other alternative is to put it in writing to him, again in a manner that is not burdening to him. Although it is the 'old fashioned' way of communicating, it would allow him space to digest it.

It is one of those situations where you will probably need to support him, even though you are the one with ms.

My personal opinion is that this is something that he needs to know, you are his child.

I sincerely wish you well with this. With love and peace.

My observation is that most people (including priests) are very uncomforatable with MS and avoid talking about it. In my 25 years, I can honestly say I have never had a true and full discussion about my MS or even MS in general -- I think that is what draws me to this group.

With that said, I think it is important to tell you Dad about your MS situation. You are by no means being "miss negativity" by telling him. If one of my daughters withheld this information from me, I would be disappointed and saddened to think they had pushed me out of their life enough that we could not talk about their problems.

Try not to alienate yourself from other people, especially your Dad. He may care about you more than you know, but maybe not the greatest at expressing it. I fall into that category.

As far as the long distance, most cell phones are not charged for long distance, but only air time. Most people have spare minutes, or unlimited nights and weekends. A kind nurse may let you use their phone for a 10 minute call.

Good Luck
Steve

well id try- cause i can say from experience -he wont be there someday. he knows your heart!! hugs!!