Sorry that you are having all these issues. It can be very hard to hide everything.
Is your boyfriend going with you to the dinner & does he know you have ms? You mentioned he often fills in the gaps.

The forgetting words, lots of people without ms forget words too. I try to laugh it off & say you know what I mean & use some other word or get someone (like bf) to help you with word. Certainly don't make a big deal of it, I have learnt that although we feel self conscoius of it others without ms forget words too.

nerve pain, try & not make it obvious or if you have just taken some drink you can always go "that was cold", say you have a sore tooth (if its in mouth/face area), most people will pay no attention. They are too focused on having a good time too.

Your balance, once you sit you will be fine but in the mean time walk carefully, small steps, flat shoes that support your feet well. Where there are rails use them as if you are on the side so might as well use them.

Go with confidence & try not to focus on the "what ifs" but go to enjoy yourself. Still be aware take care of course but dont make it your scare thing.

Hope this helps, have a great night out.

yeah, he knows i have ms, really good advice though, thank you! =)

I've noticed anything that has an affect on neurotransmiters (serotonin, nor-epinephrine) tend to make my tremor much worse. Thes are in about all anti-depressants except Wellbutrin. It affects dopamine and still can give people the shakes but doesn't seem to be quite as bad. Stay away from nicotine. A centraling acting muscle relaxer like Soma is much more effective than peripheral acting like Flexeril. Flexeril seems to be prescribers first choice. I finally gave in to the opiate and take Vicodin when needed. I'm much older than you and a lot of prescribers tend to try and avoid opiates for younger people but you got to do what you got to do. Quality of life means everything.

I wear the lowest, widest shows I can find. It helps with stability.

I take topamax for my migraines. Works like a champ! As for your balance, try widening your gait. Walk like a cowboy! The wider your feet are the more stable your core is. Slow down.
Try listening to music, it helps a little with the incessant ringing in your ears.
But, I would try to talk to your boyfriend.
Men don't handle surprises very well.
Some men don't handle anything that requires this much effort at all...
Better to know now.

Since he knows, see if he can help you with the balance thing by keeping your arms around each other when walking (I sometimes hold my husband's arm, but it might make you look a bit older!). Apparently Romney's wife hid her issues by always walking quite close to a family member.
I wish I could give you more ideas. . . I stopped trying to hide over a year ago so I am 'out of practice'. Good luck & have fun!

I have never hid MS. It causes me stress to worry all the time. The changes I go through have brought enough stress. I have also disclosed it to employers, all of whom have been supportive. So, good luck. What a poopey thing to have found out so young. Good news is you started therapy right away.

Hi
The ear thing might be tinnitus, nothing for that except stay away from cigarette smoke.

Hiding is easy, most people don't even pay attention to your limits unless it gets in their way.

When my daughter was dx, I told everyone in her path because I wanted her to be safe away from me and reduce limitations. All her classmates were extremely supportive and helpful. Now she is an adult and tells to most people and you would be surprised at how many people around you also has ms, we are.

Be well

I'm so happy that you have chosen to share your condition with your boyfriend.
I would like to point out that friends can be a valuable support system.
This is the gift that keeps on giving...
And you can be creative for only so long.
I have found that veracity is the best policy.
You will find out very quickly who your real friends are.
Those are the friends you will want to keep.
It's something to think about.

I had symptoms for 8 years before being dx 3 1/2 years ago. I worked for my church as Administrator, and only told a very few people (minister and other staff) so if I made mistakes, they would tell me.

One of my best friends was on the Board of Trustees, and I didn't want to put her in the position of knowing something and not being able to say anything. I left the job in June and my first SSDI ceck will come next week; I was approved the first time.

Now that I use a walking stick, my condition is more visible, and friends asked questions and so I'm slowly telling people. But I kept it hidden until I left the job and started using a walking stick.