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.
This morning I went to my first MS support group meeting, I'm not a morning person but I went to bed early so I could make it. The funny part is I did,nt know where to go and it was not where my neuro office said it was. Thay said it was at Saint Marys and it was but it was St.Mary Free bed. When I walked in I was'nt sure except for 2 people being in power chairs, There was not one person who looked like they had MS and as for the power chairs that meant nothing as I had passed a dozen people in wheelchairs but it was a rehabilatation place. So my point is that when people say you don't look like you have MS, maybe these prople should go to one of these meetings as I have MS and could'nt tell the difference, we were all normal people only with MS. I think I expected to see everyone in wheelchairs and here I am with MS and went in and am not happy with myself as I myself felt judgemental and that is just wrong.
Anyways what a great group, theey had a warped sense of humor about having MS and made me feel right at home. I guess my best advice is if you dont go to one, at least give one a try and the first thing you will realize is MS don't care who it affects as it was such a diverse group and wish I had found it earlier and as you talk to people like us you will get a good look into how it treats everyone differently, and if you do go and find one, may it be as great an experience as it was for me
Dave
Anyways what a great group, theey had a warped sense of humor about having MS and made me feel right at home. I guess my best advice is if you dont go to one, at least give one a try and the first thing you will realize is MS don't care who it affects as it was such a diverse group and wish I had found it earlier and as you talk to people like us you will get a good look into how it treats everyone differently, and if you do go and find one, may it be as great an experience as it was for me
Dave
You are right that we do judge & ms doesn't it can be anyone thats for sure.
Hope you keep going & make some good friendships & support base too.
Your doc isn't Herm Sullivan is it?
Thanks for the info,
EP
My sister warned me against going, she said it would be a pity party. WRONG. Hard to feel sorry for yourself when we're all in the same boat.
We started doing a topic every other month, and alternate months we would just get together in a restaurant. It'll be more social now - we just want to get together and share a meal - but if someone arranged a topic, we'll get together that way.
Topics have been "tips, tricks, and tools to make your life easier," "Emergency Preparedness," "Meditatation and music." I want to see if i can find a holistic practioner and see what supplements might be useful - for me, magnesium improved my walking, and I've shared that with the group.
Dave
I've been going to a local MS support group for a number of months & that's totally how mine is as well. Everyone with MS is different & everyone with MS is at a different stage in there disease progression.
Some people at the support group are on MS meds. for different reasons & needs, some aren't for different reasons & do other things to combat the MS. Myself & another lady at the group also have Epilepsy caused by the MS (everyone is different)...
Some people walk OK, some people use canes, walkers, mobile scooters & even 2 people come in with electric wheelchairs (which one of the ladies has to have a nurse bring her in because of her disabilities)...everyone is at different stages with their MS,& for the most part we don't judge each other in our support group because we realize we are ALL in the same chronic pain fight together.
If we end up encountering someone who ends up judging anyone, we (mainly the group leader...but all of us as well) we just tell whoever it may be, that our group isn't about judging others...It's about trying to find a place to gather & find answers & understanding & meet people who are going through the same thing!
There is enough judgment in the healthy world...it's pretty much a waste of time to encounter it with people who are going through pretty much the same thing!
So, Again I'm super-happy you are going to your local support group my friend! You are gonna gain allot of insight & friendships along the way...just like you have with D.S...but to see people with MS face to face REALLY hits home that it's NOT all about wheelchairs & wasting away in every case...EVERYONE is different!
Going to the support groups helped me see that the really bad symptom days don't last forever! I knew that emotionally & intellectually, but to gather with a bunch of strong people...REALLY gives you strength (like coming here) & to here someone say, "You can do it" (even if you know you can, sometimes you doubt, even if you really know you can...symptoms suck some days...it's not easy to be sick) so to be encouraged...more so...to encourage a friend who needs it more than you do in a support group...
Well, it gives you a great boost of confidence to make it through yet another moment.
I have to say 2 things to you my friend...1) I am truly proud of you for going to the support group...you will gain allot from the continued experiences!
& 2) With your sleeping patterns as of late, I am proud of you again... cause how in the world did you manage to get up so early in the morning?...I mean seriously! We like had this whole convo. about it. Hehe! I bet you'll be out cold for the next 3 days or like a walking zombie or somthing...but...
YAY YOU! YOU DID IT! WAY TO GO!...
If I had the money for one of those "Bi-Planes", you would have to look up in the sky at this exact moment, right now & read that "YAY YOU!" line again & see one of those planes with a streamer on it! HAHA!
Take care,
Stay sane!
I belong to one because it is difficult for me to get out. It meets monthly, is moderated by a social worker and there is no doom or gloom. (I have been to those!)
Melanie