My name is Danielle and I was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on April 18, 2007. I cried at first, and sometimes I still cry. It's only been a week. I hear story's of people living with MS and they are still healthy and strong, but I'm scared. I am a single mother and I don't ever want to be a burden on my beautiful daughter or anyone else.
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Danielle, I\'m so sorry about your diagnosis. I know it\'s really scary when you are first diagnosed. Even when you read about people that are strong, please understand that they were probably scared at first when they were diagnosed. I think the worst thing you can do is to compare yourself to others. Do the best thing for you to cope with the diagnosis. When I was diagnosed, I cried a lot the first week and sometimes, I still do cry. It just doesn\'t seem fair sometimes. Other days I can be strong, but some days I just can\'t. I\'m sure that your daughter won\'t find you to be a burden. My daughter is 9 now and she is a big help to me on days I can\'t do things. She likes to help Mom with her MS. I try to be open with her about the disease and I spend a lot of time with her to ease her fears. She is what keeps me going every day. If you read other posts, I think you will find others who share your concerns and I think you will find strength to deal with the diagnosis. I will be here for you if you need me :)
Hi tsdanir-wow, you truly are a newly diagnosed one! I wish I could say that I know exactly how you feel, but the truth is, I didn\'t cry when I was given the official word. In the back of my mind, I kinda knew it was going to happen to me based on my mom\'s experiences and my cousin, both of which have MS. For me, it was a matter of time. To tell you the truth, I was kinda relieved to know that I had MS because now I could hang an explaination on all the funky and wierd things I was experiencing. Knowing what I\'m dealing with and trying to find out all I can about it (along with my mom\'s experiences) have really helped me. Don\'t be scared, it\'s not a life sentence by any means. It\'s like a new dance partner that will dance with you for the rest of your life - whether you like it or not!! Another way of looking at it is like all those stained shirts you probably have from your daughter...even though her favourite shirt is stained and won\'t wash out no matter how many times you wash it, it\'s still her favourite shirt! Why? Who cares!?! She still wears it and loves it!!!
Don\'t worry too much hun. Crying helps, true, but don\'t forget to balance that with smiles and happy thoughts too.
Sarah
I was diagnosed in September 2007, and I STILL cry over it. I just know there isn\'t a ton I can do about it except stay on my medication and keep myself healthy. Keep your chin and and know that no one is really alone... especially with all the wonderful people here!