How did you end up going to your doctor? Did you have symptoms at first, but not now? Or were you just feeling sick?

I had my first symptom at (I believe) the age of 27. Very short-lived numbness in a patch of my lower back. I didn’t get diagnosed until about 7 years later because my symptoms were vague and mild, and my MRIs weren’t showing too many lesions (although my spinal taps–2 of them– were coming back indicative of MS.)

It’s hard to say what will happen with your MS. Everyone is different and MS in one person alone is very unpredictable. I am still confused after 10 years now. But I am coping well because of counseling with a social worker and good results from one of the disease-modifying drugs (Betaseron.)

MS can be very frightening. I get very scared during acute attacks. I won’t lie and tell you that having MS is easy. It is not and it has changed my life course. But it has also made me more compassionate about other people’s situations and limitations. And I am more at peace than when I first had the disease because I now know more of what to expect. So you have every reason to be afraid, but I would say to get the best neurologist and find out about disease-modifying meds (they often slow the progress, like in my case.) Be careful about tiring or stressing yourself out, and accept help from others. And try to stay POSITIVE, because MS thrives on negativity. Talking to a therapist about your worries can also help.

I am currently walking without a cane except during relapses. I have a relapse about once a year, although I recently went 2 years without one most likely because of the Betaseron. I do not represent everyone with MS, but I am a good example of how MS can turn out– not too awful. I hope the same for you.

Thanks for reading, RaShawn, and I hope we talk again soon. Feel free to drop another comment if you have a question or want to vent. I understand.

Sincerely,

Jen

I need inspiration to fill up this canvas! It’s very frightening being let loose like this. Exciting but very frightening. What will I do? Will I work again outside of the home? Will another attack thwart it all? I’m being positive, but I have memories of the last attempt at school and the attack that happened during it. I’m starting with online classes. Hafta see if there are online grad programs in psychology that are accredited and also have the practicums that are required. I have a school about 25 minutes from me that has the master’s program and the other 12 credits if I want the counseling licensure. We’ll see. It’s all about one baby step at a time right now. For ME and just learning purposes….

I’m psyched about abnormal psych! I bet you already know a bunch of us who fit into those stereotypes….

Thanks for your continued readership and support– you always rock!

Jen

(beware of abnormal psychology…it’s not all THAT abnormal!)

Linda D. in Seattle

I am in a similar boat, as you can see. And I initially started in the health field as well, as an ultrasound tech. So boy can I relate with the steady hand thing. I did this for less than 4 years, in 2 different settings (hospital and private imaging center), and I also tried part-time and per diem. Too much walking in the hospital, too many patients and not enough breaks, and a lot of fatigue from standing a lot and overusing my right hand, arm, and shoulder.

I went to the county vocational rehab office and talked with a counselor who said if I can no longer physically perform my trade, I can be retrained in something else and get subsidized by them. I’ve mulled it over in the past few years because I want to make the right choice, so now that I’m even having problems with simple physical library work, I’m considering something that is pretty much sedentary and VERY flexible in terms of scheduling. There is over-the-phone counseling (which I’ve done on crummy days with my social worker), so psychology might work. But I’m gonna get my feet wet and take a few undergrad classes first. The writing will still happen, and the psychology can only help me relate to others. So somehow the writing and psychology might merge into one definite career– I hope!

You should look into your local vocational rehab office. I don’t believe you need to be on disability in order to take advantage of grants/ subsidies— I wasn’t yet on disability when I checked it out. Maybe a doctor’s note stating your impaired physical functioning? Not sure.

Thanks again for reading!

Jen

So, I’ve applied for financial aid–both federal and state–and I’m going to get a degree in something that I can handle. I’m just not sure what yet, but probably something in the medical/health fields. I’m still waiting for an answer, then I’ll make my final decision and sign up for spring classes.

Once I am more “stable”,I’m going to look for some volunteer work too. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!!

I’m still thinking about this: you can also plan such a venture for profit, and still include your friends. I know we can make a bit on top of disability insurance, so you could plan your venture accordingly, and spread the work among yourself and your friends who might also be looking for something to do.

Now I don’t know if you’ll stop back here, so I’m gonna copy and paste this to your comments section.