Confirmed..my sister has MS

[Luckymommyx2]

I have MS with two young children and a very hectic schedule. I won't let it slow me down...if anything, I've kept myself busier than before. The most important thing is to have your sister read up on it as much as possible and to find a medicine that she feels most comfortable with and get started on it as soon as she can. I really believe getting diagnosed and started on medicine early on has helped me tremendously. I also keep a very positive attitude. If you or your sister has any questions please feel free to PM me. MS is not as scarey a diagnosis as what it used to be. They are doing much more in research and have improved with new medicines to slow down the progression. Good luck, take care and know I'm here if you need me.

 

[tiggersmom2]

I have 3 friends with MS and you would NEVER know it. One of my friends has had it for 15 years and as another posted said - it has been just a slight bother. Try not to worry so much

 

[Serena]

I'm hoping for the best for her. From what the other poster's have said, it's not as scary as I was thinking it would be.

I just said a prayer for her.

 

[wovenwonder]

Be sure to check out the MS section of Healthboards.com for a terrific message board dealing with MS.

 

[Pop Daddy]

prayed for your sis

 

[dizneenut]

 

[grinningghost]

Hi Lisa,

I have MS. I was diagnosed in 1990. I've had a few really bad attacks that sidelined me completely, but in between I do really well.

My neurologist and his partner (who recently passed away) developed Avonex, one of the leading drugs to treat MS. I was a test subject on it for years before it was approved. I can't be sure, but I think it's helped. If you could have seen me during one of my major attacks, you would swear I would never walk again. I couldn't even lift a fork. But I've always bounced back. People are always shocked when they find out I have MS. It's not a real visible disease most of the time. If anything, that's the hardest part. Convincing someone that you don't feel well when you look so good.

Tell your sister to go on doing what she's always done. If she finds it tires her out, then she can cut things out as needed. Life will go on - she will be OK.

If she ever needs to talk, she can e-mail me anytime.

 

[lisajl]

Thanks everyone for your wishes and your help.

She is little depressed right now due to the treatment the doctor has recommended.
I think she is in denial. I know she will do well, she is very strong.
She just has to get through this intial phase.

Again, thank you.

Lisa

 

[siouxi31]

I believe she's lucky to be going to OSU for the MS. It's supposed to be great for treatment. My cousin works there as as some sort of neuro-science doctor. We were discussing MS one day because my co-worker's husband has it (he goes to OSU) and she said that his dr. from OSU is one of the best in that field. I'm not sure if I got all of the conversation right but I wanted to mention that although this is a tragedy for your sister, she should be in good hands there.

 

[lisajl]

Oh yes, I believe it is a wonderful place.

The unfortunate thing is we know someone that has a very severe case of MS. She is very young, has a baby, and can hardly stand.
She has even had chemo. I guess it is attacking her brain.
I am not sure of all the details. The strange thing about her is that she was perfectly healthy until she went to work in NY when 9/11 happened. She is a local mortician, and is with the U.S. rescue unit.
We all just wonder if something happened there to make her have MS or if just made it appear quicker.

Strange stuff...but you know, things could be worse.

Thanks again.
Lisa

 

[grinningghost]

MS can be severe, but thankfully, it is much less common than the milder relapsing-remitting MS. Hopefully your sister will fall into the second category. I once belonged to a support group where several of the members had very progressive forms of MS and it was difficult for me to not get worried that I would be like them.

I decided to leave the support group simply because it got in the way of keeping a positive attitude. The groups can be helpful, or they can really get into your head and make you worry too much.

If your sister needs positive feedback, please tell her to e-mail me anytime. I've got plenty of "bounce back" stories that even amaze ME.

 

[clhcpaca]