I was really fast between neuro appointment, to MRI to diagnosis - my kids were 5 and 8 at the time. I think you have to explain it to them (at least to some degree) because kids are incredibly perceptive and if you don't, they will start getting scared and imagine all sorts of terrible things - like that they are going to lose you.

I wouldn't drop it on them until I had a firm diagnosis, but it wouldn't hurt to say that your body isn't working quite the way you are expecting it to, and your doctor wants some pictures of your brain to work out why.

As you have already found, there are some great publications around from the MS society - and you will also get really valuable insights on here from those who have walked this path before.

Good luck with your tests, knowing what you are dealing with will make your fight (and your acceptance) much easier. But you know what else? You mentioned that your kids have anxiety - that must really be playing on your mind, but you will be amazed how resilient kids really are when the chips are down.

Hugs, and I hope all goes well and you get some answers