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TickledPink · 02-14-2008, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedPenguins

Anyhow - I think I can live with physical disabilities thrown my way - however, I know I can not live with my cognitive faculties being messed with - and I fear that. I will not live as a mental marshmellow...and knowing my "luck" - that is the part of me most likely to be attacked first, hardest, and fastest.

Hi Keri~
First off, big hug!

I remember back when I was first diagnosed -- almost 9 years ago to the day -- and what a terrifying time that was. Everyone deals with it differently and while I soaked up every bit of info that I could about the disease and treatments available, I think I also stuck my head in the sand.

I thought to myself, "I have MS, but I'm not like the other people who have MS...they are cripples and have an incurable disease. I'm just a little sick for now but I'll get better and this will all just be a bad dream."

Of course that didn't happen, but I also learned over the years that not everyone is crippled by this disease, and even if they are in some way, it hasn't diminished their quality of life.

You are inspiring to me because throughout your posts, even tho you are struggling to get a grip on this new reality, you have maintained your sense of humor. Parts of your posts made me laugh out loud! (Especially the one about how they have a smilie for "meltdown" - rofl) That's been my biggest salvation -- having my humor. Whenever I have had to go to the hospital I've become a stand up comic and entertained everyone because humor is my way of dealing with fear. It can be dangerous making your nurse double over with laughter while she's trying to insert an IV tho. Word of caution.

I agree with those who say you should let your closest friends in on everything, and hopefully not many will turn tail and run. MS isn't catching and it's not the end of the world...maybe they will see that and their compassion will surprise you.

As far as what you said about hearing a relapse could last a year, I've never heard that. Doesn't mean it's not true, I've just never heard that. Over the course of my disease, most of my relapses have lasted a couple of months and then the healing process took a long, long time.

It's been over 8 months since my last attack and I still notice certain symptoms fading away. I asked my neuro how long the healing process could continue; at what point does it quit. His answer was that it can vary from one person to the next, but that most of the repair is complete within 12 months.

Anyhow, you seem like a really sweet girl and I'm so sorry that you had to join the club, but now that you are here, you have a wonderful support group of people who "get it".

Welcome!