My mother was diagnosed with MS at 22 - she's 83 now, living alone and walking with a walker. I had my first MS attack 12 years ago at age 43 - my MS is mild. My male first cousin on my mother's side was diagnosed with MS 11 years ago at age 50ish (his is progressive and not mild). My female first cousin's son (also on my mother's side) was diagnosed with MS about 3 years ago in his mid 30's (RRMS, but not mild).

My mother was the youngest of 8 children and the first one we know about in the family to get MS.

I don't stress about whether or not my kids or grandkids will get MS. If they do, we'll deal with it. I would fear cancer, car accidents, abuse etc. way more than MS.

I used to lie awake at night worrying over things that never came to be. Now I try very hard not to do that. Worrying has never made anything better or prevented anything form happening. Now taking precautions - that's another story!

C