Do you feel like you've prematurely aged? I wasn't diagnosed until 2005 when I was 45 years old but I feel like I've aged more in the past 8 years than I have in the 20 years prior.

Maybe it's because when I stay home.....which is most of the time.....I don't wear makeup and usually wear pajamas or sweats. I do make an attempt to look my best when I do go out in public but that's not often.

I've also got residual nerve damage in the left side of my face from a Bells Palsy episode so that side of my face is droopier than the right side. Most wouldn't notice it but I know it's there and I notice it. It's especially more noticeable when I don't wear makeup.

Anybody else feel older than they really are? I suppose I do because I walk like I'm 80 and I'm slower than molasses in winter with everything I do. I'm just wondering......if I feel like this at 52 what on earth will I feel like 10 or even 20 years from now?

Sorry if this is a downer post. I'm just wondering if anyone else ever feels like this. My youngest son's wedding is in May so I know there's going to be alot of picture taking going on. I just don't feel like I look my best anymore.

I often will say 'Im 38- NOT 80'!!! I too wonder if this is what I'm like now what will 10 years from now look like. I try to take it one day at a time but it seems to get harder- not easier. I don't think your post was a downer, just reality. It is refreshing to see a post that expresses exactly what I think! I am supposed to be getting married this year and am wondering if people will be offended if I wear sweats and no makeup to the ceremony, lol. I can't imagine what will happen to my body with the stress that will come- so much that I am thinking of postponing. I feel like the most important thing to do at this point is take care of myself- listen to what my body is saying and plan my day accordingly. If that means being in bed for days at a time in sweats without makeup so be it! Take care of yourself! Warmest Regards, Lisa

You young whippersnappers!!! Have just turned 57, dxed at 46, last 4 in a chair. Sometimes I feel rrrrreeeaaaallllly old. My friend from college (almost 40 years ago) was here, I napped and in bed by 11. And my 20 year old twins (old motha, twins, MS - bad combination) and the always present friends (so it seemed) exhausted me. Jeez!.

Kitty, I'm with you. I've always been happy about the fact that I don't look my age (my parents didn't and my brother doesn't either; good genes and collagen! ) but in the last several years I feel like I've aged at least two decades!

My DH jokingly says that I look like a 20-year-old but that, mobility-wise, I'm trapped in an 80-year-old's body! He's always referring to my "80-year-old body" because he see's how hard it is for me to shuffle around on some days!

Oh well, at least he still sees me as youthful in appearance, if not in activity! And at least I'm realistic enough to realize that he's looking through the eyes of love!

An old boyfriend- ( I was 16!!!) contacted me through Facebook. To my eyes he'd gotten old and heavy. Very up-front I told him about my MS and chair. He has had 2 strokes. My old college friend showed me pictures of his European adventures. I looked at one and ALMOST said "Who's the old guy in the picture?" It was him! In real life I never notice the passing years in people.

I just turned 28 and can relate with most people my grandma's age. So I totally hear you. Have lots of fun at the wedding though!

The body feels old at times, but I counter that with trying to remain at a high level of immaturity in mind...way more fun .

With love, Erika

Not really.

I have had symptoms since childhood, diagnosed at the age of 24 and I am now 51. I have recently had 3 different experiences where a person was suprised I was 51. All three people thought I was in my mid to late thirties. None of them know each other and these were 3 seperate occasions.

For the most part I am still quite active and have found an increase in strength/stanima, less pain and more energy. I have found all of this in a 4 station weight machine we bought in early Oct.

Just last week I had been at the mall two days in a row. The first day I walked the mall end to end, top level and main level. The second day I spent 2 hours walking and shopping at this same mall. Both days were done without any walking aid or needing to sit down.

I want what Snoopy's on!!

What are you on Snoopers?