I have MS as per 2 very highly regarded neurologists. 1 says start on meds and another says repeat MRI in December and if new lesions then start on meds. I have pain in legs and hands and arms. Tramadol helps. My fatigue is bad. I could never work like this and am awaiting disability determination. The thought of living like this forever is overwhelming. How do you guys go on?

wish I could say it gets better, but so far hasn't been the case for me. As to why I haven't tried a highland fling off a cliff... Well, cliffs are scarce in GA, I guess??? There are days though....

For myself, what gets the pain sitting in the worse is being bored. And as one with the attention span of a gnat, boredom can set in for days at a time or seem like it will never be an issue as long as I have plenty to do. It's been tough though as the things I can do diminish, seemingly, daily.

Of the five instruments I used to be able to play, 4 are now gathering dust. Long gone are the hikes, horseback rides, and nice long jogs with the puppies. Forget cooking, mostly because I forget I'm cooking . But hey I can still bake , on good days when the hands and arms are co operating.

But there are still plenty of things to do, video games, computer games, learning foreign languages that I'll probably never need to put into practice, apps on the tablets, crochet, knit, quilt (with someone else doing the cutting) reading, writing, writhing in pain a lot. (Whoops.... Ah well it's still something to do)

Honestly though, as far as how to go on goes, it's just nature? I suppose. Biological compulsion to wake up every day, to eat when hungry, drink when thirsty and sleep when tired. We all could do the bare minimum to survive, really sick or healthy it's human choice, or we can try to suck out the little joys.

Share a good joke, watch a good movie, play a good game, or hear a good song. Focus on the 'good' that's still around, it doesn't make the bad go away any but sure makes it a bit more tolerable (most days... Or at least some days). Sorry I'm not a real great motivational speaker/typist. But at least you're not alone, and they do say misery loves company so I'm here for you

Read the story of my journey with MS and just NEVER give up on yourself.

This is a horrible time for you. You have this lousy diagnosis, and you feel like cr@p, and you don't know what your future will be. But it will get better - or should I say, you will adapt better to it.

I know it is hard to believe, but you need time to get to know the 'new you' what you are capable of, and how best to manage it. As with the definition of 'relapsing-remitting' there will be times when your symptoms will abate (sometimes fully, sometimes partially) - there will be days when you feel more 'well' than others.

From my experience (diagnosed RRMS in 2001), the first year - year-and-a-half I didn't even imagine I would still be working, still be walking, still be cognitively sound, driving, socialising and all of the things that make life good 13 years later. As a matter of fact, I never thought I would do any of those things again.

But time went on (as time always does) - I found ways to cope with my symptoms, find my sense of hope and live for a new day, with some lesions that healed, some more that came to visit, and the neuroplasticity of my brain helping me to cope and find new ways to do things.

No, I can't say that the same will happen with you - but don't lose hope and as Morgan Freeman's character in Shawshank Redemption says 'get busy living'

I wish you well, in no way am I discounting the pain and fear you have right now; they are very real - I just want to give you hope if I can.

Kind regards

Hi Wolbachc... So sorry for the pain of your new DX.

Just wanted to say that our "Lynn" said it well and I agree.
Stay with us...We are with you and we hear you.

P. S. ..BTW, to answer your original question, you may never
feel perfectly well again, but feeling "good" is, for the most
part, up to you.

Thanks Sal

I think it's a question of finding your 'new normal' and learning to live happily alongside that. Of course that can change in a heartbeat - but that is part of it all. I always say to my friends "I am many things - but boring isn't one of them....'

Having said that, I did experience a lot (although definitely not complete in terms of vision, bladder control or walking) of healing after my first major attack. It took nearly twelve months though.

Wolbachc - you will find your way, and we are all here to help - just keep asking us questions and sharing your experiences.

xxx

The sadness and sense of loss, along with the symptoms makes the disease overwhelming, but like others have said, you will find a new sense of normal, and things will get better. What made it better for me eventually was realizing that although I had all of my symptoms and had to take all of the medicines, I was much better off than many others.

Maybe your doctors should prescribe an antidepressant? Depression is very common in MS from either the effects of the disease, or just for dealing with all of the symptoms and the sense of loss. I have been on AD's since my diagnosis.

God bless you!

when i first got dx'd (even tho i knew it was coming) i was shocked.
i remember the mental turmoil i was in so i understand what you're feeling.

i started on copaxone (for 10 yrs) and then stopped it. everyone's course with MS is different and with some time and a little research you will find the course that fits for you. journaling may help with some of the feelings you have.

i did have to stop working but today i'm independent, walk with a cane and still drive. there is hope. i like to say take 1 day and 1 thing at a time. try not to look down the road too far. just deal with what's in front of you. you'll feel more in control.

one more good tip i would give anyone newly dx'd with MS is to listen to your body. if you're out doing errands and you're pushing and too tired turn around and go home. if you need to get a handicapped sticker for the car get it. it's not a defeat. it's a way to cope and conserve your energy for other things.

i felt like i was giving in and defeated when i asked for my sticker. and when i started to use a cane to walk. but, really, it's a way to adjust to your MS and move forward.

hope this isn't too much of an answer. i agree. stick with us. we'll help you thru whatever comes up.