Natalie - Thanks for venting. I am glad that you are comfortable enough to do that with us so we can support you and help you through this.

You have had a lot of changes this year. Some good, some not so good (teenagers - LOL).

I think most would agree that the 1st year is the worst. During that year you are trying to cope with not only the symptoms but the emotional garbage that goes with any diagnosis. My 1st year was spent with serial exacerbations. I'd get over 1 and then have another. My life just turned upside down.

My 2nd year was better with less exacerbations and now 3 months in to my 3rd year I am far better than I was when this all started. In the past several months I have only had 1 exacerbation and 1 questionable one. Both occurred after being sick. The time between exacerbations is getting further apart, every 6 weeks in the beginning and now down to every 4+ months. For me personally, I truly believe it was the Copaxone and am thankful for the medication. I don't get mad anymore when I take my shot. I see it as a helper in fighting this disease.

As time goes on you will get used to everything. The shots become a mindless task like brushing your hair or teeth. It becomes that routine.

Hang in there and vent all you want.