MistiC, your feelings are all feeling that most of us have gone through and still may be struggling with. It hasn't been that long for me either. I was told there will be a rave of emotions that you will go through and the best advice I got was to go with them - let them out - deal with them openly when they come to you and it will be easier on everyone especially you.

And then the second piece of advice I want to share with you is use this board to the fullest! This is a wonderful place to come and vent, laugh, cry, scream or just sit and read everyone elses post. Some of my best friends are right here - we know how you feel inside and out most of the time.

I am sorry for the reason that you had to find us but glad you did! Welcome!

Welcome to the wacky club of MS. I can say, for me, there is never a dull moment. I have the attitude that every day is a new day in that I never know what's going to happen.

I have learned, tho, that not every ailment can be attributed to MS. You have to learn to pay attention to your body and know what's what. That will be difficult for awhile but please don't be afraid to call upon us and don't be afraid to call your doctor. That is most important when symptoms last for more than 24 hours.

The NMSS website has some good information for the newly dx'd. There are also some useful links in the Resources sticky at the top of the forum.

The best thing is to absorb what you've just been told and apply to your MS. Not everyone is the same.

Not everyone will respond the same to all the medications either, nor the same combinations of medications. You have to find what works for you and it'll be trial and error.

It's not all doom and gloom! MS is not a death sentence. Most people live very productive lives, and not shortened life spans either. I heard something the other day - people don't die from MS, they die with MS.

So MistiC, my best advice to you is to take it one day at a time and don't try to overload yourself with information. It will only confuse you. You have a lot of support here. That's what our forum is all about. We do care!

sorry misti,

getting the dx is always a kind of shock whether you expect it or not.
you can talk to us and say all that's on your mind, we won't scatter. we will understand and support you.

i don't blame you for your fears. can you talk to your dr about your feelings?
and how about some therapy?

therapy has helped me very much. i can say whatever i want whether is makes sense or not. it's the way i feel. then i don't scare any of my friends or family. and a lot of times they want to be so + with me that it stifles my attempt to get my real feelings out and validated.

good luck misti.
we're here for you.