Hi Helen,

to NT. I'm sorry to hear about your MS diagnosis. It really is a shock in the beginning. The first few months can be overwhelming and sometimes very scary. But this group of people are incredibly supportive--it doesn't matter if you are in the midst of a pity party, a panic about the disease, confused about what to do, or just wanting to say hello. We will respond! In my initial months there were a few nights when things felt out of control and I posted my concerns -- I always felt better afterward because of the kindness and support here.

I was diagnosed a year ago a few months before I turned 40. Like you I had ON and some lesions on my brain (old and new). I did not have any symptoms I can recall prior to this. I got a second opinion (Judy has good advice about that) and in between the first and second opinions I thought about which drugs I might want to take. I think I also needed to absorb the initial diagnosis -- I sort of held out hope it was something else as I was running fevers and had other non-MS issues but the second diagnosis was good confirmation and allowed me to come to terms with it. It took awhile to weigh the pros and the cons about the meds. In the end it is your choice but know it can be overwhelming thinking it all through. My MS is very mild symptom wise (although I have 9 lesions) but the doctors all recommended started treatment soon after the diagnosis. I took their advice.

I would recommend a book : Margaret Blackstone, The First Year: Multiple Sclerosis, An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed.

http://www.amazon.com/First-Year-Scl...0848362&sr=8-1

I ordered lots of books in the beginning and some of them scared me quite a bit. But Blackstone's book is highly hopeful and more on the optimistic side. It has very practical and useful information for those in the beginning stages. When I was just starting out I found it extremely reassuring. Sometimes I even go back to it even though I know it cover to cover just because I like the tone of the book!

Good luck and don't be afraid to rely on NT.
Natalie

Hi Helen. I greeted you in your intro, but I'm so glad you already, are seeing how much we care about each other here.

Welcome to the Family..

WELCOME HELEN!!!

Glad you found us. We are all here to help and support
each other. This is a great group of people.

Whatever you have on your mind speak out!!!!!

We share something that we only know and understand how one
truly feels and what they are going through.

No matter what, we love and support one another



Jappy

Welcome to our community! Only thing I would add to all the other advice is to try to keep a journal. How you feel, were you doing anything before you started feeling that way and did anything stop it. Oh, I've had this for over 10 years now and I don't feel dead yet. There is life after MS. In fact parts of my life are much better. But that's a completly different story.

Natalie, Sally and Doydie.THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT.!! I am getting alot of great advise I can hardly wait to see my doc ( appt coming up soon). You all are terrific, I hope to be here for all of you should any of you need support as well. hugs to all Helen

Hi Helen, and

Feel free to ask ANY question you have as there is always someone here who can give you some great advice and support.

I can't really add much to what has been written already, but I wanted to ask if you are in the US or Canada? Neurologists in the US seem to be much more aggressive with initiating treatment then many are here in Canada are . . .

Nice to meet you.

Cherie

Hi Helen and Welcome to NT!! As you're finding out, this is a great place to be under the circumstances. You've received some good advice which I'm sure must seem overwhelming now. Read, read, read -- the more you know, it seems the more comfortable you feel about the whole thing.

I had ON way back in 1976 and again in '78, but no mention of MS was made. Fortunately I only had arthritis type symptoms until 1990 when the tingling, numbness, foot drop, etc. began and I got the official diagnosis. So if the ON was really the beginning, I've had MS for 32 years and I'm still here -- obviously!! All the best to you as you begin your journey and remember we're here if ou have any questions, need a hug, or whatever!!!!

Take care........