Hello Legzz welcome and sorry for your reason. Do not hesitate to post questions and read other post to help gain some insight to this unique illness. you will find a lot of helpful and kind people here. The others have posted wonderful comments.

The stress issue is a tough one, find that inner balance and try to maintain. MS isn't a death sentence. it can be a manageable illness and with some, remission is also possible, it is an illness, that effects us all differently through different symptoms.The treatments and meds will also effect all of us differently. so in a way it can be an elusive illness, because there are no set patterns. this you must deduct through time, keeping a journal for your activities how it effects you or illnesses like flu and so forth and keep track of how your MS reacts, is a good idea

Good idea to write down all your questions for your doc so when you meet up with them you don't forget what you wanted to ask.

Like I said sorry for the reason you found us but glad you found this site, Neuro Talk is a blessing

Welcome, Legzz! Yeah, MS sucks. Welcome to the wonderful "club" of those afflicted with the "MonSter." It's a roller coaster ride we have every day. You sort of get used to it but it doesn't mean you have to like it.

Stress'll make things worse for you so you sort of have to plan to do it one day at a time, one thing at a time, one minute at a time--depends on what you need to accomplish and how much you need to focus on. Make sure to take down time for YOU, especially given all the additional stressors you have in your life like kids, school, etc. Down time for you is really important to refuel, destress, and plan.

I've been on Copaxone, so I"m no real help there. It's a personal choice with the CRAB drugs.

Welcome again. NeuroTalk's a great place!

Hi and welcome!

After the initial shock wore off I was totally ****** and actually still am at times. Oh well it keeps me determined to move forward as long as I can.

Hang in there.

All of you! Thank you! I am so glad I found this site. I have spent all weekend explaining to friends and family what this disease is (or what I know of it) and researching and comforting them! I get Dx'd with this and somehow I am the one comforting my mom and my sister and I finally cut my phone off this morning. My mom did point out I am moving out of my grief stage.

Funny story, so I thought I would share. After the dog bashed my eye with her face last night and split my eyelid open (see, these kind of things can only happen to me!) I woke up in a grateful mood that my eye hurt worse than my back so see MS is not that bad. LOL I headed to the store and bought everything I needed to make my mom's chipped beef and gravy. She calls me while I am cooking and points out I am getting over being depressed. I had a lot of depression issues growing up and it seems every time I would start coming out of my funk I would make the same breakfast. Which is funny because I never thought about it and I NEVER eat breakfast. So I guess the cloud is lifting (not that I can see it clearly out of my black eye).

And again thank you guys so much for being here it sucks we are all here for the reasons we are but it is great not having to go through this alone!

For lighter reading check out our off topic forum Stumble Inn. It is where we get silly, share stories and basically solve all the worlds problems over coffee, lol.

Hi and welcome to NT. I'm so sorry you have to deal with this cruddy diagnosis. It certainly is a shock in the beginning. But this is a great supportive group of people. I was diagnosed 14 months ago and the people on here have helped through some difficult times. The first year will be rough but just know that you will eventually find yourself back on more solid ground.

I would highly recommend this book for someone newly diagnosed. It is easy to read and will answer many of the questions you have about symptoms, choice of medication, and the emotions surrounding this disease, particularly in the beginning stages.

Margaret Blackstone, The First Year-Multiple Sclerosis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

Take care of yourself!

Hi Legzz!!! Welcome to NT! Sorry you are here for this reason but you will find these people here will become your saving grace! Especially when you are depressed. No one understands what you are going through better than these people. They have become my extended family!

Make sure you take care of yourself and LISTEN to your body (easier said than done) If you are stressed or taking on too much, your body will tell you.

I also take Rebif. I switched from Avonex. I like it because I can autoinject. That has saved me. I take the shot at night so if I do get any side effects they will happen while I sleep. I do take an Aleve with the shot so it will help with any "flu like" symptoms I get.

Good luck! Let us know if you have any questions or need to vent!