I went to see a neurologist over what I thought was a pinched nerve somewhere causing my right side from my belly button down to go numb. Now, weeks later and on my favorite holiday no less the results come back to MS.

Like most people who are diagnosed with an incurable disease that has no definite cause I am scared, confused, and trying to figure out with all of the troubles I have had over the years how long I have been living with this. And a part of me is angry. I'm mad that I can't be mad. I can't be mad at my mom for giving me these genes, I can't be mad at myself for some foolish mistake I made, I just can't be mad. But I can fight. They say knowledge is power and I am absorbing as much information as I possibly can.

One thing I am not seeing, maybe you guys can help me with. I have been very stressed out for the last few days between work, being a mom, trying to get enrolled for classes next semester and now this. It seems the more I stress the more my body aches. I woke up this morning in so much pain that it was a struggle to get out of the bed. I am 27 years old. Is anyone else experiencing sever joint pain that seems associated with MS and does it seem to increase with stress?

Also my Neuro is recommending Rebif. For anyone who is on it or has taken it, how did it effect you?

Legzz, welcome to NT. I'm sorry for the reason you're here, but you will find that this is a great place to be.

I can't help you on joint pain or Rebif, because I've not had experience with either one. I've been on Avonex and Copaxone, and I'm on Betaseron at present. I'm sure other people with Rebif experience will be able to help you.

Hope to read more of your posts.

Hi, Legz! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

I'm glad you found us, you'll find our community has a lot to offer and we will help you make the transition. Before you know it, this will all seem a little mundane so hang on and keep asking your questions.

Yes, stress and worry will definitely effect your body and there is no easy answer for how to control that. The long and short of it is to find your personal ways to control those emotional reactions to the events that tend to raise your stress levels. Yes, easier said than done, but if you can push a baby out, you can do anything!

It will be very important to keep your neuro informed of changes so please do not be afraid to call in any symptoms that become troublesome. I recommend that you purchase a dedicated day planner and scratch in a little description of your condition every single day. This timeline will be invaluable to you and your neuro.

This is a difficult time for anyone, no matter the age or phase of life, so please don't let yourself believe that you are ever overreacting to this junk. It doth sucketh but you will definitely find your pace and learn to gauge everything accordingly.

Don't forget to laugh and savor the good moments, life is not over, it's just a little different now.

Hi Legzz and welcome to NeuroTalk!

You'll find that all of us here with MS have a variety of different sx on any given day. I've had the joint pain sx, too. It's no fun.

I've been on Betaseron which is an Interferon just as Rebif is. I no longer take it but I believe Rebif is a shot three times a week while Beta is every other day.

I depend on Aleve when general pain becomes a little too much.

I try to take as little meds as possible....seems they just have side effects that are as irritating to deal with as the disease itself.

Stress can definitely affect you and cause MS sx to flare up. I haven't found a way to eliminate stress so everyone just has to find their own ways of dealing with it. Whatever works for you is the best way.

I started out with what I thought was a pinched nerve (both my legs were numb) and before I could get a definite answer it went away so I just assumed that's what I had. Two years went by with no sx. Then....double vision and I had to find out what was going on. The dx came back as MS which, as strange as it sounds, was a relief to me since I had done alot of Internet research and had all but dx myself with a brain tumor!! MS was the lesser of two evils I guess!

It's alot to take in but soon you'll develop your own coping strategies and MS will just be another part of life for you. I'm glad you found this site and joined us here. Most of us try to have as much fun as we can.....MS is an inconvenience but it doesn't have to rule your life. You let it know who's boss!

Hi Legz ! Welcome to NT. I was diagnosed about a year and a half ago. I'm still struggling sometimes with accepting that I have this crappy disease. I have joint pain all of the time. Mainly in my hips. I've had to resort to narcotic pain meds to deal with it (but only as a last resort). I haven't taken Rebif but have taken Avonex, another interferon. It was not a pleasant experience for me, BUT, everyone has different reactions to the meds so I wouldn't base any opinion on other's problems with any particular med. You just have to find one that is a good fit for you . Remember that it's your decision what drug you take, not your doctor's. We're a great bunch of people here (for the most part ). We'll support you and help you as much as you need.

Hi Legzz,

Welcome to NT, the place you never thought you'd have to be! I don't have any experience with Rebif either, but lots of folks do and someone wll be along to talk about it.

You've already gotten a lot of good advice and you will get a lot more. Ask whatever you need to know and someone will be able to answer your questions.

Welcome to NeuroTalk, Legzz, So Nice to meet you.. Even though I'm so sorry for you DX, I am so glad you found us.

When your Family and Friends don't understand what you are going through, mentally and physically, we do. Most of us have been there, done that and own the T-shirt ..

Come on in and join your new Family. We will be here for you as you will be for us..

WHOT!?! I didn't get any T-shirt!

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!