Natalie8,

I think that you asked a very good question.

I am 57, almost 58, and was diagnosed with RRMS in 1992, 4 months after a failed back surgery and became SPMS in 1993.

It took me a long time to realize that everything that happened was not MS related. I got the usual stress answer from a lot of the doctors. I developed several other problems and thought they were MS related. I finally realized that even if they were, they had to be treated.

I've had dizziness, vertigo, balance problems and extreme fatigue since the very beginning. They never go away so I walk very slow and use a cane when I go out of the house. I just go with each day and see how I feel. The last few days, for instance, were not too good. Fatigue has taken over and I have spent most of the time sleeping.

I don't seem to have any fear of MS now. It came on so fast and has stayed with me for all these years. I feel normal bad for me all the time and really bad on some days.

I trip and bump into things but just go on without thinking about it necessarily being MS. I'm not trying to make light of this illness but it has gotten to a point with me that I do not think of it everyday.