My Dad had MS (as do I). He was diagnosed in his mid-thirties, and passed away just before his 80th birthday. Although he did stop driving when he was in his mid-forties, he was still going up and down stairs until three days before he died. He never had to go on disability.

I can remember as a child the cloud of "what if" hanging over us sometimes. We lived very frugally because, as my mother would say, "We never know if tomorrow morning your father won't be able to get out of bed."

As time went on, they learned to acknowledge the cloud's existence, but not let it rule or ruin their lives. That morning never DID come, and he lived a full, productive life. Most of his symptoms were invisible to anyone outside the immediate family.

I sometimes fall into that nasty trap of cowering under my blankets, waiting for the other shoe to drop. But you just can't live that way. I wouldn't go out today and sign a huge mortgage, but other than that: one day at a time, and God provides.

Welcome, and blessings to you!

My dad left his estate to my son "in case he gets MS, the family disease". But it was I who was dx'd with it, a year after he died. I have never emotionally fully recovered from this expulsion from my dad's favor. In his will he stated that "I had a career" and needed no money. But he left all his jewelry and mementos also to my son. My mother survived him but, as she had never worked, she went along with this. I still am on good terms with my son and his children. I could sure use some of my dad's funds now, so I could go into a reasonable retirement home in a desirable location.
But I am not starving and have a roof over my head. It does hurt, though.

So sorry. I know it hurts. When my dad died he had already given and signed everything over to his first born son from his first wife. Some older parents cater to their sons and grandsons. My mom does this and everyone wonders why I am so independent. You just keep plugging away and you'll find peace and comfort.