Multiple Sclerosis for Newbies

When you first learn that you have multiple sclerosis, you will likely experience a range of emotion from relief to fear. Then come the questions.

One of the first might be “What is my prognosis — what is a typical case of MS like?” The hard answer is that prognosis is all but impossible, but along with that uncertainty comes hope. Undoubtedly, you will hear horror stories about MS as well as uplifting stories about people living strong, healthy lives. The fact is, life with MS is unpredictable. That’s about all one can predict about it.

The trick is to share and learn from other people with MS without falling into the trap of comparing yourself to them. If you’ve just recently been diagnosed with MS, waste no time in putting yourself in the driver’s seat.

Self-educate. Make sure you understand what MS is — and what it isn’t. Don’t wait for someone else to tell you everything you need to know. It is your responsibility to learn all you can about MS. (Related Reading: Basics to Understanding Multiple Sclerosis)

When in the doctor’s office, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Do some research on your own. There are many national MS advocacy groups, books, and reputable websites that provide information and guidance. This education should be ongoing — always be open to new information.

Decide who you will tell. There is no rush to make this decision, so take your time. You need to consider your spouse and other close family members whose lives may be affected, but reaction will be varied and unpredictable. They, too, will need time to adjust.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Donna B.

6:56PM PST on Feb 15, 2010

Good article, thanks.

send a green star

Christin B.

1:58PM PST on Jan 29, 2010

MAJOR development and validation for CCSVI in MS patients. This is great news and I hope this link works, just cut and paste to the address line - http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100127/ms_treatment_100127/20100127?hub=Health&s_name=

You can also join my group at "MS Liberation - End Multiple Sclerosis". We can do it!

Linda M.

1:43AM PST on Jan 29, 2010

thanks for the post

1:34AM PST on Jan 29, 2010

a long time ago, i took care of a man with ms. this is great info

6:57PM PST on Jan 28, 2010

Thanks to Ann, I found that if you click on the link to the petition site and enter in the search for a petition "END MS Liberation Treatment" it will bring you to the petition. There is a brief description of what CCSVI is.
I really think it makes sense and needs to be loked into. If anything, it sounds hopeful for those of us with primary- and secondary MS. Give it a read and decide from there. Thank you!

6:50PM PST on Jan 28, 2010

Thanks, Ann - I see that it defaults to the the petition site main page. I can seem to get the comment area to leave the code as a url that can be pasted into the address line. I'm not sure if you can locate the petition by the name, CCSVI Liberation Treatment. I will have to do some research if finding it by name doesn't work. Thanks again.

Ann P.

6:13PM PST on Jan 28, 2010

Christian,

The link you provided goes to The Petition Site, but not directly to your petition. You might want to give us a new link.

Thanks

3:05PM PST on Jan 28, 2010

I have created a petition to Health Canada and I hope you will help me and sign and/or promote it with me so that we can end multiple sclerosis. It's called, "CCSVI Liberation Treatment" or copy and paste this code to your website, Petition powered by ThePetitionSite.com

Angie K.

4:21AM PST on Jan 28, 2010

thanks for the article :) a friend of mine got the diagnotic of having MS and I'm just about informing myself, what this actually means

Past Member .

2:32AM PST on Jan 28, 2010

Very interesting, thanks a lot :).