1. Community
  2. Brain and nerves
  3. Multiple Sclerosis

Coping with MS

Posted , 5 users are following.

Aza1990
Aza1990

It is so hard to cope with MS just 3 years ago I was normal I was able to walk properly ride a bike see the TV properly but it's like everything has gone wrong

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • kelly_01680
    kelly_01680 Aza1990

    Posted

    I haven't been diagnosed yet but quite sure I have it.

    I understand exactly how you feel. I am one of those people that is happiest running around like a headless chicken. 4 kids, job I love, ect. Now I struggle to clean my house. I think it's even harder in days like to today, as yesterday I was 'OK' as in able but sore, so I got through the day doing normal mum stuff. Whereas today I'm in so much pain, I can barely walk

  • LibraDragon64
    LibraDragon64 Aza1990

    Posted

    Hi Aza, I'm sorry to hear that you are finding it hard to cope.  Have you been offered, or can you access, any counselling?  I know it can help.  MS takes so much from us that the profound sense of loss is similar to grief; we grieve  for the life we used to have, and for the things we can no longer do.  MS also causes clinical depression which which is treatable with medication.  I recommend looking for local MS groups and charities which can provide a range of support.  I'm fortunate enough to have a charity nearby that provides free complimentary therapies which are great.  I have a blog called The Thread Shed Studio where I've written about fatigue, and how creative hobbies help me to feel useful and in control of something as the MS often leaves me feeling powerless.  I hope this helps give you some ideas to explore.  
    • grandmatucson
      grandmatucson LibraDragon64

      Posted

      Your reply to Aza struck a chord with me. I am 57, was diagnosed in 2007, and became disabled in 2012.

      The acknowledgement of the sense of loss and grief many of us feel is profoundly meaningful to me. I have been plagued by depression and anxiety as long as I can remember and have been diagnosed with PTSD due to childhood trauma. Mixing it up is a heap load of anxiety.

      Clearly, to experience calm and joy in my life, I MUST be mindful always of my self-talk, my faith, and my blessings. I have 5 children and 10 beautiful grandchildren to love and live for. It is my duty, as well, to model for them what it is to overcome adversity. This includes my own recognition and acceptance that MS has cultivated a new level of ups and downs for me.

      Thank you for sharing information about your blog. You are so spot on about creative projects clearing away gloom to make room for joy and fulfillment. I think that's probably universal to the world, but especially powerful for fighting MS fatigue and depression.

      I am happy to have found this forum and grateful for others' sharing and caring.

      God bless,

      G.T.

    • LibraDragon64
      LibraDragon64 grandmatucson

      Posted

      Thank you, I started having symptoms in 1999, was diagnosed in 2010, and forced to retire in 2013.   I'd always enjoyed crafts, and now they are an essential part of my coping strategy.  On the days when I am too fatigued to do anything I've found my iPad to be a lifesaver.  I can lie flat on my back in bed with it propped up on a couple of cushions and watch catch up TV or listen to an audio book or the radio to distract my mind from dwelling on how rubbish I feel. We all develop tricks and strategies for coping as we go along.  Not all of what I do would be right for someone else, the important thing is to find what works.  

      Take care and God bless you too.

      M.R.

  • debbie31252
    debbie31252 Aza1990

    Posted

    I can relate.  For me I had to get to the point where I just accept whatever comes my way.  I do the best I can and accept what I can't do.  I don't fight anything.  I need my energy for other things.
  • grandmatucson
    grandmatucson Aza1990

    Posted

    Hi Aza,

    I am sorry for your sense of helplessness. I was diagnosed in 2007. I wish it were something I could cure. Regrettably, like you, I am learning how to cope.

    Coping for me includes setting goals and planning ahead. Equally important, though, I have had to learn flexibility and acceptance. Progress in any of these categories is never linear.... just as my body is susceptible to remitting/relapsing, so is my psychological health.

    May I please ask what are your most difficult challenges? Do you have a trusted neurologist? Family support?

    How can we help?

    God's Blessings,

    G.T.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.