My mum has just been diagnosed with MS

[fabarooney]

My mum has just been diagnosed with MS. She has had symptoms for about 2 years that until recently were being put down to severe sciatica. She has gone downhill significantly in the last couple of months and is now having difficulty negotiating stairs. She was admitted to hospital as an emergency patient 2 weeks ago for tests which included an MRI. The MRI has revealed the MS. She's been given the diagnosis, told that she won't be able to work again (she's been on sick-leave for a couple of months now) and sent home. She is seeing her GP for some more info today.

We're all in a bit of shock at the moment. I'm feeling a bit stunned and pretty useless as we live outside the UK. Don't know what to do to help. I'm trying to arrange a trip home ASAP.

Can't really believe this is happening as my MIL was also diagnosed with MS last Christmas. It's like a script from some crappy American soap, isn't it.

Sorry to vent. Am feeling a bit muddled and weepy but don't want to burden mum with my reactions to this.

So sorry to hear your news fabarooney

The Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre could be a good source of information and help - they have a 24 hour counselling hotline - website here

wishing you and your mum (and MIL) good luck X

Bless you what sad news for you and your mum
Have you tried the MS society for some support and information for your mum?

Just wanted to say I'm so sorry you've had such bad news, Fabarooney. Take care.

so sorry to hear about this - hope you manage to get support sorted out for her and you - you have a lot to cope with ...

sorry to hear this fabarooney {{virtual hugs}} xx

Sorry to hear about this Fabarooney but please don't panic. The advice I was given 14 years ago was to BE POSITIVE. I was told it so many times I wanted to bop people on the nose for saying it!.

They think that MS can be diagnosed in 4 different forms although one may progress to another. I've only had one regression (that I've noticed) in 13 years. It can get better.

Look at the recommended site and try not to look at the sad stories, its difficult to remain positive when reading about Primary Progressive MS but unless you know for sure that is what you are dealing with its not a good idea to dwell. I had to cancel my membershiop of the society in the end because it didn't help me stay positive.

I hope your mum has a manageble form.

I take evening primrose oil and fish oil regularly with other dietry supplements all to help me feel that I am giving my body the ingredients to cope.

So sorry to hear that, life is just such a bloody bitch sometimes.
Wishing you and your mum lots of love, TC x

so sorry to hear that fabarooney hopefully she will not have the severe form

weatherwax, it is good to hear you are keeping well and are so positive

Hi fabarooney,

as weatherwax has said, it's not always really bad news. I was diagnosed nearly 5 years ago and have been fine since. However I was/am younger than your mum and age of diagnosis does make a difference to the type of MS it's likely to be. The MS Society is useful. there is also an excellent website caled Jooly's Joint with a good chat board where you'd almost certainly find people with a more similar experience to your mum's than mine is. You would definitely get good support and advice there and you could perhaps recommend it to your mum, if you think it's the right thing for her. It's really difficult to know what else to say - the horrible thing about ms is its unpredictability. All I can say is be there for your mum, don't be scared of showing her that you're upset. When she's up to it talk to her about any practical changes and ask her what you can do. there's nothing worse (well, for me anyway) than feeling people are talking abut what's best for you and not actually asking you. If you want to email me feel free.

I can nver get links to work so have cut and pasted: www.mswebpals.org/contents.htm

Dear fabarooney ...
I am sorry that you are going through this. One of the worst days of my life was when my mum rang me to tell me that she had been diagnosed with MS. I walked around in shock for a long time. I felt like the ground beneath me had been rocked and would never be steady again. So I know what you are going through. Hugs {{{}}}
At the time I knew very little about MS and I thought it was like a death sentence for my mum.
That was in 1991.
My mum is very positive and doesn't let it get in the way of her life. She struggles with most physical things but she gets on with it.
As Weatherwax says there are 4 different forms so the outlook may not be as bleak as you think.
Lots of love
Ghosty

Thank you all so much for your support. I've had a couple of days to think about it all and I'm feeling much more positive. Just needed some time to let it sink in. At least mum doesn't have something like a brain tumour. MS isn't terminal and there seems to be a lot of help and support out there.

Still feel rubbish about not being at home right now but then mum would be coping with my shock and distress as well as her own. I'm hoping to go over to the UK soon and will concentrate on helping with the practical things that will make life a little easier, like benefits etc. She is very lucky in that our GP is wonderful and will be very supportive.

Weatherwax, Hatter, Ghosty - I really appreciated your posts. They really put things into context. Mum has MS but that won't keep her from being at my dds graduations and weddings, will it? We may have mobility issues to work round but we'll do it.