Connect
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) - please introduce yourself
Let's talk about living with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Welcome to the support group dedicated to multiple sclerosis to bring all those with this diagnosis or whose loved one has MS — or wondering if they or a loved one has MS — together. This also provides a great opportunity for those who have questions for those who share this diagnosis.
This MS support group is a welcoming, safe place for people to connect and share experiences; ask questions about doctor visits, symptom relief, the diagnostic process and available treatments; and encourage and check in on others in similar situations.
To be part of the MS group, you can:
- Follow the group. Following this group will allow you to receive regular updates in your Connect Daily Digest about group activity.
- Browse the discussion topics. From the group's home page, look through the discussion titles and see where you may have tips or ideas to contribute or a question to ask others.
- Use the group search to find discussions that interest you. If you want to find a specific, MS-related topic, this is the quickest way to see what's available in the group discussions.
- Introduce yourself. Giving a brief background on yourself, when and how you were diagnosed, and what treatments you've had so far will help others in the group get to know you and determine what they might ask you about your MS experiences.
Regardless of where you may be on your journey with MS today, you’re invited to join this group and connect with others.
Why not start by introducing yourself? What has your MS experience or the experience of your loved one been like? What symptoms and treatments have you or your loved one had, and have they helped? Do you have any questions you'd like to ask others who have MS or who've walked alongside someone with the disease?
Grab a cup of tea, iced coffee, or beverage of you choice, and let's chat.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group.
Connect
Hi, I'm Kim I was just diagnosed with MS in April 2017 @ the Mayo Clinic. Not exactly sure what to expect from this disease but determined to live the best life I can!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi, I'm Raeann. I started having symptoms in 2001, but wasn't diagnosed until February 2014. I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting.I have never had a relapse, or I have been in a relapse since 2001; but I have had steadily worsening symptoms. In April, my neuro said I now have secondary progressive. I suffer from the majority of common symptoms, save optic neuritis, as well as an assortment of the not so common ones. I have good days and bad, who doesn't. I don't go for the slogans that "MS doesn't have me" because, dang it, it does. Every single move I make is influenced by MS. It sucks, but this is the hand I was dealt. So here I am, playing these cards, to the best of my ability.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsHello Kim (@kcowan16) and welcome to Mayo Connect. I am sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis but I'm pleased to hear your of positive attitude. Attitude is so important when you are dealing with a chronic illness. As we look forward to getting to know you better, please share with us as you are comfortable doing so, what symptoms and diagnostic tests led to the MS diagnosis. How long has MS been suspected? Have you begun any treatment yet?
Teresa
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello Raeann, (@raegun67). Welcome to Mayo Connect.
I am sorry to hear that your MS is progressing - I'm sure that must be disheartening. Share with us, if you will, some of your more uncomfortable symptoms. Have you had any physical therapy yet? Water exercise can be quite good for MS because you don't get overheated. Have you tried any other treatments?
Teresa
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@hopeful33250 Honestly had my suspicions of MS during my 3 flare up in January but the doctors at did not think it was MS. I had been experiencing flares since 2015. Some of my symptoms are needle and pins feelings, burning sensation, numbness, bowel issues, tightness in my chest like I had a tight girdle on (which I later found out is the "MS hug"), headaches, sensitivity to hot and cold and a host of other issues. My first flare lasted for 8 weeks before I started to get better.
During my last flare I realized I was not bouncing back to normal I took matters in my own hands and sort outside medical care. I have had so many test that it will make your head spin. What lead to the diagnosis was the brain and Cervical Spine MRI and spinal tap. I have started therapy and just completed my second dose.
There is not a day I am not in pain. I don't even know how a painless day feels anymore. But I try to stay active and move foward with life because I have too.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsKim @kcowan16
Yours has been quite a journey! Most of us who have neurological disorders go through a long period of time before we get to the diagnosis and treatment. There are a lot of new meds to keep MS symptoms (and sometimes progression) at bay, so this is a good time for MS patients. Physical therapy and exercise can be very therapeutic for pain and stiffness, especially water exercise - because you don't get overheated. Maybe it is too soon for that. Has your doctor recommended any physical therapy or exercise plan, yet?
Teresa
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@hopeful33250 yes, exercise was recommended, so I joined a gym and will start aqua aerobics and will try Yoga soon.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsMy name is Robert Gartshore and I was recently diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis. I just had my first treatment of Ocrevus and
I am still getting used to the condition.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello @disneyfan, welcome to Connect! Thank you for introducing yourself to the other members of the MS group.
@disneyfan (Robert), while we wait for some of the other members to jump in and introduce themselves, would you mind sharing how your first treatment of ocrevus went? Is there anything particular about your new diagnosis that you are having trouble with getting used to that you would like to ask the other members about?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHello Robert, @disneyfan
I would like to add my welcome to you along with Justin's. We look forward to getting to know you in the future and providing you with support as you walk this journey.
While MS is a difficult diagnosis to face you are doing well to seek out support and Mayo Connect is a great place to receive that support. I'm always interested in the path people walk down before a neurological diagnosis comes about, as I also have a neurological disorder (not MS). If you are comfortable doing so, please share with us: How long were you experiencing symptoms before a diagnosis came about? What tests proved conclusively that you had MS? What seems to be the worse symptom that you are facing right now?
Teresa
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction