anybody know anything about "M.S."
My dad just got diagnosed today. We havent talked for 2 weeks (he kicked me out) I'm feeling pretty low right now, and hurt, and selfish, and depressed.
Im not sure what to do? Or whats going to happen to him?
:(
Reason: Moved to Health and Support Forum
As a first step, have a look on the net for information. Multiple Schlerosis attacks the nervous system I believe. My neighbour has it and it first manifested itself with darkness in her vision - she went temporarily blind. Nothing much else happened for some years apart from the gradual onset of overtiredness, where she would just run out of steam unexpectedly. For instance, it was difficult for her to judge whether she could go walking for say 10 mins or 40 mins without needing to stop completely. When she runs out of energy she gets upset and feels vulnerable. So these days wherever she goes, she uses Nordic Poles to steady herself. Last year she was unable to walk at all because her legs just wouldn't lift in steps like they used to and she lost all balance and was shaking, so she had an intensive steroid treatment for that. It was upsetting to see her unsteady and wobbling on her feet. People with MS can live for many years and its affects them in different ways. Some have to use wheelchairs, others don't. Some lose the ability to speak. The disease is gradual and insidious, and you should try to learn as much as you can so you are ready for any problems in the future.
I'm sorry you were kicked out of home but your father probably feels very upset and angry and that he is going to die from a gradual disease, which may well happen, but perhaps not for many many years. So try to understand that his response to you may not be quite what it might were he not just diagnosed with MS. Its a rather delicate situation, I can see, but be understanding and if he sees that you are willing to try to understand him, as well and give your support (which he will very much need in the future), then perhaps you can build on this devastating news and can look on it in a positive way.
Here in England we have the MS Society, a charity which supports and researches cures for the disease. Good luck.
My aunt has MS. It is degenerative, but that said she was diagnosed over twenty years ago and still has reasonable quality of life. She tires very quickly but has become a very organised person, making one trip out of home or doing one activity daily. It's important for people diagnosed with MS to find the support of MS societies, research the disease and find new ways to live their life. I think staying connected to the community is probably key - it has been for my aunt anyway.
My dad has had MS all my life. He was diagnosed in his early 20's and is now 56. There are different types of MS. Some experience very mild symptoms, some experience pain, while others experience severe symptoms that naturally progress.
My dad is not in good shape now. He is bed bound, unable to communicate effectively, can only eat food that is in paste form, and is legally blind. He doesn't, however, experience any pain. Keep in mind though, he has about the worst type of MS. I haven't met any other this severe yet. I don't think that a doctor could tell you what kind you have. It's just something that reveals itself overtime. With that being said, my brother-in-law's mom has MS and you wouldn't even know by looking at her.
It's important to keep a positive attitude. It goes a long way. He also needs to keep active and follow the doctor's orders. Though, I must say I'm not for overmedicating. Depression is VERY common in MS patients, so stay patient with him and encourage him. I could go on and on, so if you would like to talk more, PM me.
thanks so much for the responses guys!! I'm really worried, I went to his house today to see if he was there so we could talk because I feel really bad but he wasnt so I wrote him a note saying I just came to get my mail and wanted to tell you that I love you, hopefully that puts a smile on his face.
as of right now, I know for the last few months hes been really dizzy, hasnt been able to taste much, and walks funny because his leg or his foot is numb, and he also complains about his back hurting.
I just hope hes going to be okay, I feel like a horrible daughter :(
I had a cousin who lived a very fulfilling life with MS. My suggestion is to educate yourself. Here is some information from Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D.
Multiple Sclerosis Guide, About.com
Reason: Moved to Health and Support Forum
Also new treatments are developing from stem cell research that look sort of promising for cell regeneration. The stem cells are actually harvested from the victims own fat tissue - very compelling stuff.

