This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[Hammer]

I'm 53, Male, newly diagnosed with RRMS, and more than a little scared and confused.

Are there any support groups in upstate NY or in Mid (Rutland area)Vermont? I'm working with Dartmouth Medical Center MS clinic in NH but it is 80+ miles due East. Albany, NY is also about 80 miles due South and they have support programs also. I know if nothing relatively close so far. I'm not on any treatment so far and have huge decisions to make, apparently mostly unguided and alone so far

I have information on Copaxone, Refib, and on a FTY720 Phase III clinical trial to consider. I guess I meet the initial "pre-screening" requirements for the FTY720 trial but I don't know If I should pursue this avenue or not.

Anyone out there have any suggestions, contacts, information or insite. I'm looking on the Internet currently.

Thanks,

Hammer

[daverestonvirginia]

Well you have found a good place to start doing some research with this site. My advice is to slow down take your time and use this site and others to get up to speed on MS. I do all my networking, find my support group help on line, no need to travel anywhere. I believe one of the not so bad aspects of MS is usually things go pretty slowly so there is no need to rush into anything until you feel informed. You will soon find there are very few if any black and white answers when dealing with MS. It took me years to understand that. MS can effect people in many different ways so there is no straight forward one size fits all answers. I believe that actually turns out to be a very hopeful thing, anything can happen.