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My name is Cinder. I am 36 years old and the youngest of 6. My parents have both passed away, and my siblings have always been very considerate and accepting of the fact that I am 10 yrs younger than my youngest sibling. however last May (2012) when our father passed, my oldest brother and I had a misunderstanding and have not spoken since. I was a dual caretaker of our father (with our step mother) and had an argument with my eldest brother about matters not concerning our fathers care, we were cohesive and mature about matters until after the funeral. However, he was always like a second father to me. I love and admire him, but with a 13 yr difference and generation gap we have never seen quite eye to eye.

Lastnight, one of our middle siblings informed me that my brother was diagnosed with MS. He is 49 (will be 50 in mid November). I have tried to research the illness, but everything I have found centers on children and young adults. My brother is an avid, active hunter and has lived with Lime Disease from a tick bite, for over 20 years, he is strong, active... and even though we are stubborn and not speaking, I would like to educate myself with knowledge of MS in Middle Aged Men, so that if I do need to care for him myself, OR find proper care for him.. I know what to look for.

If anyone here has dealt with MS; either themselves, or a loved one that is late 40's... early 50's that can explain how progressive the disease is, I would be very greatful to talk to you. Because it is neurological, and may have began some time ago; someone may even be able to explain to this little sister why she lost her hero... and possibly how I can get him back... or at least help him understand that Im still here, and love him very much.

Thank you.
Cinder

Hi,
I would advise your bro that he probably still has Lyme and not Ms.
He should find a Lyme specialist to treat him with aggressive antibiotics.
Sorry to hear you don't see eye to eye. I hope you can patch things up with....life is too short to hold grudges especially toward your family xxx

Hello Cinder,

What LR said about Lyme, it should be ruled out. There's tests. Ditto, life's too short. Grudges are bad for your overall health.

It doesn't much matter much the MS symptoms. We're all different other than it sucks. But maybe what goes on in the mind of a 49 year old man might have some common things. I was 49 when dx'ed – 2 years ago.

It was frightening to say the least but it is for all of us. I did all kinds of research which didn't help my mood. I made some diet changes, decided against DMDs, found TIMS, got blood work done and learned lots about supplements (thanks jimmylegs!) Started taking LDN (low dose naltrexone) Got fired by my neuro, got a great new one (Sarah Morrow for those of you in Southern Ontario) I'm in the middle of my 3rd clinical trial. I'm at war with CPP, which is the Canuck version of disability.

Point being, I'm learning to adapt as best as I can. It's not easy sometimes to stay upbeat but that's how it has to be. Putting the Visa bill in the fridge is kinda funny, right next to the car keys. Racing my bladder to the pisser at the grocery store not so much.

Having to quit my job was a real shot in the nuts. Coming to the realization that working at anything was out of the question was worse. Admitting it out loud …... Most guys are proud and stupid. I'm both. I was more worried about the financial disaster that was looming being in my prime earning years and having it pulled out from under me. I still am.

You seem to be looking too far ahead. The best thing you can do is get over whatever BS exists between you two and be there for the times to laugh, vent and maybe shed a tear or 2. MS is hard on sisters too. Tell your brother about TIMS, he isn't alone.

I'd be in a real evil place if it wasn't for my family. Feel free to PM me anytime.

Best,

Barry