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My sister was just diagnosed with MS

Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 8:10 pm
by Amanda787
Hello my sister was just diagnosed with MS Monday. She is 27 years old and is having a very hard time dealing with this. She gets overwhelmed with everything from the symptoms to accepting the new diagnoses that she has panic attacks. Its so hard to see her hurt like this and see her go thru all of this. I wish I could just take all this pain away from her and not have to see her hurt like this. So my question here is what can I do? We dont have contact with either of our parents so her husband and I are all she really has. What things can I do to help her get thru these times? Thank you all for taking time to read this!

Re: My sister was just diagnosed with MS

Posted: Sat Sep 28, 2013 9:37 pm
by CaliReader
Hi Amanda,

I'm sorry your sister was diagnosed and that you and she are suffering the emotional costs of MS.

She is young at 27. She will likely be living with this disease for a very long time. Right now, she's in shock. And reasonably very scared of what the future could bring.

You asked what you could do. There is a lot you can do. The things I would suggest are 1) understand that even when she gets over her surprise and her pain is less obvious that MS is going to be a struggle to cope with long term. If you know this, you can be there for her. And 2) learn what you can about MS. Many symptoms don't show, but are tough to live with. If you understand the disease you can offer help that works for her. And 3) take care of yourself so that you can be there for her over the long haul. Don't let her suffering wear you out. Keep coming back at a pace that works for you.

Without knowing you, it's tough to say more. People are very different. All the best.

Re: My sister was just diagnosed with MS

Posted: Sun Sep 29, 2013 11:52 am
by lyndacarol
Amanda787 wrote:Hello my sister was just diagnosed with MS Monday. She is 27 years old and is having a very hard time dealing with this. She gets overwhelmed with everything from the symptoms to accepting the new diagnoses that she has panic attacks. Its so hard to see her hurt like this and see her go thru all of this. I wish I could just take all this pain away from her and not have to see her hurt like this. So my question here is what can I do? We dont have contact with either of our parents so her husband and I are all she really has. What things can I do to help her get thru these times? Thank you all for taking time to read this!
Welcome to ThisIsMS, Amanda.

CaliReader has some very good suggestions. In addition, let me add: If your sister has Internet access, we welcome her and her husband to join us here, too. In general, we are a friendly group and want to be supportive of all our members. So… come with your questions, Amanda; we listen well, if your sister wants just to vent – we are here. We are willing to share our experiences and our opinions if you want to know something in particular.

Since your sister was diagnosed only a week ago, you may find much information useful here in the ThisIsMS forums, especially suggestions in the Reading Nook. Education about this disease will help all three of you.

Your sister is not alone. Your love and compassion WILL help her get through these times. And we are here too.