This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

I'm new to all of this since my boyfriends diagnosis on Valentines day '08.
We were high school sweeties that went separate ways - only to reunite (after 23 years) and discover this demon is in our future. The phrase "this isn't fair" comes to mind often. He is 41 and has always been healthy as a horse and strong as an Ox

I'm here to learn and get advice....

Hey Stretch...
I'm a sucker for long-lost love stories, but what a lousy Valentine's gift. You're right, it's not fair. But it's your life together now.
My hubby was dx on my birthday in '07. It's really hard watching someone you love deal with this disease.
You've come to a good place to learn and get encouragement for yourself. However we can be of assistance, don't be afraid to ask, and if your boyfriend wants some guys to talk to, the men on this board are alright. Use the search function in the forums to learn about any topic.
best,
AC

Alright AC?!? Welcome Stretch. So sorry you have to be here. I'm one of those 'alright' men that was also healthy as a horse and strong an an ox (well a 5'8" ox anyway ). Love ya Joan! I would definitely recommend as a first 'line of defense' to get edumucated about MS. There is much to learn and it is somewhat easier to deal with, especially initially if he isn't showing many outwardly noticeable symptoms, if you're informed.

Ha, Lew!!!
The problem with the internet is you can't hear my so-cal inflection. I mean Al-RIGHT as in "righteous, dude!" Not meaning, "so-so" or just OK. You guys rule! I keep telling Jeff he needs to post and say "hi." Good advice, as always, Loobie. Information is key, Stretch. Hope you find some help and humor here.
AC

I know, I was just giving you some mid-western 'poop'!

Hi Stretch,

Welcome to the site. You'll find lots of info and make a lot of friends. I was diagnosed a little over a year and a half ago myself. I recommend you go to the National MS Society webpage and look at their program for the newly diagnosed, Knowledge is Power. Here is the link -

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/get-in ... index.aspx

This helped me when I was first diagnosed. While you're there, check for the location of your local chapter of NMSS and look for a support group for you and your boyfriend to attend. I go to one monthly, sometimes my girlfriend goes with me. You will both learn a lot of practical things about living with MS (especially when it comes to taking the injectible meds). It's also a good place to find out about the neurologists in your area. You definately want one that specializes in MS.

And of coarse, keep posting here. Let us know how things go.

Jack

What a great, supportive group! I hope in time I can get him to post.... right now I am the information gatherer/digester/buffer.

I get the physical aspects of this thing..... it's his emotional ones that are hard for me. He's angry life is changing.... he's angry, frustrated, sad - I'll check out the links. Thank You all! I love reading all your input, experiences and results of your investigations - a WEALTH of info here

Sounds like a pretty normal response - I went through that also, even punched a hole in my bathroom wall one night! I started having anxiety attacks and was irritable. I thought they were side effects of the interferon. At the insistence of my girlfriend, we talked with my neuro about it. She said they were symptoms of the MS and perscribed a low dose of celexa. It's worked really well for me.

Jack

Hi Stratch.

Welcome. I have found this place to be invaluable for information! Glad that you are able to be so strong for your partner in such a difficult time. Hope we can help!

Robbin goes through these dark periods where he says I should find someone else that's not so f-ed up, that I should move on, that he won't be around long.....etc. Then he gets like he doesn't even want to take his meds or do things for his health. Angry, upset, rebellious..... I assume this is part of his grief. He also worries about his job. He's a lumber broker for several lumber mills....all he needs for that is a computer and a phone. I've told him he's in a perfect line of work! He could do that anywhere! Even tho he's far from not walking - he feels like that is right around the corner - I'm telling him not necessarily. He has probably had this for 7 years as his first flare that sent him to the hosp for solu medrol fixed him up for 7 years and now he's had 3 infusions since Feb - one for optic neuritis (terrified him) but it's cleared up now. He has a bad burning and tingling in his lower legs and feet and limps when he's tired..... He has about 7 lesions on his brain and 3 on his spine - cervical I think. Biggest problem is numbness and tingling worst on the left side. On Copaxone but only since March and is frustrated that it takes so long to "work".

Stretch--As one with the MS diagnosis, I can relate to Robbin's feelings. At times I can understand your side, too. Both sides of this awful condition require great courage! No one should feel ashamed if he is not up to dealing with it; we are human.

But if you can offer him support and encouragement, you are fulfilling the great need of another person! There must be great satisfaction for you in that!!! In this life, I always intended to be the one offering help, NEVER the one who needed the help! Life does not turn out the way we intend!