Mother of newly diagnosed 15 yr. old

lovelisaz · Getting to Know You... Joined: Aug 05, 2008 Posts: 10

Hi! I am the mother of a beautiful 15 year old girl that has been through alot in just the last couple of months (it feels like it's been years). To make a long story short, the doctors have not officially diagnosed her yet, but they say "all the signs are pointing in the direction of MS". So, I am grateful to have stumbled on this forum today and I will be here often I am sure. We have so many unanswered questions. First, can anyone recommend any good books for a 15 yr. old about MS and what to expect? She doesn't seem interested in the ones I have read which probably read more like an encyclopedia to a teenager. I have ALOT of questions regarding dietary supplements and what does/does not work. I posted a question in that section already about the CoQ10. She has just started Rebif (she takes her 4th shot today) so any insight on what to expect with that would be appreciated. Really besides the symptoms she is experiencing (double vision, blind spots, fatigue, numbness in feet, hands, torso, and face, muscle weakness) her skin has recently started breaking out. I know it seems like a minor complaint, but that is what she is complaining about right now (she is, after all, a 15 yr. old girl, lol). Thank you for reading this and I look forward to "talking" with you!

Loriyas · Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject:

I, too, have a 15 year old daughter whose biggest worry is her face breaking out! And although to us it seems something minor, to a teenager it is a really big deal! I feel for you in that you have to deal with her possible diagnosis. It is hard enough to have teenagers without the added burden of MS. I am thinking of you!
Lori

NHE · Volunteer Moderator Joined: Nov 21, 2004 Posts: 760

Teabiskit · Newbie Joined: Jul 14, 2008 Posts: 5

I am so sorry to here about your daughter. But I am so happy that she has a great mom that cares so much for her. One of the books I liked was "MS for dummies" because it was informative , casual, and easy to read. I'm sure there are better books out there, but I just thought I would throw that out there.
I was Dxed at age 20, after experiencing Optic Neuritis. I am now 27 years old, but I know how hard it can be to deal with this at a youngish age.
Just remember, there is always hope. MS is not a death sentence. And you are not alone in this fight, we will all fight together.