Had to give up Masters degree to MS..

LadyDoe · Post by **LadyDoe** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 5:43 am

hey all,
I feel terrible, so I am seeking solace. I had to give up an offer to begin a Master's in Science today to someone better equipped to endure it. I'm 23, dx 7 months, but symptoms began 2004, and I have absolutely NO mental clarity at all! Restful nights sleep, 10 hours, naps during the day, Swank diet, etc and nothing helps. I know it's for the best, so I don't taint my academic record in future then try justify it when applying for higher degrees, but I cant help but feel a little upset.
My liberation procedure was pushed back a few months - was originally booked in for August 10, but now it's looking closer to November because it's become a clinical trial. I understand there is a probability it may ameliorate cognitive issues, but I'm just a mess! Can't even think right anymore! I really don't know if i can handle another few months of this.....

Cheers,
Zombie Queen

patientx · Post by **patientx** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 6:09 am

Sorry to hear this LadyDoe. I know it's pretty frustrating when you want to further your education, and the MS limits you.

Hopefully, you will feel better in the near future , and can try again for the Master's.

Pierre · Post by **Pierre** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 6:27 am

Hi Zombie queen,

I know the struggles of MS and university studies... I am in Law school (going into year II) and very scared about starting again in september because I am in the middle of a relapse and have so little energy... the scary thing is I had CCSVI treatment in June... But don't worry, the treatment might do wonders for you, I'm not sure why it seems not to be working for me. Maybe I have re-stenosed in just a few days. Keep hoping!

pierre

shye · Post by **shye** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 12:55 pm

wow Lady Doe,
can really empathize with your discouragement--but think you make a very wise decision not to try to plow thru it now-- hard for you to see now, but you are young, and there seem to be windows of healing opening with this disease, so the future does indeed look brighter.
Good luck with your liberation!

Dahlia · Post by **Dahlia** » Thu Jul 29, 2010 2:00 pm

If you don't feel you can manage right now - then this is the right decision to have made.
But, there is always the possibility that you may feel up to it at another time. There might be an option to study part time.
I completed a Masters by research degree during the time of MS diagnosis - and after a 2 yr break from study then started a phd.

I wish you luck, be kind to yourself.

LadyDoe · Post by **LadyDoe** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 3:45 am

Thanks everyone! your posts have made me realise that I DID make the correct decision - I never thought about the ability to re-apply! duh to me! Anyway, I feel a little better today.

Dahlia - that is a fantastic achievement!! I would love to do that too - infact with this whole CCSVI issue, I wanted to complete a Masters (by coursework that is LOL research will send me to the grave! PLus, i have a love/hate relationship with statistic outputs!), then eventually a PhD in sonography, specialising in Vascular so I can do my bit i guess.

thanks allxxxoxo

L · Post by L » Fri Jul 30, 2010 10:04 am

Ask them if you can defer entry for a year and explain why. I'm sure it will be ok! And all the best of luck to you! I'm quite good at predicting outcomes (I guessed the last four World Cup football winners correctly and I don't even watch football ever) and I have a very good feeling about your procedure, oh yes..

LadyDoe · Post by **LadyDoe** » Sat Jul 31, 2010 7:27 pm

Thanks L!!
I asked about deferring - they do not offer deferrment as this year is the last year it is being offered, and anyone beginning the course must complete it by december 2011. That's okay, theres other ways around it. I can just reapply after my procedure, but when youre studying - all you want to do is just FINISH! its very frustrating LOL

I have a very good feeling about my procedure too, i am not as advanced as others, i do not have reflux etc. and my stenosis is Maximum 50% - i had my previous post wrong. So, i might need just a few balloons and i should be okay. Id much rather keep the physical symptoms and dissapate the mental ones - IF i had a choice in the matter xxx

thanks dear PwMS - you're lifesavers xo

L · Post by L » Sun Aug 01, 2010 6:28 am

LadyDoe wrote:Id much rather keep the physical symptoms and dissapate the mental ones

It's postulated that the brain fog is a direct result of CCSVI and impaired blood flow (as opposed to physical damage) so you're wish may well come true!

It'll work out! xx

harpgirl · Post by **harpgirl** » Mon Aug 02, 2010 4:05 pm

I finished my Master's before the MS really kicked in. But I did change course. Was pursing a pedagogy/literature degree in vocal music. Wanted to be a college voice teacher. I didn't know at the time why I didn't have the stamina. I changed due to that fact.

Don't regret getting one in Early Childhood, even though I probably won't ever use it, other than for my own children. I use everything I learn in life whether is was formal education or not.

Lady Doe, in smaller bites when your health allows, I am sure you can finish it.

My first year and a half was the worse, then went through periods of being much better. Fatigue and constant pain is my downfall, but know if I really wanted to do more, I could take on small bites.

Don't give up on your dream, just adjust and accomplish in different ways and times.

(((Hugs))) We are behind you!