outlet for when symptoms are scaring you?

[heliotrope]

I know this is an odd question... but how do you find an outlet for when your ms symptoms are scaring you a little? I had someone I trusted - long story - but that option is no longer there. My friends/family treat the MS as no big deal (I look completely normal unless I've been sitting for hours or you're starting at my feet when I walk), which is great most of the time. But when you're tripping over your own feet, I'm discovering that it's really frustrating to not have a way to admit how frightening/uncomfortable that is. And I'm not talking about a long therapist type discussion, just an acknowledgement that I'm not healthy, and I might not be 100% okay with that.

[mercadies25]

well that's what this site is for. talk all you want here we do understand.

I do have a couple of friends that I could talk to, but choose not to because if you are not suffering from this disease you just won't understand. Even the neuro and the nurses etc.... they can give their opinion, but they still just don't know how bad it could be.

I do go to a therapist because I don't want to wear my dh out with all my tears and depression.

So please come and share we are all here for each other.

Good Luck!!!

[Cat Mom]

I know this is an odd question... but how do you find an outlet for when your ms symptoms are scaring you a little?.

I come here. So many times I've said, "OMG What the heck is THAT????", found people that had experienced it and read what helped them. It simply feels reassuring to hear this right from someone's own experience... and to ask questions. I feel I'm in good company here when scary stuff is happening.

I hope you find your outlet soon, lots of us have our email addresses in our profile should you want to contact privately, away from the public message board.

Jen

[readingteacher]

Just had to respond

Hi, I'm Sherry. I was scrolling down the message board, when I noticed your post. I just had to respond. You see, you're not alone in this area of MS. I noticed that the first two responses were about sharing your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations on here. That is a super terrific idea. When I first started getting symptoms, but nobody could pinpoint a dx, I found much comfort and answers on here. After finally getting a dx, I still found this site to be a great resource and a place where others understood how I felt.
I would also like to suggest a few other options, if I may. Some areas have MS Support groups that meet. There used to be one in my area, but it fell apart some years ago, when the leader of the group died (simply age-related, from what I understand). I looked into trying to start one again last year, but I wasn't able to lead one. Maybe I should look into it again.
Another suggestion is journaling. If you are comfortable with writing out your thoughts, it can be really therapeutic. It doesn't have to be grammatically perfect, because it is just for you. You can use it to record bad days, good days, setbacks or improvements, or simply write about how scary, frustrating, inconvenient, etc. that MS is for you.
A final thought is, if you are a person of faith, you can always pray. I have, at times, written my prayers in a journal. But there are those times when I have just cried out to the Lord; for relief, strength, peace, answers, and/or HELP.
I don't know if any of my suggestions appeal to you, but I just wanted to offer some other ways for you to express how MS is affecting you and your life. I hope you find this to be helpful.

[nosrepmodnar]

Scary symptoms is what brought me back to the boards! There are a lot of good people here and most likely someone can relate!

[kastelling]

I'm not diagnosed, still in limbo, but dealing with this to a certain extent also. My boyfriend is constantly downplaying my symptoms. As he is my closest friend and the person I talk to most, it makes me feel crazy. I feel like I am arguing FOR being sick, when I just want acknowledgement for what I am feeling.

I know he just does it because he is worried and wants whatever this is to be minor, and I understand that. But in the meantime, I am scared enough as it is, and now also feel like a whiner, when all I want is someone to talk to who want downplay everything!

While I don't post here much, just reading on this forum helps me with this, a bit.