Question from a still fairly new MS'r

[Stacey van 1]

I was diagnosed with MS a year ago & have been on Copaxone for almost a year. I am having some new symptoms, I was wondering if anyone could help with is it MS or am I really going crazy?

1. I can't be around more than 15-20 people or I start to have an anxiety attack.

2. Depression & Anxiety seem to be under control one minute & the next minute 'holy cow'.

3. I find myself stuttering, slurring & 'can't find my words' more often & for no particular reason. I have noticed that this brings on more stress & tension because it embarrasses me.

ANY HELPFUL COMMENTS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. ALL MY PRAYERS & GOD BLESS!

[webkitty]

Counseling?

It might help to talk to a professional. With you being a "newbie", this a a lot to take in. Remember you are NOT MS!

[tracibk]

I had two anxiety/panic attacks out of nowhere where I could not look at anyone and just wanted to curl up in a ball.......it was awful!!!! one was 2004 and the other six years later. I would talk to your dr about it if you are having them frequently so you can get them under control.....best of luck!

[Stacey van 1]

thanks so much for sharing, I am taking 2 medications for anxiety/depression so I cant imagine how bad they would be if I wasn't. I was just curious if anyone else was or had experienced these or the stuttering, stammering, slow speach whatever you call it thing.

[candycane]

Yes to all of the above. Sounds just like me.

[BillyL1677]

Sounds like Me Too

I was Dx in August 2012. Studdering, Slurring, Anxiety... among other things. I am also on copaxone, however a second opinion form a MS specialist, She wants me to try something Else.

Jc+ so tysberi is out. Was looking forward to it. Now she would like me to try Gilyenea. I needed to get a VAc for chx pox since I have never had it.

She informed me that the copaxone could be causing Anxiety, that is why she reccomended the change. Will see.

I have found that HEAT and STRESS are my biggest triggers. So being around alot of people is not my best option. And I worked at a bust grocery store...LOL.

I find hat heat really effects me physically, Walking, Talking, ect while the stress just sends me to a different world starring at walls. But At least I found that if I stay away I am not as bad. . .(Still not better, dont think I will ever be the Me I used to be.)

So Good Luck Stacey! Ill let you know if the med switch helps me! HOPING SO!

Billy

[rdmc]

Hey Stacey,

While I'm not commenting on the depression/anxiety issues, part of the anxiety could be the result of good, old fashioned, very annoying, MS caused "sensory overload."

Lots of threads on it if you use the search function. Sometimes it's called the Walmart Syndrome because a large store, with people mulling about, and noise, and rows of large displays can trigger it.

Here's a thread that's rather long, where those with Sensory Overload chime in:

http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthr...nsory+overload

Read through the experiences of others and see what you think. Unfortunately, it's not something that's easily medicated for...avoidance or coping skills are the best way to handle it. Talk to your neuro if you think this is what you're experiencing, maybe he can recommend a med, but I've never found one that helped, although I have found coping mechanisms and tips from others about dealing with the results of the overload.

[highlandmck]

Same here

I had all of those 3 things also,hated going to stores,so no you're not going crazy.
mines did subside somewhat,
i would talk to your Neuro if it is new symptoms that you are having.

hope things get better for you

[Nay91400]

Wow..this is very interested as I have severe anxiety issues. I never thought it could be related to MS.

[fishead]

Oh hun you are not crazy. MS is CRAZY and mean when it attacks us.

I have just recently been able to be in a crowd (large OR small). I had a very "flat affect" (google it if you are not familiar with that) I found that having a trusted person with me, helps. Additionally, your anxiety can be somewhat controlled with antidepressants that are the "right drug and right dose". A therapist is NOT a bad idea, as someone else said "you have a lot to take in, being newly (yes you are still new to MS) diagnosed. I stutter on occasion..it is frustrating. My therapist helped me with the stuttering. I still do it when I am stressed, but not as much.

Good luck and I hope you get some more replies.

[Stacey van 1]

Thanks everyone!
I feel a lot better to find out that this is happening to others & Im not going crazy (yet lol).
Funny that it be called walmart syndrome(I hate big stores & always have)
I am taking a new antidepressant/anxiety pill(been on it for about 2 mos) I like that it is helping some important things but unfortunately it isn't helping the crowd issue or the stuttering.
I have noticed the stuttering is way worse if I get stressed or nervous so I am trying to keep my emotions in check but it stinks to feel like I cant go on even family functions because I cant handle the noise or the amount of people but I am learning more & more about the MonSter & am praying that knowledge is power. I keep reminding myself daily that I have MS, it doesn't have me.

Thanks again everyone for your support & suggestions!