Disclosure

[sarabeach123]

I really struggle with when the right time to disclose my MS will be. I have such fantastic, interesting conversations with friends and colleagues about so many topics where I am longing to talk about things I have learned along the way through my research about MS, osteopathy, Naturopaths, diets including intermittent fasting and gluten free - and the many applications that are not MS related. But I always feel nervous about joining in on conversations because I am hesitant to get too into a topic for fear I might give away how I have all this knowledge.

Also, a parent of a student I teach has recently become a secretary at the clinic and so now she knows about my MS. We chatted about her daughter and school, and I feel like I should have said something like "don't tell anyone about my MS because noone knows" but I didn't want to offend her by saying that because since she is in the healthcare profession, that is just a given that you don't disclose information about patients. But it still makes me really nervous whenever I see her.

The answer for when to disclose is super personal for each person, so I know there isn't a magic answer. It's just something I've been struggling with, and even just being able to express this struggle out loud does help a lot!

[Poolwatcher]

You could say, “you are the only person I have told that I have multiple sclerosis because I know you will keep it confidential“ and then say, “thank you so much for being a good listener

[Thinkimjob]

You could say, “you are the only person I have told that I have multiple sclerosis because I know you will keep it confidential“ and then say, “thank you so much for being a good listener

That might work. Generally, I’d say, as with most “well-kept” secrets, be they romances, crimes or illnesses, if one other person knows, that’s one too many. 🙃
You’d be surprised how many people probably already know, and just aren’t saying anything.

[MarkLavelle]

In my experience (as with all things MS), most people just forget about your MS if you don't have outwardly visible sx (unless you talk about it a lot, of course ).

You still have to deal with initial reactions, but most people are just curious and one conversation is enough. I found that less stressful (especially at work) than worrying about who knew...