Newly Diagnosed

[Kathleen12486]

This afternoon I was diagnosed with MS. I received the call at work from my doctor and was in complete shock. Right now I am going through a lot of emotions, and don't know what to make of it. This all started in May when I began to experience numbness and intense pain in my hands. I went to my doctor and my B-12 and Iron levels were very low. I began taking Iron pills and getting weekly shots to get my levels back up. Then I began to get the same feelings in my feet and knew something just wasn't right, considering that my B-12 levels were rising. My doctor suggested seeing a Neurologist, and after numerous MRI's here I am. I follow up with him on Friday and am extremely nervous. He mentioned that he wants me take Gilenya. If anyone could give me any insight it would be appreciated. Right now I have so many questions. I am trying to stay positive, but I just can't get the words "you have MS" out of my mind.

[Seasha]

Welcome to MSW, Kathleen!

Most of us here have gone through the shock of being diagnosed and all the emotions that go with it. Just know that you are not alone and we are here to help in any way we can At least you got a dx quickly so you can start a treatment right away if you so choose. We have a forum here called Medication and Treatments - under that are sub-forums for all the different type of MS drugs. Gilenya has many posts that will be helpful to read.

Don't be shy about asking questions here and again, welcome~

[suziq38]

How old are you Kathleen?
I am so sorry for your diagnosis.
I am waiting for a consult with my 3rd neurologist.
The first two were regular neuros and told me that I did not have MS, this one is the final consult and he is an MS specialist from a well-known teaching hospital.
He has the "last word."


Getting a diagnosis like this is such a shock.
We know that something is very wrong, yet we don't welcome a diagnosis like MS.

I was told that there are 3 new drugs that are promising and have lower side effects.

I am older (56), so my type of MS (should I have it) is the progressive type. I know we can not predict the future, but some of us have more severe types of MS than others.

I hope that yours is mild and transient.

It is what it is, so getting the proper advice and treatment is the "key."

Good luck to you.

[22cyclist]

Kathleen: I know this was a shock to you, but at least it gives you a reason as to why you were having so many symptoms. The good news is you were able to be diagnosed right away.

I would suggest contacting the national MS society so that they can send you a newly diagnosed packet. It contains all kinds of information for people who are newly diagnosed including medications.

It seems like you have a pretty progressive doc which is good. Read up on all of the medications so that you can make an informed decision. You are the one who has to take this medication.

[Kathleen12486]

Thank you everyone for your support. I am a 26 yr old. Today, I am trying my best to get through work and not think about my recent diagnosis as much. I am very nervous to follow up with my doctor on Friday regarding the steps that I will need to take moving forward. Does anyone know if the MS society can provide me with a list of specialist in my area? I want to get a second opinion and make sure I am in the best hands possible.

[Seasha]

Does anyone know if the MS society can provide me with a list of specialist in my area? I want to get a second opinion and make sure I am in the best hands possible.

Yes! Call the NMSS at 1-800-344-4867 and ask! Good luck~