27 just diagnosed last week March 2011 and have 11 month old girl

[dtmushroom]

I am new to MS and don't know a whole lot about it. I'm so scared not knowing what to expect. i will be starting on copaxone next week but my doctor really wanted me to try the new pill that just came out. I just didn't know too much about and didn't want to give a try just yet. I think i'm still in shock. i woke up one morning and my left arm was numb by 9:00 that night it was my whole body. I still have my upper part of my body numb. How long does a flare up usually take to go away? I'm a hairstylist and my don't have control over my hands so i can't work. does anyone have any info that would help me out.

[CNE920]

Hi, mushroom.

Welcome to the wild, wacky world of MS. It is, indeed, a scary disease to come to terms with (I haven't yet). And not knowing from one day to the next which symptoms may strike - or disappear! - doesn't make it easier. Try to give yourself time to come to terms with it and know that not every day will be as hard as these last days with your numbness have been.

Not being able to work does make that even more difficult. Have you and your neuro. discussed the possibility of a steroid treatment to shorten / lighten your current relapse? It might give you some relief and hasten your ability to return to work.

To learn more about MS, in general, I highly recommend poking around the National MS Society's website. MS Association of America is also a handy reference. Their URLS are: www.nationalmssociety.org and www.msassociation.org. Of course, the guys and gals on these forums have also been a big help to me.

Hope things start looking up for you soon.

[aitch10]

Hi and welcome. I'm so sorry you've got this crappy disease and really wish I had some advice, but I don't. I can have a few hours when I feel crappy but then feel better. I can also have flares that last for weeks.

I really hope your flare ends soon and that you can get back to work

[twisterred]

Welcome.

First, sorry you have been diagnosed.
Second, glad you are here.

MS means taking time to be good to yourself.
Pace yourself, rest when you need to, laugh at mess ups.

Beginning a DMD is great, IMO.
Copaxone takes about a year to get up to speed.
It takes the body a long time to "accept" Copaxone.
So, be patient.

Rotate your injections. Manual injections might seem more scary, but to me, I have control and have done just fine (and I consider myself to be somewhat of a wimp).

You are still in shock, but that is perfectly normal.
Understand that life for you is different.
No one is prepared for this disease, believe me.

There are stages of grief that lead to acceptance.
It's normal and healthy. It just takes time.

If you are having a flare, I hope your DR is treating it.
Prednisone for 3-5 days is normal.
That should calm down the exacerbation you are having.
Part of MS is accepting ups and down in varying degrees.

Find a Neurologist, and if possible, an MS specialist.

Don't believe every "cure" people may offer.
http://www.quackwatch.org/01Quackery...Topics/ms.html

Years and years ago, some thought MS was caused by dogs.
No worries, it's not true either.

Please ask more questions.
Best wishes!

[donnainct]

Mushroom

Mushroom, I was diagnosed at 27 years old and my son just turned 1 at the time. That was in 2006. I take copaxone, I started out on Avonex, but anyway yeah it's pretty scary but you have to keep goin for them. I don't know what Id do without my little munchkin. He's 5 now. My first exacerbation was my whole left side went numb and returned to normal in 1 month. Last year I had a flare that lasted 6 months and had to have 2 rounds of steriod's. My point is everyone is different.Be thankful for the good days. Take it easy and try not to focus on it to much. Easier said than done.

[RingpOP]

Dx at 22 and two kids

Hey there,
I know this is a VERY scary time, and i'm sorry you've been diagnosed. I was diagnosed when I was 22... On 8/30/10.
Everyone has a different way of accepting the diagnosis.

I'm glad you are starting on a DMD, I've heard that the earlier it's caught, the better.
My PCP was treating me fir stress for about 2 months before I was sent to a neuro. I had numbness on the left side of my face that was constant. With my limbs going numb at random times as well as my vision blurring.

I'm on Avonex and I'm doing much better now. Have you spoken to your neuro about steroids treatment to speed up the 'recovery' from the flare?

I wish you the best, one thing I've learned is that we all experience MS differently and that the 1st year of diagnosis is usually the worst. I also host a parents with ms chat on Thursday nights at 8pm ET.

Have you spoken with your neuro and/or your work about your issues with fulfilling your duties at work??

[sunshine008]

hi

welcome and this place is great sorry you had to find us yet glad you did.

alot of helpful people with great info and insight to help you understand ms better.

It is shocking at first, i was diagnosed only month and a half ago and i still have days i wake up and say wow really me? no way LOL.

yet i try to gain perspective the best i can, sometimes that can be hard when it's our own selves. Yet in time you'll find it as I will. I tell myself it isnt' cancer, I will live, I will see my children grow, and be able to enjoy my life. It'll just be a little bumpier at times than I had planned.

the one good thing Id' say about ms is it forced me to take better care of me, maybe it'll do the same for you. We can always make improvements. I agree with the steriod thing to slow down your relapse right now especially with the baby and work you have alot on your plate.

welcome again and hang in there.....