From LA with Love

[AmyForever]

Hey people..

Hope my first post is in the right area and somewhat new to ms. Who's here from LA? Where are you treated? I am Amy,i have been recently diagnosed with MS. I am concerned about whats next? why me?
Sorry to be so dark, just had to vent.

So, Thanks and love for all!

[Brad1138]

Amy:

Get on a Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT), learn as much as you can about MS, take good care of yourself, and live life! I was diagnosed in 2006, but MS first appeared (I now Know) in 1996. Lots of support here.

I grew up in Sandy Eggo. I now live in the midwest. I miss the weather and the beaches sometimes.

[Seasha]

Welcome to MSWorld, Amy from LA. Glad you found this support group and hope we can help. And vent all you want! We have all been there and this is a safe place to do just that!

I'm sorry to hear that you have recently been diagnosed with MS. I think the best you can do right now is research MS from trusted educational and current online sites or read up with current books from your library. There is so much we have currently learned about MS, plus newer and better drugs are here now or in the pipeline.

The good news is that a lot of these drugs are now better at halting or lessening flares. Make sure you shop around and not be afraid of stopping a drug if is doesn't seem effective. Many of us have tried multiple drugs to find one that works for us.

Do you have a MS specialist to work along side with you? Has s/he given you literature about these drugs? I hope you decide on one as soon as you can to keep flares at bay.

Don't worry about the future. Many of us have had very productive and active lives as we live with MS. Keep us posted about your new journey and take care

[JerryD]

Hi Amy from LA, I am Jerry from Philadelphia . I am glad that you found this board. Sorry to read of your diagnosis. I post here often and this community has experienced the entire MS gamut. You will learn a lot about MS on this board. Since you are 'new' to MS, you must learn as much as you can learn. The first thing I will suggest is that you consult a 'bona fide' MS specialist. Usually, these doctors practice at the local teaching hospital but there are some in private practice, as well. Good luck

[DogMa]

Hi and welcome, even tho having MS is not a fun way to find a group to join! I live in NC.

My suggestions are mostly echoes of those already made: cry, scream, shout, stomp, whatever you need to do, and then start to learn all you can about MS, the available medicines to slow its progress, as well as those that might help you with some of its symptoms. Find an MS doctor you're comfortable with, and ask questions.

This site has so many helpful, knowledgeable and friendly people, ready to support you. It offers a wealth of information for you now and in the future as you and MS continue the journey. Also check out MS makers' pharmaceutical information sites on the internet. At least as important as the medicine info., check the sites to see if they offer any 'learning events' in your area and plan to attend, especially as you are gathering information about MS medicines. Find out about and attend that MS support group in your area; you will begin to meet people who are coping with MS also.

"Knowledge is power,"so they tell us. It's now up to you to become powerful, and don't forget to stay in touch!

Carol

[rudonah]

Hi Amy

I'm Ruth from OHIO. DX'd in 1987 and still getting along.
You will find a lot of support and information here.
Go to the chat sessions too they are filled with friendly people who are glad to lend an ear.

Nice to meet you!

[Fishytrout]

Hi Amy,

Your post was not dark. Hey we've all been where you are right now. Be vigilant about keeping track of all tests they are doing on you. This will come in handy later on with your disease. You will find people here are very nice and ready to assist you with any questions

[1HAPILADY]

Hi Amy! I'm not in LA but I am in Santa Maria (N. of Santa Barbara) MS sux but at least our surroundings are beautiful!

[palmtree]

Hi Amy,

I don't know whether you are from Lousiana or Los Angeles but welcome!!! I'm from California's LA but MS dx are a shock no matter where you are. I decided to move far away from my origins but my MS came with me.

For the first five years after my diagnosis I also felt very dark. Didn't take care of myself and after multiple brushes with death I want to make the most of every day, even if I still have MS.

Everyone else's advice has been good. Be a sponge and soak up as much knowledge as you can. I read through all the NMSS literature and got a good outline but this site has taught me he most.

I hope you can find the best medical care your area has available. If you are from the California LA and not too far from Burbank, I can recommend some good doctors. You not only need a neurologist, you need a general practiciner who can help,you with symptom control and stay on top,of the complications. So if I'm from the same LA as you, you can count on me to give you some referrals.

I wish you the best. Take it slow. And be gentle with yourself.

[NintendoGurlie]

Welcome Amy!

The first thing I was told when I got out of the hospital after being diagnosed was from a neighbor of mine who had MS too. She'd say (and you will hear this a lot but there's so much power in it is}

"I may have MS but MS does NOT have me!"

Isn't that a great attitude! I won't lie, I have my pity parties sometimes but then I think of that and I am not going to let it win!

My biggest tip is to do the opposite of what I did when I was diagnosed (dx'd} When I was first dx'd I had an "Ignorance is bliss" attitude for a long time. Then I had a bad flare up and learned that knowledge is power, but not just that, but that APPLIED knowledge is power! That one word makes a difference! Learn and hang in there!

NintendoGurlie aka "Memphis"

[Jules A]

Hi and welcome,
I'm from the east coast but wanted to welcome you. Sorry you have to be here also but glad you found us.
Jules

[LizzyBaby]

F My Life Too

Hey Amy,
I am sorry to hear that you just got recently diagnosed. I am kinda in the same boat as you. I am also a 22 year old female from CA( Northern CA), and I was diagnosed with it like a month ago. I don't know about you, but I am in shock and idk if I ever have a day where MS doesn't cross my mind Anyways I hope you are doing better and that you will start treatment if you haven't yet.
-Liz