Newly diagnosed. Trying to remain calm.

[Soportsmomma]

Hi all. I'm brandy new here. Just got my official diagnosis. It's been a one month journey, for which I am thankful for because I know many people waited longer! A month ago, out of the blue, I went numb from the waist down. I went to the ER and my PCP and got the excuses that I was "constipated" and my "Muscles were too tight" So, pumped full of laxatives and muscle relaxers, I went home. Finally got sent to a neuro. He ordered the MRIs. This has been an odd journey indeed. I went from numbness, to weakness and vertigo with vomiting. Now, my legs feel better (still numb but stronger) and the last thing that is the thorn in my side is the vertigo. I can't drive, it's just not safe. If I walk, I have the drunken stupor gait. I start my Sulomedrol tomorrow for 3 days. I'm praying that reducing the swelling helps with the vertigo and balance. My symptoms right now wax and wane, to severe degrees. That's about it from me for now. I have gone through the hysteria part of the diagnosis for the last week (new it was coming), the sadness and wondering what will be and have now arrived at "it is what it is and I will make the best of it".

Hello all. Looking forward to getting to know everyone!

[Soportsmomma]

Hi,

Thank you! The roller coaster *****....and I love love love roller coasters (just not this one).

I am happy to have found a place to connect with fellow sufferers. Not happy that everyone is dealing this horrible disease, but that none of us have to feel alone anymore. I'm a single mom of 2, don't have a whole lot of family left. Thankfully, I do have my parents however, they are "snow birds" and are in Florida until spring. This is helping with no feeling so alone.

[TLC1104]

Hi to you,  
I'm newly diagnosed myself ( Oct 2015 )
I've got on the ms rollercoaster too. The one thing you will definitely get from this forum is the reassuring feeling that you are not alone, the people are so lovely and are there with advice and support if needed.
I hope you are ok.
take care.
T

[Soportsmomma]

Thank you everyone! I haven't thought much about what the year ahead holds....I'm at a day by day basis. Just finished  my first steroid infusion. That metal taste was nasty! I did have to get up and go to the restroom and my walking was a little more stable. The vertigo is still there, maybe not as bad? It was horrible this morning and I actually vomited before the nurse got here. I'm down to just hoping to not be so dizzy and lightheaded and feeling like I am getting the spins from drinking too much!! I mean, having the spins while drinking ginger ale....not even getting any benefit from the drink part!! J/K

[aspen2]

Hello and welcome!  I was just diagnosed three weeks ago, although have been hanging out here a very long time (one of those whose diagnosis was complicated).

I have driving limitations (and have been unable to drive at all during certain relapses) so I understand completely where you are coming from.

I'm so sorry that you have joined the club ... but you will find great support here :).

[HVAC]

We call the first year the roller coaster. You will go through many emotions may be even denial. I hope the steroids help. Sounds like things have been rough. The main thing with MS is being adaptable. Things can change at anytime. Once you get on a disease modifying drug than things may calm down. We are here for you.
Alex

[immisceo]

The first year is rough, especially for those of us whose diagnosis came out of the blue. There's not even a momentary sense of relief at being diagnosed since we didn't know anything was wrong to begin with!

You'll cycle through all of those emotions you mention many, many times in the months to come. But things DO settle down, especially once you have your medication plan in place and you start to wrack up days where things seem pretty normal.

After my first year (2011), MS is truly not something I think about too much, especially compared to thinking about it 24/7 at the beginning. It's all a part of processing the 'new reality'.

[Soportsmomma]

Thank you for the warm welcome! I had a feeling the boards were slower on the weekends, but figured I would introduce myself! And thank you for the warm thoughts....I will take all that I can at this point!

[suspiciouscombo]

Welcome with hugs. First and foremost, your journey is one many can relate and embrace with you. Others here will chime in with wisdom and support. Please know the weekends are a bit slower with responses but undeniably you've come to the right place.

Thoughts and warm thoughts navigating your way- Ox