Stress and MS?

[willowwoman7]

I just found this wonderful place yesterday. Now I don't feel so alone. But, I do have some questions. I have just spent the last 3 days crying because my 24 year old daughter who is emotionally stunted (she's emotionally about 16) snuck out while we were gone and moved in with her boyfriend who has the tags of an abuser. So, I've been crying on and off for 3 days. Yesterday at the grocery store, My legs kept trying to give out on me and would barely hold me up, and the eye pain and burning in my face has been nonstop. Does stress mess with the MS this badly?

[Quixotic1]

Hi, Willow, I got all confused and answered most of what I wanted to say to your other thread.  

At one point you asked how we all do it.  I can only answer - one day at a time and with a little help from my friends and family.  Family and/or financial problems combined with chronic illness make the difficulty so much harder.

So, do they think you also have MS, or do they think you are having strokes from the Lupus cerebritis?  Sounds like they decided you have both.  I can't imagine.  Either way you are welcome here no matter what the diagnosis.  We are an equal opportunity support group.

I could not make it out of my recliner if it were not for the Provigil (modenafil) I take for fatigue.  It is a brain stimulant used in narcolepsy, shift work fatigue, adult ADD, and off-label for the fatigue of MS.  It is the only reason I am able to participate on this forum.  For this problem they also use Amantadine, which was originally developed as a med for Parkinson's, then they descovered it worked as an antiviral (or vice versa???)  Later it was found to help with fatigue in MS.  With kidney disease this is something you should discuss with your docs.

But, I wholeheartedly agree with Rena about taking care of yourself first.  Your kids are grown and you can't help them if you aren't functional.  

Yes, most MSers and many researchers agree that severe stressors (emotional and physical) will bring on an MS relapse.  All the researchers say that stress does NOT cause MS in the beginning, but may allow it to present when it does.

Do you have any kind of meds for your facial pain?  Have they diagnosed Trigemeinal Neuralgia?  Does your doc know about the eye pain, or is that old news?  We can give you info on these also if you need it.

Again, I'm glad you reposted.  Quix

[Rena705]

Hi Willow...I am so glad to see that you are back!  I am glad that you are not feeling so alone but I am so sad that you are having such a hard time with the family!  I can understand that you would be upset about the situation with your daughter and I understand when you say that she is "emotionally stunted" but Willow, there really isn't much that you can do.  She is past the age of majority and legally she is able to make her own decisions.

I know that is hard to hear right now when your emotions are so raw but just wait a minute ok?  You say that she had moved in with someone that has a history of abuse.  Willow if that is the case, she may need you in the future.  If you are in the state you are now due to the stress of the situation, you will not be able to help your daughter later when she needs you!  Please seek the assistance of your doctor to help you get through this tough time!  Your dr. can give you something to help calm you!

I have been diagnosed with MS but have been told that it is in and has been in remission since 1993 but I don't believe it...I have had to deal with many stressors over the years and it can make you good and sick!

Willow, please make an appointment with your pcp for tomorrow if possible and explain the situation to her/him and they will be able to guide you as to what is best for your goodwill.  Then, once you are feeling stronger, you can deal with what is happening with your daughter's decision.

We are all behind you here and I am glad that you have returned.  I am hoping and I am sure that others on the Forum will give you more advice than you know what to do with but you can sort out what you want and what you don't.  We are here, 24/7, please let us know what you are going to do once you have made a plan.  You need to look after yourself first...then you will help your daughter...

Lots' of Hugs,

Rena705