Adjusting to a MS diagnosis

[doublevision1]

A while ago I found this article, “After the Diagnosis,” by writer Joan Didion, about her experience in coming to terms with her MS diagnosis:

http://www.lifewithms.com/after~1.htm

In it, she talks about the range of emotional and psychological implications of a diagnosis, its impact on her self-confidence, self-image and self-esteem; she covers the issues of uncertainty, fear, responsibility, disclosure; and the influence of a dx on relationships including dependence, anger, manipulation, love and support.

This is a chapter in a book compiled by Barbara Webster, entitled “All of a Piece: A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.”  It was published in 1991, but the essence of the material is timeless.  It looks like the book is now out of print, but appears to be available online in its entirety.

Didion’s chapter in this book was particularly useful to me in the earliest days of my diagnosis, and I still go back to it from time to time.  I thought that perhaps some of you, especially those newly diagnosed, might get some value from it as well.

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[CtResident]

Very interesting piece, thank you for the link!

I saw someone last week and he asked "how are you"? I had that one millisecond hesitation: is it the social formality or do I blaze ahead and tell him the real deal in my life?

So, I gave him the 5-minute short version of the symptoms and all that and tidied it up nicely with "but in general, I'm doing fine, thank you!"

Thought that I could get away with my reply by keeping it brief and saying it with a cheerful smile. You know, best of both worlds.

But the real me had the usual attack of GUILT one minute after I ended. I harbored that guilt for a couple of days.....something I really need to work on.

I'm thinking that when/if I get The Diagnosis, how will I deal with it? Pretty much by keeping my mouth shut? By only telling those who need to know? I've already told my kids that sometimes I seem fine and then just canNOT do anymore. Today was one of those days.

Suzanne

[doublevision1]

I just realized I think the article was actually written by Barbara Webster herself; the quote at the start is by Didion.  Ought to give credit where it is due!   I was confused; Didion has MS too.