I agree that mood swings seem common in MS. In my case, one of my larger lesions is on the left frontal lobe and apparently that can cause a variety of personality issues.
It makes it hard to try to be so careful when I speak to others which adds to stress and fatigue but you and your loved ones will adapt as you have with other symptoms. I know you feel guilty and sorry but it truly isn't anything you are doing intentionally.
You will have certain moments more trying than others and will maybe blurt out something you wish you hadn't, but your loved ones will let you know how they feel so try not to overburden yourself with guilt. You are only human and fighting a chronic disease at the same time, that will put the strongest person on edge.
Hang in there,
Corrie
I have been more irritable ... I don't think it's a symptom, per se, but it's just so much harder to follow conversations/try to be "up"/use the correct words/concentrate when distracted be all the ms-y detritus -- I can feel that I'm more quick to get short-tempered most of the time. Especially if I'm trying to multi-task. I don't do that well any more.
That's actually one of my biggest symptoms...I can be SO irritable when I used to never be. I was always easy-going and calm. Now the smallest irritations overwhelm me and I lose it.
I hate it and feel like such a horrible person. It's one of the worst things that has changed about me since this whatever it is started taking over. It's one of the things that makes me certain that something is going on with me neurologically -- because it's been such a huge personality change.
I have actually read that irritability is not uncommon with MS, like depression. Seems I see it pop up plenty here on the forum too. I don't know??
Thank you both. Maybe counselling would be helpful.
Hi Corrie-
MS can have a rather broad range if cognitive impact. Typically it manifests in faulty memory, general spaciness, the inability to find words when speaking...I have not heard many references to the short fuse you mention with MS alone. I had that issue when I was getting high dose IV steroids. My GF said I was pretty quick to get angry.
MS is very scarey and you don't have much control over it. Your quick temper may be a symptom of your MS. It could also be part or your processing the fact that you have an incurable disease the is attacking your central nervous system. That's a pretty ugly bit of information to sort out. .It will take time.
I found therapy to be very helpful. I saw a therapist for a year following my DX.
Kyle
You have an awful lot on your plate? Displacement of emotions no matter what you have can do that to a person. Don't be too hard on yourself and it sounds like your husband is quite understanding.
I've been on steriods for 4 days and it has changed my personality to loving, compassionate, outgoing to snapping at the slightest of things and finding myself angry. I've not yet experienced this with steriods before but this time its right out there. Lucky boyfriend of mine :D
Don't be too hard on yourself and it wouldn't hurt to go see someone professionally to discuss these emotions. Maybe it is a part of MS and maybe its the situation at hand? Either way, discussing it with a third party can't hurt, right?
Lisa