Last post Mon, Jun 16 2008 2:41 PM by lorylin. 17 replies.
Sarah: I need to clarify what I said earlier. Sensitivity to light is a common complaint in people with MS. While they are very in similar in most people, they are two different things in a person with MS. --hinge
I did not see that you live in the same area as I do!
There is a MS specialist I see down there, Craig Smith that is the bomb of diagnosing and treatments.
His specialty is the eyes and MS, but, look him up on the net and you will find several articles he has been involved with.
But, the bes thing is to not question every thing, just go see someone. The mind will play tricks on you and you will get wiggy about everything. Just get some help, and Craig Smith is in Seattle.
Good luck girl...it will work out.
Sarah,
Being afraid is NORMAL. MS is more frightening than harmful most of the time. If it is MS, there is treatment. I was terrified at first. My first symptoms showed at 14, but diagnosis did not occur until 28! I'm 40, now, with 2 kids and a hubby. I can do most everything, and I CAN still walk. Please continue seeking medical help, but chat with SANE people who are disabled. MS cannot always be easily diagnosed, and a diagnosis is not always definative. MS does not always mean wheelchair-bound or loss of limb use. Even if limbs, speech, or vision are impaired, they can return to full use after treatment. Most episodes or exacerbations can be reversed with steroid treatment. My parents were not always helpful nor supportive, but you must find someone to help you, preferably a guardian or relative, maybe a friend, teacher, coach, youth group leader, someone trustworthy. Use the message board as a last resort, but the message board cannot physically hug you, nor cry with you.
When I finally told my father, the first thing out of his mouth was, "is it MS?" You see, I have a cousin with the same disease, and we are very good friends now. Your parents may have information that can be helpful. You are not sparing them any pain if you hide the truth from them. Let them support you if they can. Life is so fleeting. My oldest is 14, and I still love him as much as when he was only nursing. I would be hurt if one of my children were suffering and did not inform me. Parents naturally want to comfort their kids.
Be strong, Sarah.
Lorylin
