Finally diagnosed today. Does this mean a I am classed as disabled now? All rather confusing and not taking much in.
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Hi Rachel, I hope you’re well. Sorry to hear about your diagnosis x
I didn’t really understand the whole Disability/Disabled thing either. I suppose it’s not a nice blow to get your head around and accept. I’m still struggling with it 
You certainly have a disability now. Someone that can explain it better than me will be along to help shortly 
… I think being disabled sort of depends on how yours is effecting you. I was diagnosed with RRMS a couple of months ago and, my brain lesions cause me to be partially sighted and, they cause epilepsy but, my mobility is still ok so, I find the disabled thing hard to accept. That said - I don’t much like the Disability bit either but, I am a stubborn git. There’s folks on here that have it a lot worse than me (wheelchair users etc) that are most certainly disabled. How are you getting on? 
Jon.
Thank you Jan. thank you also for sharing. I have know about this possible diagnosis since November last year. Not sinking in yet. Had to declare it to DVLA today. Guess I was wondering if they needed to know what else this means. Thanks again Rachel
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Hi Rachel, you’re welcome x
Ah, the DVLA - brace yourself for endless beauracracy and messing about 
they’ll move at snail pace, lose important paperwork and keep passing the buck for someone else to take the blame for deciding on your suitablility to drive now. Remember - your driving licence belongs to you, not them. It’s a great form of ID so don’t send it to them because you will probably never see it again. They’re staffed top to bottom by people that couldn’t survive in a real work place. I took myself off the roads in late 2023 - I have no intention of ever driving again because of my new limits and, because the roads are utter chaos and mayhem nowadays. I have no plans to ever inform the DVLA. Keep hold of what little control you still have x
Sorry to sound so negative but, fore warned is fore armed.
Take care mate - All the best x
Jon.
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Hi Jon
ha ha 
Im totally with you! I’m just renewing my licence right now. - even though I’ve taken myself off the road - haven’t driven for over 4 years ( got RR MS )
Yes -it’s totally frustrating - but I’ve got an incredible wife who chauffeurs me & takes me to appointments when and wherever…
Yeah - it’s an essential form of id.
Totally agree with you
Ade
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No. An MS diagnosis doesn’t make you disabled - your symptoms do.
MS can be an on/off thing and it can worsen over time. A MS diagnosis doesn’t entitle you to any benefits, such as PIP. Your level of impairment, confirmed by your MS Consultant / MS Team may be considered serious enough for you to qualify for certain things. You’ve not described your level of impairment in your original post - many people with MS can live normal lives for decades and hold down jobs, sometimes with adaptions to routine and work scope as their condition progresses.
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Hi Rachel
There is so much to take in and everyone has a different take on it, depending on their own experience. Most importantly, be patient with and kind to yourself.
With regard to being disabled, according to the Equality Act 2010 with regard to disability protections “Progressive conditions: Conditions like HIV, cancer, and multiple sclerosis are covered from the point of diagnosis” - which is very useful if you are working, you cannot be made redundant simply for having MS; also your employers should make reasonably adjustments to help you stay in employment. That said it is entirely up to you when and if you decide to tell employers about your MS.
You do need to let DVLA know, they will want to contact your GP/Neurologist etc. to determine if you are considered safe to drive - many people with MS are safe to drive (you will know when you are not). You will probably get a 3 year licence to begin with and if things are stable, you should get a 5 year licence and so on.
Your Neurologist/MS Nurse will discuss disease modifying drugs/therapies (DMD aka DMT) and which they consider best for you; usually 2 or 3 drugs and they will discuss with you to decide the best for you.
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You are right about the Disability Act 2010 but it may be in conflict with the Care Act 2014.
A lot of people seem to think “Disabled” = “Benefits” and that is not the case if you are living acceptably well in spite of the label. I hasten to add that with MS your circumstances could change over time.
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For practical purposes you are no more or less disabled than you are pre-diagnosis. People with MS have the distinction of having one of the few specifically-named conditions in the Equality Act 2010. So if your MS gives you difficulties that cause you to ask your employer to make reasonable adjustments to help you stay at work, that can be useful. I can’t think of anything else good to say about MS, I’m afraid. 
I am sorry about your diagnosis.
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