Hi guys
I’m Ben and newly diagnosed ( RRMS)
I’m really struggling to get my head around this tbh. I had convinced myself that I didn’t have MS so when I was diagnosed it was a bit of a shock but initially I was quite positive. Lately though I have become really low, I’m snapping at everyone which is unlike me. I feel a bit lost and unsure how to move forward in life now. I used to be really healthy which i guess I took for granted and I used control my stress with exercise but can’t do that now 
Sorry to be so negative on my first post, it’s just the last few weeks have been really crappy
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Hi. Ben, when I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2014 I threw a party because the other possibility was a brain tumor. So although you’ve obviously had a shock and it takes time to come to terms with it, don’t let it knock you back too much life can still be good. I used to be Mr active too, and now I’m almost permanently in a chair so it’s been difficult. What I would say is keep doing as much as you can for as long as possible and keep in touch with friends and family as much as possible.
After diagnosis I had 10 years still working (forestry) and travelling so if your condition will allow it keep doing it. Now although life has changed its still good. Coffee and cake in beach cafe every day, reading loads, dived down a sudoku rabbit hole and loving it.
Taking with fellow travellers is good.
Love and best wishes from the.happy.gardener (Mark)
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Hi Ben.
It’s amazing - I could have written either yours or Marks posts. Mine started as a suspected brain tumor in late 2023 then, time and tests went by and, I was diagnosed with RRMS in February this year. I quite liked that it took a while because, although I suspected it was coming until then I was just the same old me with nothing wrong. We’re all still the same blokes mate - just with new limits as the sand slowly shifts. It will take time to adjust - there’s no need to apologise on here. I get my moments when I get the hump. I think we just have to be aware of it and pause for a moment.
You’ve got this far mate so, every day that you wake up can be a good day. We will all get used it and adjust in time.
All the best mate 
Jon.
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Hi Ben,
I’m sorry you’ve had this diagnosis. Good on you for posting in here and seeking support, we’re a friendly bunch 
I think it’s very normal that your feelings are a bit all over the place. And it might be like that for some time. Give yourself time to process all this, and seek support from friends and family. Maybe consider seeing a therapist if you want someone independent to talk it all through with. (I’m a psychotherapist and think that most people would benefit from some therapy, so I’m a bit biased!).
You might find it helpful to connect with your local MS Society group too. You can search for your local group on the MS Society website. My local group are great and have been very welcoming and kind, and they do all kinds of socials and activities.
Keep posting
Alison
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Hi @benkin68 you are in good Company in terms of experiencing shock, distress and feeling lost. I think we have all been there. I was diagnosed around 19 years ago and like many, went through a period of grieving and loss. I hope this doesn’t sound platitudinous but give your self time to go through those stages of shock, loss and grieving.
Things that I found helpful included learning as much as I could about MS - know what you are dealing with and how best to help yourself - physically, mentally and emotionally. I looked at websites such as the MS Society, the MS Trust and Overcoming MS - I found the latter very good for fostering a sense that in addition to whatever DMT you are on there are things you can do to help yourself including diet, exercise and meditation/mindfulness.
You say you can’t exercise. Do you mind me asking what effects the MS has had on you?
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When you’re young and healthy it is perfectly normal and natural to assume that will stay the case, and for most people it does. It is extremely bad luck when it doesn’t and you have had extremely bad luck. It’s a tough scene that you are in the middle of and many of us, including old timers like me, will remember what that feels like. Try not too be too hard on yourself as you work through these difficult early days. It’s hard, this bit, and it isn’t fair, and anger and fear are perfectly reasonable responses. You’re dealing with things in the best way you can and that will do. There isn’t a right way to do this, honestly, messy and difficult are the norm in those tough early days.
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