My girlfriend has just split up with me, I was really in love with her, and she was really honest with me. This is the first time someone has said I can’t carry on this relationship because I can’t deal with your illness. I have had MS for 23 years now and I have seen most of my friends disappear because they can’t deal with it. I have a son and a dog. So it’s not all bad! My son stays for a few nights every week, he’s 17. I’ve just had my license taken away so I can’t help him with driving, but I have appealed. MS seems to take away a lot and gives very little back. I say very little, because there are some gifts. When I had a girlfriend I remembered that I was a funny friendly guy, but now that has gone, I need to find that person again.
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Well done for posting this mate 
You’ll take the most kicks when you’re down. Some will be right in the nuts and hurt.
Sorry to hear that your partner has walked away but, at least she had the good grace to be honest with you. Take the fresh start as a good thing if you can. You’ll still be the funny and friendly guy that you always were. Some things never leave us. Once you get chatting with new people again, you’ll realise that and, they’ll warm to you. A nice lady may even take an interest in you - I wouldn’t be surprised 
The old friends that have disappeared can’t have been real friends so, stuff 'em.
Where about s are you? You may have a local group of nice people in the same boat that understands. My local group here in Swindon is great.
The driving licence being taken away is an awkward one - DVLA are a nightmare to deal with but, if you keep at them, they may issue you a 3 year licence but, it could take time.
It’s great that you still have your son and a dog
The dog really will be man’s best friend - it will be your companion by your side for as long as it can be.
What dog do you have? What’s it’s name?
Best wishes mate
Jon.
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Thanks for your reply. I was really into my girlfriend but I do appreciate her honesty. All my previous ones and friends have just gone quiet on me and disappeared. But I don’t think my dog is going to, he’s a miniature dachshund and he’s hilarious. (Mostly, when he’s not barking. His name is Frankl.)
My friends were good friends but that’s the past now. Who knows what’s around the corner? I know life is full of surprises.
I used to go to the MS centre in Gloucester, but I didn’t really get on with it. I felt I only shared a disease in common with the people there. It’s weird, I know we were all humans, we had that in common. But nothing else, shame. Maybe I’m weird?!
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I’m sure you’re no weirder than everyone else. Keep smiling and keep enjoying what you’ve got. Good things will come I’m sure
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That fella isn’t gone, it’s just knock you down, you need too get back up and stay positive. You have a son and Frank.
May-be give the local MS group another shot, what you got to lose only time. You never know the new Mrs Shillington might be a member 
.
All the best mate.
Mac.
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Gloucester eh? You’re only up the road from me
I had to read the bit about your dog to my missus - she loved it we had a little chihuahua called Frank (he was her dog really) until last October. He was also a funny little barker.
I’ve always been a bit of a loner and happy in my own company. My family are all very close and, although I’ve always found it easy to get along with anyone, I never really did have many friends so, I suppose that helps to make this chapter of my life a little easier.
Appreciating a bit more common ground with the people around you that you spend time with, other than this poxy disease doesn’t make you weird at all mate
It’s a shame about your local group. The folks in the local one here chat about all sorts. As suggested above, it may be worth giving yours 1 more go.
If you’re ever this way, I know the Swindon group would be happy to see you
Some nice replies from moirah and Mac. I know I don’t have o tell you - this place is full of great people. Keep being yourself mate
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Thanks for your message, I really enjoyed reading it. I actually live in Stroud, I reckon there must be a group here.
I’m feeling more positive today, I had a fairly full on tooth operation last week, but I’m starting to feel better. It’s always harder dealing with these things on your own, but there’s maybe strength in that?
I love meeting chihuahuas in the park, we always seem to bond for some reason. Great characters.
I really appreciate your reply and you have helped me in a tricky time. So thank you.
I will keep looking for support! I’ll let you know how I get on
Tom
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Thank you for your message. I’m going to embrace my weirdness!
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Welcome to the forum!
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You’re welcome mate
I suppose the best we can do is keep our chin up and keep moving forward. A tooth operation doesn’t sound like any fun at all 
Chihuahuas are funny little things, they can be quite aloof so, you must be a decent chap if they’re pleased to see you in the park
Do keep dropping in here with updates mate. It’ll be good to know how you’re getting on.
All the best Tom.
Jon.
hey tom, welcome to the forum! I’m sorry to hear all of this.
I like to think it will do you good to grieve what has passed - these things are extraordinarily painful, and there is no point pretending otherwise. but you will get through it, and I would want to vouch for what others have said: while MS does take and take, and make the future look foggy and frightening, there is no reason why the unexpected can’t happen in its midst. new friends are possible (to lose the old may have been a blessing..) and a new partner might be, too. anything can happen; MS doesn’t change that.
it’s good to recognise the good things you do have, too, and it’s always worth holding onto the fact that the funny friendly guy is still very much there; he just might be buried underneath a few things right now. but I really do know what you mean here - I was only diagnosed last december, but for much of that time, it really seemed to hollow me out of who I felt I was. for much of that time, I haven’t recognised myself. but I like to think that the funny friendly guy will find you, in time, and not the other way around.
wishing you all the best with things; nil desperandum