I am 17 years old and recently got a Relapsing Remitting Ms diagnosis. I’m not sure what is going to happen to me and how long it will be before I could be dehabilitated. My question is it 100% that I will get to the stage of needing care and wheelchair etc. If I am going to get to that stage is life worth living like that. Being a burden on everyone I love. Having them be responsible for me. It’s the look after you tell someone. The saddening eyes and the i’m so sorry or oh no. Is that going to change or am I going to have everyone feel sorry for “that poor ms boy”. Also I read somewhere that Ms is very similar to a b12 deficiency in early diagnostic stages, is there a chance that it is that. I was diagnosed with a b12 deficiency where i was very deficient like dangerously low. This can’t be my life, it has to be something else right?
Hello Sam,
Don’t worry it’s not all doom and gloom, although I do realise the MS diagnosis is a shock for you and your family. Advances are being made all the time and the new Disease Modifying Drugs are slowing the progression down for many people.
To put it into context for you, you can lend a normal life, but at times you may need some support (that does not mean you are a burden). There is lots of support available even if it sometimes takes a while for it to be accessed.
I’ve had MS since childhood and have led a very full life, I’ve had children and now have grandchildren, I’ve travelled widely and lived in different countries, I had a great career and worked past retirement age. Yes I’m in a wheelchair now, but have an adapted vehicle so can still get out and about and I still enjoy life.
So you see it can be done, I’m living proof of that. I’m not saying there won’t be some hard times (but others without MS have hard times too). What you have to do is enjoy life as much as you can as it passes by so quickly.
Help is there for you during the hard times and during the not so hard times try to enjoy every minute as life is so precious.
((((HUGS)))) Mary
Life is definately worth living. I was diagnosed about 45 yrs old, but they think looking back that my 1st symptom was aged 17. over the years ive had what i now identify as relapses but they were never connected - ive traveled, married, had a family, worked full time etc. and its only the last few years ive had to slow down.
You have your whole life in front of you - no one knows what will happen to them - they could get knocked over crossing the road - but people dont stop going out just because of a possibility. No one can tell you what will happen to you - if or when - nothing is for certain - just live your life regardless of a diagnosis
Hi @samk267
Welcome. I was a teen when I was initially dx RRMS too, when you’re still young, you naturally learn to adapt to having this unpredictable condition imho.
I used to absolutely abhor the thought of having to use walking aids, a walker and wheelchair, now I just think of them an enhancement on my bodily functions; a bit like The Six Million Dollar Man, probably one for Gen X/Millennials to remember. 
I don’t think anyone can really predict what the future holds, so my advice is to look after yourself, keep healthy, think positive and you’ll have a good chance of fending off multiple sclerosis for as long as possible.
Best,
JP
Hi there. ‘Is it 100% that you will get to the stage of needing care , wheelchair etc’? Absolutely not! I can’t remember the stats but something like 1/4 of those with MS go through life with minimal symptoms and , according to the NHS it can be decades before RRMS goes on to secondary progressive , and the picture is changing all the time with new and better treatments becoming available and still more in the pipeline. So don’t despair!
I was diagnosed in my early 50s which is supposed to be bad news in terms of the development of symptoms. I’m now 70 and admittedly have problems walking for more than 10-15 mins but am otherwise lead a pretty normal life.
Learn as much as you can about MS , things to do ( healthy diet etc and not to do ( such as smoking !)