Newly diagnosed and really curious about what to expect

Welcome and introductions
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I’m Phil, almost just 73. I’ve been having endless tests for the past three years to try and get the reason for my increasing problems with balance. Now, following MRIs by Leeds Neurology Dept, I’ve at last got an answer. Now one I ever saw coming at my age, but, yes, it’s MS
As my life is also due to change in that I’m going to be leaving here and moving to live independently. That’s adding to the worries in that I don’t know how long I’ll be able to look after myself. I certainly don’t want to go into a care home! Anyway, I’m here and part of this family. So “Hi, everyone!”

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Hi Phil and sorry to hear of your long journey to diagnosis. If you are happy to share what are your main symptoms?

I’m 71 and was diagnosed some 18-19 years ago , been on Avonex since then. Still sort of mobile - can walk for 10 minutes or so and happily potter around the house and garden

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Hi Hank - thanks for replying. My main problem is not being able to walk straight without the use of a stick.
This is made worse by my balance is pretty awful
Driving is now out as my eft foot cant tell where the clutch is
All in all, I’m very much down because my once-active life seems finished

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Th

That is a feeling that is familiar to many of us when we are diagnosed - at any age. All I can say is that we are resilient creatures and most of us, with a moderate dose of luck, find a way to deal with whatever comes along. Hang on in there.

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Hi Phil. Yes MS does kind of change things ! It’s my right leg that is the problem and yes I have to watch my balance. I find a walking pole a lot better than a stick - gives me more balance and ‘power’ .

I used to be a hill walker (Lake District and Scotland) but all that went. These days I’m pleased if I can walk for 15 mins on the flat. It took a while but I now get pleasure and happiness from being outside, pottering in the garden, going down country lanes and paths on a mobility scooter.

Apologies if I’m repeating things that you know already but being as physically active as you can is important for us folk with MS ( important for everyone but esp if you have MS). At one time my local gym came up with an exercise regime for me but that was in the pre-Covid and pre- tight budget days.

My only advice is to enjoy what you can, do the things you want to while you can. You do sort of adjust to a ‘new normal’.