sorry in advance-- had a bit of a day and now feel completely shattered. had day off work today, but got a 10 hr shift tomorrow.
The reality has hit me today- after gp stating the letters from the neuro said they think i have ms- no ones ever said they think it is, just its a posibility.
Anyway, we have a huge mortage, 2 young children and no savings. we also have no critical illness cover - only life cover on the mortage. I know many people cope fine with work, but I’m really struggling. have not had to take time on sick yet, just used some holidays. I’m scared if I do go on the sick it may be for weeks or longer.
Sorry for the moan, suppose I’m trying to look at things practically so if I do get diagnsoed I know what to expect.
You’re not moaning at all hun and even if you were it wouldn’t matter. We all need to get things off our chest sometimes so don’t apologise, that’s what this forum is for. There are a lot of people going through the same things as you are at the moment, so you are not alone in this.
Some people say that you shouldn’t worry about what might never happen but from my own experience, it does help to think about a backup plan as it gives you at least some feeling of control when going through the uncertainty of a diagnosis. Saying that, you don’t want to get yourself into a panic about it as you will almost certainly make your symptoms worse and having a diagnosis doesn’t mean that your life instantly changes and you have to give up stuff if you are capable of doing it.
If the fatigue is what is causing most of your problems, it may be worth talking to your neuro about some medication which might help. There are two which are used for fatigue, Modafinil and Amantadine. If you aren’t seeing your neuro for a while, it may be worth giving his secretary a call and leaving a message for him/her.
On the work front, it may be worth having a word with occupational health if you have one there and maybe they could arrange for you to reduce your hours. Taking annual leave just masks the problem and leaves you with no time to relax, which means that you don’t really get a proper break. I used to take leave when I was ill and wore myself into the ground, so please think about it and cut yourself some slack, I think you’re being too hard on yourself hun.
If it does turn out to be MS, just remember that it is different for everyone and no one can predict what will happen. Some people can work and carry on with little restriction to their lives, some can’t. There are disease modifying drugs which can help and if you are diagnosed, you may be offered these.
Chin up hun! Let us know how it goes and sending you some (((hugs)))!
Everything you said in your post rang bells with me. I was dx a few years ago and like you I work, plus I’m the sole breadwinner. It worries me silly. Mags (Auntiemogs) reply is bang on though, she’s given you some excellent advice.
The stress and the worry is enough to knock us sideways and can have a detrimental effect on our symptoms but it’s also natural to worry about our futures and how we’ll manage. Try to take one step at a time, the first one being getting your fatigue under some sort of control. I’ve been on Modafinil for a long time now and it’s worked wonders. It’s not stopped it altogether but it helps - immensley. Speak with your neuro.
Another thing to consider is your job. I don’t know what you do for a living but are there any changes you could make to how you do things? Prioritising - even the smallest of changes can make a huge difference. The same at home too, I know you have two small children so it’s a lot harder but in terms of things like housework, do what’s necessary and leave the rest for another day, pace yourself.
Putting things in place for your future is not a bad thing - I’m doing the same myself - but also keep in mind that if you do get a firm dx of ms it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to give up your job or make any other major changes. There are lots of services and meds that can help, plus your employer would be legally obligated to make ‘reasonable changes’ to help keep you in your job - obviously there are some occupations where this may not apply - and your employer would need to know to be able to help you in the first place.
Take one step at a time. First stop, speak with your neuro for some meds to help.
Let us know how you get on - pm me anytime if I can help.
I dont have the small children,but did have the fears of paying the bills as we are a start again couple with a 18yrs left on the mortgage.
When you are shattered however it always takes things to a different level on the panic-ometer and will ,as others have said spiral your symptoms out of control and they cycle continues.
On the job front do they know what is going on and is there occy health?
If you are dx and eligible for dmd it may well be relapses are held at bay and your life will continue as normal.
As Debbie says one step at a time,look at what is affecting daily living the most at the moment and tackle that first.
If pain/stiffness is a constant battle, that will wear you down more than you can imagine and there are good medications to help as with addressing the fatigue.
Still feeling really low and stressed which I know is not helping.
Work do know a little, but not all of it - so may make them more aware soon. was hoping by now the drugs given by gp for the dizziness and lightheadedness would have kicked in by now- but sadly no.
Got loads on at work and feel that would be letting the others down if I had time off on sick- currently under staffed and very busy.
Just hoping that it gets better soon.
Having loads of aches and pains especially in arms- usually only the left arm- so if it spreads to right permannently too really have more problems.