Evening guys I was diagnosed September 2012 and im still finding it really hard to accept. God i know I ll never ever be happy with it just hoping this anger will pass just when I think im learning to accept this crappy disease have bad day and I get angry and upset all over again. Hope this doesnt sound stupid but can anyone recommend any coping strategies or is it best to ride it out and 1 day just accept it Xx
Hi
I was diagnosed in august last year im relapsing at the moment and totally fed up 
I understand what your going through it’s hard to accept, I kinda think to myself well its not terminal, I still have a life,I’m still me,so I try and look for the positives where ever I can. Yes times like now mid relapse are totally crap but when I’m not relapsing I live a pretty normal life.Keep strong 
Thank you for your response When i was diagnosed i was aged 27 with secondary progessive which has progressed very quickly. Think my problems is I dont live a normal life since this and just gets worse when I dont think it can . Surely theres a way I can learn to live with this Xx
You will do I’m sorry it’s affecting your life so much, it does do it’s so difficult at times I was 33 when I finally got diagnosed and I was in total shock, but I can’t let this swine of a disease beat me.Do you have any support? I’m married with 2 boys but my husband is really struggling with the whole ms thing. Are you able to work? or have hobbies?
Hello Miss Pottstop - I’m so sorry you’re finding it hard coming to terms with your MS. I was diagnosed a couple of months after you in Nov 12 and I guess I had a roller coaster ride of emotions as most of us do. I’ve always been someone who has just got on with life - and I find it extremely frustrating that I can no longer do all the things I used to do without giving a moments thought. One thing that I’ve learnt is that when I get upset about stuff, I feel exhausted afterwards! I’ve got little enough energy as it is, so these days I try to accept the restrictions that MS brings and concentrate on doing the things I still can do. For example I can’t go for a long walk in the countryside, but I can enjoy the garden and take time to notice a new rosebud which is about to burst into flower, a bird collecting stuff to make her nest etc etc.
Yes, there’s much I miss about my ‘old’ life but in this new ‘MS life’ I try to concentrate on (not always successfully!) and be grateful for the little things.
I hope this is of some help to you , maybe others will suggest alternative ways of coping.
Hazel x
Hi
I expect most of us can relate to what you’re feeling. The anger is a normal stage of the grieving process, as you grieve the loss of your old life (google stages of grief to find out more about that.)
I want to say though that you can be happy again. Not happy that you have MS of course, but happy nonetheless. In terms of coping strategies, I find journalling is good to do, and I regularly practice mindfulness meditation since takng part in a study into it funded by the MS Society. It helps me with things like well-being, pain, and a general feeling of peace.
Another thing I used to do each day was to ask myself what were the things that day that energised me, that I enjoyed,where I feltlike I was being truly me, or felt like they were good for me somehow.And then I’d ask the opposite - what things de-energised me& left me feelng drained & empty, or where I didn’t feel like I was really being true to myself. Over time I’d notice similar things come up in answer to each question. So now I can use this information to help me make better choices.So for example, I noticed that spending time engaging with nature somehow really nourished my soul. And just watching telly all evening would leave me feeling empty & a bit frustrated. So now that if I’m not sure what to do with my evening, I’d be better off doing something like go into the countryside or watch the birds flying outside the window, than I will be just watching mindless telly.
Hope that helps
Dan
Morning guys Once again for you replys. I do have support from my partner but can see hes struggling too. I used to love working but had to give that up too. Im trying to find something I can enjoy and relax but struggling being stuck in this damm wheel chair. Like you said getting upset drains you but when its starts I cant stop crying lol. Ive Googled the stages think im stuck in the anger stage. Xx
Hello hun. I am saddened by your post and the difficulty you have in accepting your lot.
One thing I`ve picked up from your latest reply, are the words
being stuck in this damm wheelchair
Dunno if this will help at all…my way of looking at my wheelie is to see it as my best friend.
You see I`ve needed it full time for just over 10 years now. If I didnt have it, I would be both bed and house bound.
I dont get out much, but I am able to ride around our bungalow and garden.I`m looking forward to Spring and a short break away with carers.
I see you are only in your 20s, approaching your 30s, MS has targeted you in the prime of your life.
But even a life with MS can still be a good life, once you get your had round it.
I know some days it is easier to do that than other, more challenging days.
luv Pollx
Hi miss P
I was angry for about 3 years. It is part of the grieving process and we all go through this although with minor variations. It can come in waves as each new insult is received. I started to accept when I realised that the anger was only damaging me and making family and friends tired and frustrated.
You will not believe until it happens how powerful acceptance is. It allows you to live albeit with limitations.
I have had MS since I was 22 and I was a competative swimmer until aged 45 and I walked 10 miles on the Grand Canyon rim in 2001 (my last walk) with numb feet and right leg. This was the start of disability as a result of the many relapses but we are all a bit different in the progress and severity of this disease. I feel personally that if I can’t change it I won’t waste prescious energy worrying about it.
Concentrate on what you can do and what you enjoy the most.
Cheers
Moira
Hi… when my mum was diagnosed more than 20yrs ago back in iran we hadnot even heard of ms !! …I read your post for her she wishes you well and that she cried for a long time… but concentrate on the good things you still have in your lifexx
Thank you all for your replies means alot so much encouragement xx