Since my diagnosis of ppms my outlook on life has changed. I used to be that person who would always be there to help, put others first. Now I put myself first which has probably shocked a few people but I’ve also seen who my real friends are, those who don’t just say “if you need anything” but are actually there and even tell me to stop being so stubborn and ask for help.
It hasn’t been a year since my diagnosis but I’m finding it hard to get my head round this, keep asking myself the same questions and am actually afraid of the future and what lays ahead.
Sorry about the bit of a rant
Got no answers but I feel your pain. I too found out who my friends were, and some of those have now dropped off the radar following my husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
There are the friends who say, “if you need anything just ask” I hate asking, I hate the loss of independence.
I especially hate when I do “just ask” they’re not able/available/whatever.
Then there’s those who don’t wait to be asked, but ask me what I need and how can they help.
They are few but much appreciated by me.
I think it’s certainly true that many ‘friends’ are what I suppose could be called ‘social friends’ - the circle of folk you know and enjoy meeting up with . Real ‘friends ‘ are pretty rare - and to be treasured! (Just thinking aloud but I guess friendship is a ‘social transaction’ where each party gets something ). I’m yet to do it but at some point I will probably join one of the MS Society’s regional/ local groups who meet up for chats , coffees, meals etc.
More generally, yes having MS can be a lonely journey and requires some effort to deal with not just the physical side of things but also the social ( emotional, and mental) aspects of life.