just been diagnosed and very scared, trying not to show it

Hi Anne-Marie, what an awful time you've been having. Terrible to have all these symptoms and not much information! I can relate to a lot of the symptoms you describe... although the vision problems don't sound like anything I've heard of before... but the trouble with MS is that it does present different problems in different people so sometimes you can have symptoms that aren't common to other people with MS.

It takes time for a neurologist to be able to tell which type of MS you have. They often will monitor your symptoms for a year or even much longer until they can tell what type. At this stage though I wouldn't wouldn't worry about the type... MS is MS and learning what type it is will come in time.

I haven't heard of gabapentin causing incontinence problems but it can be a problem with MS. The nurse (who hopefully you will see soon) will be able to advise you about ways to deal with it and there are also drugs that can help.

There are all sorts of myths about lumbar puncture... in fact loads of people have them without any problems at all. I've never ever heard of anyone being paralysed by having one (I was terrified when I had one and then couldn't believe how easy it was)... but anyway, it sounds now that it won't be necessary.

Until they work out what type of MS you have the medication is quite restricted. For primary progressive a lot of people use gabapentin. There are a few others, Amitripyline is an antidepressant that is used in low dose for nerve pain. Pregabalin and Topamax are both a bit like Gabapentin (ie low-dose epileptic drugs) that are also used... but Gabapentin is probably the most common. When you see the nurse you will be able to discuss the different medications.

You've no doubt noticed that symptoms are worse if you are tired or stressed, so try and rest as much as possible. The problems with your arm sound really awful, but again, I'm sorry to say, not unusual for MS.

Have you anyone you can talk to about this? It's a terrible thing to be going through on your own and I hope you have someone to support you and help you come to terms with your diagnosis. I know you'll find this hard to belive, but there is life after getting MS. It takes time to get used to the diagnosis and to understanding how your own body reacts to the MS.... to learn to live with your symptoms... but it does happen. You take it one day at a time and coming on here can be a real boost... just knowing that other people understand what you're going through!

I suggest you post on Everyday Living as well... it's a bigger group and is for everyone with MS, whatever type.

I hope this has at least answered some of your questions. Remember, everyone on here knows what it's like... the not knowing, the distressing symptoms and getting the diagnosis. You're not alone although I know at first it feels like it. If you haven't anyone to talk to about your fears your GP can refer you for counselling on the NHS. It can be a great help just to be able to talk to someone and they can really help you sort your feelings out.

Take care... and I mean that... give yourself lots of TLC. 

Pat x

Pat and Chris has covered everything, I can only read for a little while BUT this is a great site, take care M

Hi again Anne-Marie, Have you read 'What is MS?' tab at top of this page? Some good info on there about the different types of MS and about symptoms

Relapsing Remitting means that you have a type of MS where you have relapses and then you go into remission (Remitting) when you don't have symptoms or the symptoms are much less. So take a read about it if you haven't already.

Emotionally we have a double-whammy with MS. The lesions in our brains can cause mood changes and depression (and sometimes highs), but also actually learning to live with MS and the symptoms can have a psychological impact... so yet more mood changes and depression.

Feeling that you want to hurt someone physically is a sign that you are suffering with very bad depression and anxiety (is it any wonder?)... BUT it is extreme and Anne-Marie you need to get some help with this. You need to go and see your GP and get something to help you get through this. Lots of people on here take antidepressants and say they really help get them through a bad time. As I said before, counselling can also help a lot. Don't put it off. The GP will know exactly what to give you and how to help you. Be honest about your feelings.

You need to get yourself into a state of mind where you can cope with this. Having MS does not mean you will be a burden on your husband. It does not mean that you are going to be in bed having to be nursed night and day. It does mean that you are going to have to make changes to your life that you had not planned for, and you can do that. The fact that so many people do it proves that it can be done. But first you have to cope with your depression and anxiety which are stopping you from being able to cope with this.

There are some alternative therapies which some people say help, but deal with the depression first.

Please call your GP and make an appointment. 

Take care,

Pat x

AlsoHello Anne Marie I have just read your post, you are not alone, You must look into LDN for the bladder problem, you have to get a private subscription Dicksons/skips pharmacy but it is the only thing I can say that has helped that awful feeling of wanting a wee all the time!, Also I take Baclofen, couldnt live without it, relaxes your legs and it gives you  really good nights sleep, please try these x 

I'm sorry you've joined our world - it is a club that we would all like to close the membership to new members because that would mean that they had found a cure for MS.  However, welcome on board and hoping we can help you come to terms with your situation.

One of the first things that really helped me was my physio asking if I had 'claimed my MS' yet'.   I didn't understand at first but gradually the realization hit me - I have MS and I am the expert on my MS!  We all suffer with the same decease but we all suffer differently.  Gradually, as you listen to others, you pick out the bits that are similar to you and find how they have coped, and come to terms with things.

After a while you begin to realise that you understand your body and your MS better than the experts, you learn what works for you and what is a possitive no-no as far as you are concerned.

Be kind to yourself - do NOT try to do too much at once, do a bit and leave a bit is the way I've learned to cope.  If you feel good - DO NOT OVER-DO IT!!!  You will live to regret it I am sure of that.

Remember - energy is not a bottomless pit.  It is a valuable commodity to be used wisely - just use a little then allow the pot to re-fill rather than use it all at once.

Nothing is impossible BUT it does take an awfull lot longer with MS.

We are all supporting you on your new journey and willing you to find the easiest route (sorry no sat-nav's have been programmed as yet!)  Luv Ann

Hi Anne-Marie. Sorry to hear what you're going through. It helps if you have either an Occupational Therapist or MS Nurse to help you. I've posted this advice a few times in this forum, so I hope it helps.

• With people who have Multiple Sclerosis or Lupus and have difficulties with their mobility, they can use crutches to walk (or a walking stick). Outdoors, they can also use a four wheeled walking frame. Indoors, a four wheeled trolley can be used. Contact your local council (e.g. Social Services) to ask if you can get any of these items free of charge.
• The NHS Wheelchair Service can provide wheelchairs free of charge, and someone will visit your home address once a year to check the wheelchair. You need to be referred by your GP to the NHS Wheelchair Service.
• For hospital appointments, some hospitals will provide transport (ambulance or car) where they pick you up and take you back home, so call the hospital or your GP to arrange this (it's likely your mobility will be assessed with a few questions before transport is booked).
• Occupational Therapists can arrange for grab rails to be fitted for the bath, or to give you a bath board to sit on.
• As for essential gardening (e.g. removing weeds), if your landlord is council or housing association they should do this for you.

All the best Anne-Marie.