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Newly diagnosed and young!

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Newly diagnosed and young!
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Shona
17 May 2012 at 10:41AM
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Hi everyone,

My names Shona and im 18,  I was diagnosed with MS last week however have been suffering with symptoms from age 14. My neurologist and doctors were unsure as to the diagnoses for years due to being "too young". Now I have found out its a relief knowing what is wrong but am scared and worried about my future. I had to drop out of my A levels due to many symptoms and so have no qualifications apart from GCSE's. Im scared and worried how I am ever going to become qualified in anything or manage a job. I dont know if anyone else has been in my position? I have been with my boyfriend 3 years now and am worried this will become to much for him if things get worse and I will lose him. I have no friends or even know anyone with MS and feel very alone.

Shona x

greenhouse
17 May 2012 at 2:41PM
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Hi Shona, firstly let me say how sorry I am that you've received this DX, the comment makes me smile about not wanting to DX you because you we're too young, when I was DX 6yrs ago aged 47yrs they said I was too old, my Q is how old does someone have to be, anyway you're life doesn't have to stop because of this, you just have to do things slighty differently, as in be kind to yourself, which isn't a bad thing anyway, try to think positively, and also try to look on the bright side, I do and I don't do too bad at all, yes I know there's a big age difference, however if you keep these things in mind, hopefully you wont go far wrong, all the best, and here's to a good future, Luv Jean x

zak_492
17 May 2012 at 3:08PM
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Hi Shona

It's suprising the neurologists thought you may be too young, I remember reading in MS matters of a girl aged three or so who I think had MS, though her father also had it. I am 18 now, retaking my first year of A levels as was diagnosed last year at 17. Like you I too suffered initial symptoms at around 13/14 and doctors kept telling me I had diabetes.

If it's happened it's happened, being upset and worrying - I know is inevitable - doesn't help, just try to make the most of it all. Eat lots of chocolate! For some reason it really helps, don't let the MS take over rather you fight to be the one in control. At first I knew of no one with MS, but as time went on you will meet people with MS and it for me was interesting to hear about MS from a different perspective. Don't live in denial of it rather face it full on, that'd be my advice!

For me too it was a relief to know what was wrong. But don't give up, you can still study, just think hard about which course and find a good college which will offer the right support. I think you should contact the MS helpline, and visit your nearest MS society branch, meet others face to face with MS and ask them for help with the issues that you are worried about and are going through. I'm sure it'll help.

Yes MS changes things, makes life turn upside down, but it is only a road bump not a stop sign! ( I can't remember where I stole that from!)

 

Feel free to message me!

Best of luck

Zak

Shona
17 May 2012 at 6:44PM
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Hi jean, Thankyou very much for your support and i agree you cant be too young or too old! I am determine to get back into studies but like you said to do it slowly and be kind to myself.

Thankyou!

Shona xx

 

rubina
20 May 2012 at 10:59AM
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helloShona and welcome

It's definitely better to know what you're dealing with but it can also be hard adjusting to the news too, so give yourself as much time as you need to get your head round it - there's absolutely no rush. As well as what Zak has already suggested, when you feel ready have a look at some of the publications available on this and the ms trust website - they can be really helpful. You can either download or read them online or choose to have them delivered by post.

The other thing to mention is medications. If you have any ongoing, troublesome symptoms then ask your ms nuse/neuro for some help, don't suffer in silence 'cos meds can make a world of difference to how you feel. Has your neuro mentioned dmd's?

I know that right now you have loads of worries and questions about your future but whatever else happens don't let ms take your plans and dreams away. They're still achievable. Stay as upbeat as you can and pace yourself. Learning your own limitations comes with time but it doesn't mean that you can't have the life that you dream of. Try to keep in mind that no one knows what the future holds..... 

You'll find your own way of dealing with things. For me it's laughter, I try to look on the brighter side of life wherever possible - it helps to take the serious edge off and therefore makes things easier to deal with. 

Good luck Shona and remember that we're always here with a listening ear - or when you just want to chat or have a laugh happy2

Mail me anytime

Debbie xx

p.s. forgot to mention that most colleges & uni's can offer support and even extension times if you let them know that you have health probs!

 

Anonymous
13 Jun 2012 at 9:31PM
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Shona I don't know the history of this good to talk poster. But I do remember a previous thread when people told him to go away and he was talking nonsense

jms
16 Jun 2012 at 1:15PM
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if your boy freind loves you he will take you as you are and still love you regardles. My girlfrend and i got together 4 months before my DX and i was fealing worried that she wouldnt be able to cope and would get up and go.
Im not going to say it has been easy because i would be lieing but we are still together and stronger than ever.
As for the work side of things im having problems in that area my self and hence realy shouldnt be giving advice as i cant sort my own problems

james

Elle2585
16 Jul 2012 at 5:23PM
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Hi hun,

Firstly, your life is not over because of this diagnosis. My best advise it to take each day as it comes. Do what you want to do and just see how it unfolds. If you have a bad day, ok, you have a bad day. If you have a bad week, ok, you have a bad week. But don't let it hold you back!

My symptoms started when I was around nineteen/twenty years old, but they were very spaced out and I had no clue what they were. However, when I was in my final year of uni, they came back quite badly, and I had many days where my pins and needles were horrible and I was shattered, or I had burning around my torso which was so distracting. But I got through my finals like everybody else and got a 2,1! Similarly, my sister has crohns disease. She was struck down a lot younger - when she was still in primary school,  but noone knew what was wrong with her. She would spend days in bed and, if I'm honest, I blame many of her issues on undiagnosed severe depression. She didn't manage anything beyond GCSEs, which is fine - she is now working in a Nursery and is engaged. The tiredness affects her a lot more and her day works around it perfectly. She goes to work at 8, leaves at 1, and has an afternoon nap till 3. She has made her problems fit very nicely around her life. Both of us are good examples of what is possible. Don't let your diagnosis get in the way of living your life how you want it. you may need to adjust bits here and there but you will get there!

I got married last year before I was diagnosed, although I did have all the same problems I have now. My husband is a gem, he always understands and helps me. If you're with the right person, it will be no issue. You may need a little help along the way, but generally you can have a fantastic and rewarding relationship. 

From what I have been told, although I do apologise if this is not the case for you, being a woman with a diagnosis at a young stage of life generally means a better prognosis. As far as I'm concerned, whatever is going to happen is going to happen, but I'm not going to let it spoil my day. 

Be positive hun. I know it's scary, but you can do it. 

xxx

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