Young People with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is typically diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but the symptoms of MS can begin at any age. It is estimated that about 5% of people with MS develop symptoms in childhood or adolescence.
Newly diagnosed with MS?
If you have just been, or are in the process of being, diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it can feel like you are the only young person with MS. Living with MS as a young person can bring extra hassle to the most ordinary activities like sport, visiting cinemas, festivals and clubs. Not to mention making friends, going on first dates ("Oh, by the way I've got MS"?), or even falling in love. Life and MS is a website that aims to cover all of these questions and provide tips on how to deal with everyday life.
MS when you're young
There is no right or wrong way to deal with MS, whatever your age. Two young people with MS, Kirsty who first began having the symptoms of MS at 14 and Joanne who was diagnosed at 28 explain what it felt like for them in this section. Vicki, who was diagnosed at 23, talks about how her diagnosis has had an impact on her every day life.
For many young people, one of the uncertainties of having MS, is not knowing how those around you will react. Donna talks about how her boyfriend reacts to her MS. While Vicki talks about the reactions of her friends and family.
MS affects the whole family, Eveanne was just 6 when her Mum Hilary was diagnosed. Read her story here
We now have a new website specifically aimed at younger people, covering the most commonly asked questions about the impact MS can have on your life: Life doesn't stop when MS starts
MyShoes
MyShoes Campaign to Fight MS!
Shoes symbolise walking and personal mobility and this is one reason why they have been adopted by the MyShoes Campaign to Fight MS. Visit the MyShoes website to find out more. Tell us about your shoes: Click here to take survey.
Getting answers
Within our site, we have a number of message boards for you to chat with other people affected by MS.For answers to general questions about MS visit our FAQ section. If you can't find your answer email or telephone the Helpline on 0808 800 8000.
- Newly Diagnosed pathway - for those who have just been diagnosed, or are in the process of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Just Diagnosed book - Provides an introduction to MS and the means for you to get information and support.
- Disease Modifying Drugs The current situation with drugs such as Beta Interferons and Copaxone.
- NICE guidelines Details on the services the NHS should provide for people with MS.
- Support Groups
