Newly Diagnosed
Being Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis
A diagnosis of MS can be a terrible shock. Grief, fear, anger, depression, feelings of numbness - these are some of the more common and understandable reactions to the news of MS.
But there is no set way to feel. Just as the symptoms of MS can be unpredictable, so people react to the disease in different ways. And this applies whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for some time. It is also true if you are a carer for someone affected by MS.
There will be bad days, of course; but perhaps surprisingly you will also have many good days. And while it is easy to feel overwhelmed by MS, it is important to remember that it is not necessarily a life sentence.
For one thing, you are not alone. MS is the most common disabling condition affecting young adults. But many of these people are living full, active and enjoyable lives.
In recent years, great strides have been made in our understanding of MS. While there is still no cure, treatments that allow the person to maintain a good quality of life are increasingly available. These medical and scientific advances have been accompanied by rapid growth in support both for persons with MS and those who help care for them.
This website provides a wealth of Internet links, support groups and other useful, relevant
information. It's a place where you and others like you can come for help in taking an active role
in managing MS.