Hi , new here

[jackiev]

Hello everyone I was recently diagnosed with ms, and at 51 years old was shocked to hear this. Dopn't really anymore than that am waiting to go see a MS Specialist, here in Canada it can takes mnths to get in to see a specialist. Still not on any meds and am slowly getting worse, but hopefully will see some improvement if they put me on something, I am just grateful for a site like this and I hope that I will be able to deal with this better than I have been

[cricket52]

Hi Jackie and welcome!

We are close to the same age and in the same province. I am still in limboland.

Is your doctor sending you to an MS clinic? It may take a while to get in, however the care is exceptional.

If you live up north drop me a private message. If you live down south, you have much better access to an MS clinic.

Sorry about your dx. I can certainly understand your shock.

It took me years to get the right help. The MS specialist suggested a forum and I must admit this has been a lifeline for me. You will find friends, information and support here.

Again - welcome! :D

[jackiev]

Hi cricket
I live in outhern Ontario so yes I have pretty good access to a specialist, my first vist will be Oct. 19th, thanks for the support

[Deb46]

Sorry you have been dx with the monster but glad you found us. This is a really good place to be. Good luck to you.

Deb46

[Abby2006]

Hello and http://img394.**********.us/img394/7815/welcome2oi1.gif

Abby

[stillstANNding]

Hi Jackiev,

You're at a good place for information and support!

Good luck on the 19th and please let us know what they say.

Regards,
ANN

[agate]

Hi jackiev,

I'm sorry you've been hit with a diagnosis of MS, but maybe this place will help you to get used to it. When I went on Avonex, the people on this board were very helpful.

Looking forward to your posts!:)

agate (Joan)

[*Joy*]

Hello jackiev

Glad to meet you - sorry about your MS diagnosis though. I was 50 the year I was diagnosed so I can understand your shock.

There are many knowledgeable people here at Braintalk (I'm not one of the them :) ) so please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Looking forward to your posts and the opportunity to get to know you,
Joy

[elizabeth]

Hi, Cricket! Welcome. Sorry to hear you have the MonSter, but it doesn't need to be a disaster, really. One of the things to realize is that one is usually diagnosed when their disease is at it's worst/most active, so it won't always be this weird (probably). I found that the year of my diagnosis was the worst year I have had. Now, seven years out, I am having a pretty good year (knock wood). The time in between has been anywhere from pure chaos to just fine, which is the hard part of this condition - the unpredictable factor. Everyone's different. Let's hope you are one of the lucky ones who has a nice, calm time of things.

At any rate, you have found a great place to come when you have questions, need some support, or just want to shoot the breeze with some people who really know exactly how you feel (because we have this stuff, too). It can take a while to see an MS specialist here in hte US, too, BTW -- since "managed care" (HA!) came along, the only thing "managed" are high profits for insurance companies and long waits for services we used to get on request. Meanwhile we're paying 30%+ more for premiums. Would that the US would try nationalized health care... Medicare (our national health for elderly and disabled) only spends 4% on overhead here. Managed care spends over 40% on overhead and "distributions to shareholders." Patients LOSE big time.

BUT I digress. I hope you find a good doctor is available and good treatment. I am on Copaxone (did not do well on interferons) and doing well, though I am frustrated to still relapse 4 or 5 times a year. I am hoping something better comes along SOON. For all of us.

I hope to see you here. There's lots of good info here and on the web in the meantime... Be sure to start writing down your questions for when you DO get a doctor. That way you'll recall what you wanted to ask and can get the straight info you need.

GOOD LUCK! :)