The Effect on Family & Friends
Maybe there are some people visiting this site who don't have multiple sclerosis, but have a family member or friend who does. Your thoughts and opinions could be very helpful to both people with MS and those who surround them.
If you know someone with MS and would like to share your story, please feel free to contact me at admin@knowms.com and I'll post it on the site.
For myself, the support of family and friends played an enormous role in helping me deal with the diagnosis and the disease.
Comments
i have been staring at the screen trying to think of what to write. i don't have m.s. my younger brother was diagnosed nearly 11 years ago. standing on the sidelines and watching my brother struggle with this disease has devastated my family.the guilt over not having it, the ability to do things he can't, the pretending everything's normal has changed us forever. one person gets it and everyone who loves him suffers with it. it's inspiring to read about the heros who don't let m.s. slow them down. but let's be realistic for every one of them there are ten others who have simply given in to it. not everyone wants to climb mt. everest. at 22 my brother was a sweet, sensitive boy with his whole life in front of him. he became a man while battling this disease. lets face it he missed out. no wife, no kids, he can't cut his own meat and frankly brushing his teeth and showering is like climbing mt. everest to him. sounds depressing doesn't it? it is. yet we who love him can forget for a moment he has m.s. but he can't. that's why the guilt never goes away.
Posted by: tiffany | March 5, 2007 05:37 PM
I've just found this site and read this comment by the sister. It just confirms why so many with MS avoid their family. She needs to get educated about the disease her brother has. Nobody just simply gives in to MS, trust me we fight it tooth and nail everyday. Instead of sitting around feeling guilty over your brother spend time with him, trust me he does not want your guilt or pity.
Posted by: Sandra | March 22, 2007 02:09 AM
I've read with great interest most of the comments and experiences in a few of the sections of this site. My wife was diagnosed with R/R MS 9 years ago. She is not one to tolerate needles, probing, or anything invasive. She found, researched and subscribed to the Swank Diet. I suggest many of you may want to look into it although Dr. Swank has retired. He was in his late 80's I believe. He has a tremendous following. My wife has been very true to his diet and is doing well. She tires easily, is a bit weak on her left side. A contributing factor to her mobility is that she is a horse person and Equine therapy is excellent for all MS'ers. She travels the show circuit each summer for about 5 months with no ill effects except for the fatigue factor. Some of the newly diagnosed may find it worth their while to research the Swank Diet.
Posted by: Gene | April 16, 2007 08:24 PM