Can people with M.S. – Multiple Sclerosis – have stressful jobs and do well?
I am relatively newly diagnosed – 10 months ago. I see my neurologist regularly. They found me through MRI. I am on Avonex. I am 39 yrs old.
I have a good job and want to know if I will always be able to live this way. As if ANYONE out there would know this. I am just feeling really scared tonight. Visions of Richard Pryor and Annette Funicello in my head. Sorry for venting, everyone.
Hello,
You are very new to MS and it can confusing and scary.
Tragically, Annette Funicello and Richard Pryor are the extreme end of the spectrum. Look at Montel Williams, Terri Garr and Mrs. Mitt Romney.
Like it was already said, it varies so much. I have been diagnosed 25 years and did stop working in a very stressful job as a programmer analyst. There were no accommodations and I couldn’t work 60+ hours a week.
My Mom is almost 85. She had MS for years but was not diagnosed until her late 50s. She lives alone, drives locally. She’s slowed down, has walking problems and sometimes uses a scooter, but she has survived many of her peers and does pretty good for her age. She worked until age 63 when she retired from a secretarial job.
Good luck.
my wife has had m.s. for over 25 years. it depends on how it will affect you. as you should know m.s. affects every one in a different way.you may not have any problems for years, or it may hit you in a month. wife has been on avonex for 5 years and it seems to keep it stemmed for now. a friend of hers has had it for 25 years and the only sympton she shows is a slight limp.my wife is wheelchair bound and the mind of a 9 year old.not trying to scare you, but get togeather with a m.s. support group, or keep close contact with the m.s. society. so keep a open mind and good luck to you.
I hear your pain and I can only image how you must feel. I too have a life threatening disability and I can understand how frustrating it can be at times to face your fears. If I may, I would like to suggest a few things that might help you through this trying time. First, I would like to suggest that you join a support group either one on-line or one that you can go to locally. Second, begin now to keep a diary, where you can write out your feelings. Third, make yourself a grateful book. I know that may sound a little corny but just make a point to write at least one thing that your are grateful for each day. It really helps, especially at times when things are not going well. I have also taken the liberty of finding this web site for you: http://www.msfocus.org Perhaps you can find other ones that can help you. I wish you the best.
each person is different, i’m 25 and i was dx shortly after my 22nd birthday. it was very stressful for me because, I still had a year left of college before getting my B.A.
at that time, i was working 30 hours a week and taking 15 credits. I am not quite sure how i did it but i was really motivated and I tried not to let things effect me too much.
now at 25, i have calmed down a lot. i am currently trying to find a full time job because i want to see if i can do it. the last time i worked full time, I got really sick and ended up only working part time for about a year.
it is scary- not knowing your future – but, it’s not worth quiting something unless you really have to.
good luck.