Multiple Sclerosis effects?
Currently I am seeing someone who has Multiple Sclerosis. I just went out with her a couple of times but it seems sometimes that when I say something, she just sits there and smiles at me with those eyes but doesnt seem to understand my question. I always wondered about this and when today when she told me she has Multiple Sclerosis, it all started to make sense. .Its only been a few months since I know her but she didnt tell me about her Multiple Sclerosis till yesterday. She was very shy, almost secretive when she told me about it. She said it was a huge secret and Im one of the few people in her life who will know about it. I also feel that she tries her best to be positive and smile…I havent laughed so hard or had so much with anyone else ive been with. but sometimes I feel that she is hiding this huge sadness inside her. She doesnt talk about it but there is definitely something there.. She does take a weekly avonex injection.
But yeah my main question is about the confusion bit. I would like to know if Multiple Sclerosis is the reason she just sits there sometimes, smiling at me, seemingly not understanding my question.
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Filed under Multiple Sclerosis General on Feb 7th, 2010. Comment. 
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Comments on Multiple Sclerosis effects?
To make a long story short MS can cause a reduction in the speed of nerve signals. People with MS are just as smart as other people, and they (we) understand everything you say, however some pwMS need more time to receive, process and respond to incoming information. To make it easier for her make sure you stick to one topic at a time in your conversation, be explicit about it when changing topics, give her a single question at a time and let her take her time to receive your question and to respond to you. Know that this particular MS-symtom is not neccessarily permanent. Nerves can also heal to a certain extent given some time. I experienced the "brain fog" myself, but that’s many years ago now. It comes back when I’m exhausted though. I take it as a sign to slow down.
You’re right, MS is for many people a huge and sad secret. Don’t be afraid to ask her about how it affects her, I think she has already opened the door for your questions. She sounds like a lovely person, and you sound like a very wise person. I wish you best of luck
No, you’re just boring!… Lol…Im joking… I have MS myself, diagnosed 3 years ago. Also taking Avonex. Depending on the type of MS she has, and the severity, it would be possible that she generally has a hard time either registering your question or she may have cognitive issues. These would be caused by the lesions in her brain and their location. Hopefully you two can be happy regardless of her illness. Ted
No, you\’re just boring!… Lol…Im joking… I have MS myself, diagnosed 3 years ago. Also taking Avonex. Depending on the type of MS she has, and the severity, it would be possible that she generally has a hard time either registering your question or she may have cognitive issues. These would be caused by the lesions in her brain and their location. Hopefully you two can be happy regardless of her illness. Ted
The best way to check it out, is to check it out. Since she has now opened up to you, tell her what you observed. Maybe it’s something totally un-MS related, such as maybe you talk too fast. Having MS myself, at first I had a hard time disclosing my disease. And I didn’t like the reactions of “pity”. I just shared because I wanted people to know me, I wasn’t looking for pity.
Sounds like you two have a good start to a healthy relationship. Don’t let MS be the focus.
I’ve had MS for 8 yrs. I have a B.S. in Nursing but now I’ve retired after 27 yrs. of working my way up to a Nurse Management position. I thought I would give you some prespective on my education/experience. Back to your question…I know what your friend is going through. Sometimes I hear a question or a newscast & in my heart I’m sure I should understand what I’m hearing but I don’t. Thank goodness for TV replay! Most instances rehearing helps, but breaking down the question or issues is needed and as time moves on more & more. But the bottom line is that I’m embarrassed to admit this to my husband. I’m embarrassed not to understand something that used to come to me so easily and now I have to ask for help to understand. This has & is hard for me to do emotionally, to “get over” that and move forward. Worse yet it must be hell to have a new boyfriend accept this situation without hesitiation or question. Don’t get fustrated if you have to explain more than once that is distructive for the person w/MS. It sounds like the two of you have a good start to a great realtionship and I agreee w/others. Don’t let MS be the focus. She sounds like someone to have special times with.