THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA (INC.)

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There is no right or wrong response to receiving a diagnosis of MS there is simply how you feel.

While people may have similar responses, no two people react in exactly the same manner. What you do with your feelings, what you think, say or do as a consequence is much more under your control.

The attitude you bring to your diagnosis plays a large role in how you experience receiving the diagnosis and how that diagnosis impacts your life. It’s also important to remember that others are also likely to be affected by your diagnosis, including your family, partner, carer, friends, and workmates.

All of you may experience any of the following feelings, physical symptoms, thought patterns and behaviours when receiving, and directly after, a diagnosis of MS:

Feelings:

Shock, denial, numbness, guilt, shame, sadness, anxiety, grief, helplessness, a sense of loss, fear, becoming agitated and/or irritable, anger or sometimes a sense of relief.

Physical symptoms:

A hollowness in the stomach, tightness in the chest, tightness in the throat, oversensitivity to noise, breathlessness, weakness in the muscles, lack of energy, dry mouth, sweaty palms, muscle tension, and restlessness. These are all some of the physical signs of shock or stress / distress.

Thought patterns:

People newly diagnosed with MS may become confused in their thinking, have difficulty concentrating, become preoccupied, and sometimes not really accept or believe their diagnosis.

Behaviours:

Sometimes you may experience anger or uncontrollable crying. You may also experience sleep disturbances and want to withdraw from social situations.

The intensity and duration of these feelings, physical symptoms, thought patterns and behaviours is a uniquely personal experience so that there is no “normal” way to react. However being aware that this is part of a normal response is often comforting.

While it is possible you may experience/re-experience any of these feelings, physical symptoms, thought patterns and behaviours, there is some benefit in allowing these experiences to occur and asking for support if you need too.

A good sense of humour is a great aid to coping.

Coping can also be aided by educating yourself about MS, by utilising your usual support networks, by allowing yourself to experience the process without becoming overwhelmed by it, and by seeking support or advice from specialised health professionals, including the MS nurses and counsellors, at MSWA and your neurologist. These services are free to all financial Members of MSWA.