Wednesday, February 15, 2012

My husband has MS

Written by

ll.stroud

ll.stroud

Sun, February 15, 2009

I am looking for support within the Round Rock, TX area. I don't know of any groups that are exclusively for women who have husbands with MS. Furthermore, all of the support around here is in Austin that I know of and too far for me with work and kids. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get the word out to start a support group of this type or know of a group online that fits my criteria?

 

I know that I need support now and will continue to need it.

 

My email address is ll.stroud@gmail.com

 

 

2/16/09 1:41am

Hello there,

 

Being a caregiver is a difficult position to be in sometimes.  I am both an MS patient and a caregiver to my mother.  Sometimes we're both in need of help, but it's nice to have someone who understands and cares.

 

Here are some folks who you may want to contact:

 

On the blog, The Wheel of Fortuna, I have met two great men who live in the Austin/Round Rock vicinity.  Bobrobert is the one with MS and his partner Steve is the caregiver.  They may know more about what is organized locally and Steve would be a great one to discuss caregiver/spouse issues with.

 

On the blog, Middle Age Mania, I have met Tricia whose husband has MS.  They live in New York but with the internet, online support is only a click or email away.  You may want to contact Tricia.

 

On the blog, Caregivingly Yours, I have met Patrick whose wife has had MS for decades.  Patrick also has knowledge of and links to caregiver-specific resources online.  You should check out his site.

 

Then here at MultipleSclerosisCentral, we have the resident Caregiver, Jake, who is married to Mandy.  I know that he is male and you are looking for woman to help support you, but he certainly understands the concerns a spouse has when the other his MS.

 

I hope that you can find some support and some leads through these bloggers.  Of course, you could also contact your local chapter of the NMSS.  They may be able to direct you to a support group closer to home.

 

Please let me know if you need further assistance.  Also, you may certainly find support here.

 

Lisa

2/16/09 4:53pm

Just wanted to first welcome you to MS Health Central...you can find a lot of support here.  But yes...I hear you in that it can be difficult to find local support. 

 

I would agree with what Lisa says in that calling the National MS Society may be a good first step.  They will be able to tell you about support groups in your area and their number is:  1-800-344-4867

 

There is also an organization called MS Friends which can find here.   They may be able to hook you up with some supports.  Their toll free helpline is:  (1-866-673-7436).

 

There is also a web site called Meet Up where you can find local groups.  When I did a search for your area, unfortunately all that came up was a support group which meets in Austen.  However, anyone can start a meet up group which is perhaps what you might have to do if there is not a group in your area.

 

Last but not least, there are many on-line support groups for caregivers.  Take a look at this large list for yahoo groups.

 

I found a support group with many members and including caregivers at the top of this list called Friends with MS.

 

I hope this helps some.  Please let us know if you do find a good support group so that you can pass that information along to us. 

 

Nice to meet you!

Anonymous
ll.stroud
2/16/09 6:32pm

I really appreciate your advise. It is so good to know that as soon as I posted people responded. I will follow Lisa's recommentations and let you know how it goes. I am glad to hear you are doing so well and med free!

 

2/17/09 12:57pm

Hello,

 

I think that's so smart.... looking for support for women whose husbands have MS.  I am an ex-husband who has written a book that stresses the importance for the well partner to receive support.  my marriage of 12 years dissolved because the doctors, therapists and counselors all focused on what could be done to help me, the one with MS. My wife felt invisible, alone and overwhelmed. 

 

That is why I have written the book Life Interrupted, It's Not All about Me. you can learn more about the book by visiting my web site www.LikeInterrupte-dnolonger.com

 

Please let me know what you think of my web site and please, please, please tell others all about it, so they may benefit from reading it. I truly hope that by literally making my life an open book others in similar situations will be able to avoid making the same relationship destroying mistakes that I made

 

Take care,

Chjris

Anonymous
juanita
4/ 4/11 2:05pm

I'm also a working mother with a young child and a spouse with MS. We are at a critical time in his progression and I'm looking for support myself...

I will tap into some of these resources, let me know if you would like to chat...

juanitainga@hotmail.com