Hi Christine,

Welcome.  Sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with MS.  However, it certainly isn't the end of the world just as Sherry has said.  I don't know what led up to your being diagnosed, but sometimes it can be a welcome answer to years of vague and bizarre symptoms.

One thing I learned, and which I tell people often, is that the first year after diagnosis is the hardest one.  Not necessarily because of symptoms but because of the depth of the unknowns and uncertainties.  I can feel different day-to-day but usually it's not a drastic change, unless it has involved my vision.

When you were diagnosed were you in the middle of a large exacerbation?  Did you receive IV Solumedrol treatment for it (high-dose steroids)?  Do you feel that you recovered fully?

After a couple of relapses which were treated with steroids, I noticed a distinct lessening of symptoms with a little bit of a rebound a month later which resolved on its own.  The body really does try to help repair itself.

People with MS also experience what is called a pseudo-exacerbation which can be caused by increased body temperature or an infection (like a urinary tract infection).  If the symptoms come and go when you are in a heated invironment, then they are annoying but not harmful.  Try to keep your core body temperature at a stable level.  If you do have a UTI, then certainly talk to your doctor about antibiotics.

Sometimes after a relapse it can take days, weeks, or even months to fully recover.  And sometimes with relapsing-remitting MS, the recovery may not be complete.  It is so unpredictable.  However, if you are experiencing symptoms which stay constant for more than 24 hours (I usually wait at least 48 hours or more) then call your neurologist to see if he/she would like to see you.

Certainly, reaching out to others with MS is a great step to take.  Please feel free to reach out anytime.

Lisa