- - The Individual The incorrect information and lack of knowledge about multiple sclerosis add to the anxieties commonly experienced by those who are newly diagnosed with MS. This is seen in the article by Colleen Miller about her study of the experience of those with relapsing multiple sclerosis. "Though relapsing MS is the most common form of the disease, the patient experience remains undocumented and poorly understood. Therefore, newly diagnosed patients may be told to expect a chronic deterioration of their functional abilities with impending reliance on a wheelchair which is grossly inappropriate for those with relapsing disease" (Miller). Very often the fears about multiple sclerosis are much worse than the disease itself. Some doctors take the position that patients with MS should not be informed of their condition because of the potential of emotional devastation due to the unpredictable course of the disease and the uncertainty of the diagnosis (Miller). Even though a person has no control over what has happened, they do have control over how to respond to those circumstances and should have that choice to respond (Harmon). Once diagnosed as having MS, it may take some time for a person to adjust to the situation. Many people feel fiercely angry when they are given the diagnosis. Others deny what has happened to them. Some feel guilty, and there are some who feel relieved in having a diagnosis. These reactions are quite common among patients, but each can present their own problem. Anger can disguise other emotions of sadness and helplessness. Denial becomes a real problem if it prevents the person from learning about his condition or from making necessary adjustments to his lifestyle. Too much guilt can be harmful and futile. It may take several years before the person realizes how much MS has actually changed his life. For some people, grief sets in for the many losses from MS. When grieving is allowed to run its course, there generally comes a time when the losses are accepted and the person moves onward. "For several [people], adjustment started with a definitive diagnosis and the realization that they did not have a terminal disease" (Miller). Coping with symptoms and the inconvenience caused by MS becomes a high hurdle to overcome as individuals attempt to adjust to the disease. Most people interviewed by Colleen Miller struggled to conceal their diagnosis from others who donŐt understand MS (Miller). This often times includes family and friends. For example, some daughters donŐt tell their overprotective mothers because of the motherŐs possible or predictable reaction. Some try to hide their illness from friends in fear of being labeled as different, misunderstood, or a burden. "But in disguising the truth of their condition, people ... donŐt allow their friends [and family] ... to give support" (Donoghue). People conceal their problems because they fear the reactions from others, but they may end up hurting themselves by trying to do more than they should.

December 9, 1998