February 2009 - Ask me anything

How do I tell my family that I have got MS?

After a difficult few years I thought we had at last reached a good place in our lives. My husband's business was steady and my children were doing well. My daughter goes to university in September and my son is approaching GCSEs. We were even planning a big holiday in 2010 to celebrate our silver wedding. Now I feel as though my world is falling apart. I've been provisionally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and although there are still some tests to come through, my doctor is not in much doubt. That is bad enough but how can I tell my family? My husband is worried about weathering the recession and my children seem to do nothing but study. How can I drop this bombshell and devastate their lives?

DeniseDENISE SAYS: What you need now is information. MS is a disease that affects sufferers differently. Often there are long periods of remission, and there is lots of research into treatment and an eventual cure, so don't think the future is total gloom. Your doctors will answer some of your questions so don't be afraid to ask but the MS Society (www.mssociety.org.uk; 0808 800 8000) will be a huge support to you. Once you have a clearer idea of the way ahead, you can tell your children calmly. However, you need your husband's comfort and support and, despite his worries, he will want to be there for you. So get informed, get support and then get on with a fulfilling family life. Tough as they are, recessions and exams don't last forever and illness need not be the end of everything good in your life.

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