Hi! I'm Stacy

[mtfbwy72]

Hi I'm Stacy. I am 39 years old. Mommy to Riley who is 4 1/2 with mild autism (any sub forum for MS parents with ASD kids, lol). I am a full time college student in my last year....soon to be last semester. I am studying Elementary Ed and Special Ed. I am about to start my final teaching internship in the fall. Everything in my life is finally falling into place and then this .

I am not diagnosed with MS but am having symptoms and MRI without contrast showed 2 areas with lesions. Not sure if that meant 2 lesions or what but will findlay when I see the neurologist next week.

Just came for info right now and support if I do end up with a MD diagnosis.

[mtfbwy72]

Forgot to add that I already have one AI disorder which is Celiacs. It was diagnosed in 9/11 and I have been gluten free since then.

[hunterd]

WELCOME STACY!!!! great to have you, but sorry why. Ms has a way of making it's presence known at any time! You came to a great place for support! Good luck

[Steelhead13]

Hang in there girl.I've had RRMS for 13 yrs. now and still goin good.Get yor Neuro to do MRIs of brain and spinal cord with/without contrast.It will show up the plaques more definitively than just without.And I don't forget to thank THE BIG GUY UP THERE DAILY without fail.It's helped me 4 13 yrs.

[Sierravista]

Hi Stacy,

I just joined today, am about to turn 36, and have a son with high-functioning autism. If we both end up sticking around here, maybe we can start that sub-forum.

Take care!

[mtfbwy72]

Sounds like a plan Sierra...thanks for the welcomes!

[2Live]

Hi Stacy and Sierra,

My name is Will. I could be part of the sub-group as well. I am 41 with SPMS and have a 5 year old autistic son.

[mtfbwy72]

Maybe I need to start a thread in the parenting forum. I am questioning how I will handle DS if this is MS. He really benefits from being very active. Keeps his sensory issues in check and helps is brain connections tremendously. I'm afraid I won't be able to do all the OT type stuff with him anymore. When I'm a lump he acts like a lump.

I had so many things planned for the summer

[Laine]

Hi Stacey
I'm drawn to our likeness a bit.
I'm about your age my kids are and undiagnosed also.
11, son, adhd + speech and language - processing issues
10, daughter, aspergers
7, daughter no signs of autism

My eldest two have struggled on and off with me not being as I used to. Being a bit older they will complain about having to help with washing, dishes, vacuuming their own room etc.
I have found after a week in hospy my son will say 'go sit down' or 'well you shouldn't be doing that' which has been nice and makes me realise they do notice all the little things even though they don't always let on they do. And it's nice to hear as they are not normally considerate to other peoples needs.

My asperges daughter is still not realising the impact on our home yet, she still thinks things are fairly normal but visually she sees the crutches and knows things are not right but possibly is to scared to connect the two because she doesnt understand so I try to work with her differently.
It's all a learning curve that's for sure.

I am almost finished my teacher aid course with only 4 electives to go.

I guess looking at other kids as well as your own you have to give them credit on how much they can actually understand.
My eldest two kids have a helping heart and I have tried to work with that as that is how they show their love. They will not say it, (or give cuddles) but they will do something for me.
My youngest is a note writer, she writes love notes. "I love you, your the best, I hope you get better soon'

Spreading out the household jobs and pocket money are huge incentives for my kids, loosing ipods for consequences is frowned upon so that's huge leverage for myself (i'm single) + I have a prize box of lots of fancy (cheap) pencils, rubbers, hair clips, matchbox cars etc - they love it -huge motivation

I hope you can find ways to get Riley to understand and for him to be your special helper.

[mtfbwy72]

I'm sure he will be and already helps with little things but he's only 4 and emotional/independent functioning is a year behind that. Thankfully he is super smart and does understand when I tell him why mommy can't do some things.

I am just glad I am very early in this process while he is young. I need to stop thinking about what if and live in the moment because I still have lotsa good days with some energy.