Life goes on!! Let's stay positive and not think that way! But if you did lose the ability to do any of those things...in the future...you will find a way to continue to do some or most of them if it's what you really love. Even if you can't, you can still stay involved in those interests.
I don't have or know anybody with MS....but I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which can be pretty severe at times....crippling. I think I kind of know what you're going through mentally, it can be very depressing if you let it get to you!
I was diagnosed at 40, the day my youngest daughter was born eight years ago yesterday. Yup, it was her eighth birthday yesterday.
I didn't let it get me down and have been very upbeat and positive even when it is at it's worst. It's mental !! It also is one of the best things you can do for yourself as it relates to your mental AND physical condition.
I have gotten lucky with the advance of modern medicine and has helped a lot. Not completely but 75% of the time.
I don't want to sound like it is easy to be positive because it is HARD. I learned from a medical condition I had 14 years earlier. I had a heart attack when I was 26 years old, a complete blood clot, and 2,000 miles away from any family or friends. It was a near fatal attack that permanently damaged 25% of my heart.
At 26 I was 5'11", 150 lbs and in absolutely great physical shape. I played competitive beach volleyball 6-7 days a week at the time. As I laid in the ICU for two weeks and for about a month after the attack, it really affected me mentally. I just couldn't figure out why it happened....nor could the doctors. I had one doctor that had the audacity to tell me that it was probably hereditary and I would be lucky if I lasted 10 years!!
I was really depressed and scared, not knowing if tomorrow would be my last day or 20 years later down the road. Finally I decided that if it was going to kill me, I want to know now. I started running, not jogging, a month after the attack and was up to 5 miles a day after a couple of weeks. The more I did it the more upbeat and positive I became, really testing the limits. Eventually the pain went away and I learned how to adapt to the condition that I still live with today.
Sorry to rant on about me but I want you to understand that life DOES go on. Stay positive always and educate yourself and you WILL adapt and still live a productive and purposeful life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend!!

 

My brother-in-law was diagnosed about 10 years ago at age 52. He is one of my regular riding partners. He has not had vision issues. But over the last year or so, some balance issues. He came to me this past holiday season and told me he is going to stop riding. (Road King) He has had a few minor 'drops' of the bike over the past season. I only knew about one.

He is considering going to a smaller bike. He does work out every day and watches his diet closely. Part of me would like to see him continue to ride. But I also understand his worries and concerns about having a major balance incident.

As many others here have said, each person is different in how it affects him. I am planning about a 5K run this summer and would love to have my brother in law make it with me. But I am not going to push the issue.

 

I have a friend that is going to Ensenada Mexico for stem cell therapy for his MS. Poor guy has it bad. Legally blind and drags his left leg when he walks. We carry him pretty well at work and won't let the company fire him if we can. I wish him the best of luck. I have another buddy from AK and his wife as MS as well. She went to a Dr. in California for some kind of vein therapy and it has worked wonders for her. As soon as I get the Dr.'s info I'll post it here. I've seen some mighty fine folks get taken down from this disease and it breaks my heart.

 

My wife has advance MS - few years ago she lost sight in one eye - sight came back in about 3 months - She fights pain every day & night of her life -She uses a cane on short trips - wheel chair on longer trips - she is a fighter - doesn't give up - she no longer rides on the bike - she rode on the back seat for 42 years - damn i miss her back there -I built VW Trikes - a couple of Goldwing trikes - this helped but it's just to difficult for her to get on & off the bike - I still might hang up my leathers this year - When you have a passion for something for 50 years it's sometimes difficult to let it go.

 

Rick, my wife has had it for 20 years now. Has lost her vision twice where she could hardly see. Had prednisone drips for a week (1hr day) each time and it brought her back. Get a couple Dr opinions. She is currently taking copaxone shots and doing very well. Fatigue is what can get to you. With her great attitude, drive, and staying active, you wouldn't know she was having any problems. Keep positive and the keep riding. When you ride, that will be your best medicine. Stay strong my friend!!

 

Awe Man Folks.....With all of the warm wishes I can't help but smile and go forward. You folks here are just GREAT! Extended family. Thanks

 

We are "Brethren" !!

Please keep us all posted. We support each other here!

 

I had the MRI and low and behold, No sign of MS! They cannot say what caused my Optical Neuritis and other symptom. I was told I am the few 1 in 1000 that cannot be explained. They are still sending me to see a neurologist, but all in all I'm happy with the outcome. Not thrilled about the fact that my vision will never be the way it was in the left eye, but I have enough to be able to safely ride! Now where the hell is Spring! Thanks for all the warm wishes. Someone must have heard you? lol I'm now going to pay much more attention to the various charities that deal with MS.

 

Fantastic! Get a Visual Field done yearly, good way to pick up progression, if it occurs. Also doing Visual Acuities on a chart that has reduced contrast sensitivity is a quick, no cost test. Good Luck Ron O.D.

 

good news Rickr, stay well.