:wave:
Hello,

I was diagnosed with MS a year ago and I am on Avonex. I am afraid that my symptoms are all in my head. Lately, I am having trouble finding words, remembering what I wanted to say or do and even thinking. I am having trouble spelling out words. I am afraid that I have developed some type of dyslexia. I switch numbers around and letters too. I can’t even seem to remember my coworker’s names. Even feel like I am getting dumber and I can’t remember how to say words. I am afraid that people are going to think that I am dumb. I sometimes make mistakes when I am reading aloud to my class. It is like the words become unclear and I can’t read them right for a second. I know that being embarrassed should be the least of my concerns. After all, I have nothing to worry about on those days that I am too tired to get up and go to work. However, I think that I can handle my numbness, tingling, pain, shots & fatigue. It is the confusion & my new mental inabilities that I cannot deal with. Are these symptoms real? Is being an emotional basket case a symptom of MS? Will I continue to get dumber until there is nothing left of who I am?
:confused:

You are not "getting dumber" and you are not imagining these symptoms!!! Read the thread called "weird mental states" (something like that). The thing about feeling dyslexic has been happening to me occasionally for several months now. There are times I have to double check my own address and phone number! Who you are is not going away, but you may need to slow yourself down sometimes to compensate for the cognitive difficulties. And remember that stressing out over it will only make it worse.

I would argue that your symptoms might be in your head. I often feel that way, I'm on Avonex also. For instance, I won't feel dizzy, or weak until I think, "hey, I don't feel dizzy or weak." Then bang, just like a runaway truck hitting me, I feel dizzy or weak.