Who to tell? - advice needed please - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

sooty · 06-04-2006, 07:50 AM

My son is due to start school in September, should I tell his teacher and the headmaster I have MS? and what about the parents of the children in his class? I'm filling out forms and we have a couple of pre-sessions beforehand so I need to be prepared!! I don't want to alienate myself and my son because people don't understand, but also if I am required to help out as a volunteer for activities maybe they should know?, I just don't know.
Sometimes I think it is like my asthma, I don't go round saying 'hi I'm sooty I've got asthma' but do I need to say that with MS??
What would you do, what are your experiences, any advice appreciated.
Thank you so much.
P.S. like alot of MSers, unless I tell someone, no-one would know to look at me that I had MS!!

duttin · 06-04-2006, 09:30 AM

Sooty,

Telling your sons teacher and headmaster would benifit both of you.As far as the other parents I don't know.I had told my daughters teacher that I was going through the testing for MS and I was limited on what I could help with.She was very understanding.I helped with what I could.I done concession stands on saturday mornings for football with a friend who has MS.Just the 2 of us what a pair.on some days we moved very slow.I contribute where I can.Cooking for wrestling matches,feeding the cross country team.I help out when I can go at my own pace.I don't tell anyone that I have MS unless they ask if I hurt my leg,I limp really bad even with the leg braces,then I explain.
Goodluck to you and your son,I remember those days,my second child will be graduating next year.Now I'm showing my age(lol)
Toni

LaLady · 06-04-2006, 10:27 AM

I think it depends on what your limitations are. I feel it is no one's business if I have MS. I help with the things I can and if I can't, I find another way to contribute. So I don't stand in the hot sun all day with the bake sale; I bake a few extra things and just say I am not available.
My daughter doesn't want me to tell people, she says they might think I am "using" MS. First and foremost, I do what makes her comfortable. Her close friends know and are great to offer her a ride when I am not up to driving; I give them gas money 'cause it is such a help to me.

I have MS; it doesn't have me.

Good luck!