Hi,
I joined the forum and posted back in January as my Brother (38) had recently been diagnosed with PPMS.
Lots of wonderful people gave me some great advice, which was mainly to give him space and be there for him when he was ready to talk, or ask for help
It’s now nearly a year since his diagnosis, which happened SO quickly.
He is still in complete denial, and all he will say is ‘I am f***ed and there is nothing that can be done’
He lives on his own, and is single.
He works, in a manual job, and is still trying to work everyday. This is leaving him completely exhausted, and he spends Friday - Sunday night lying on his bed watching Netflix.
He used to go out most Friday nights, but over the last few months this has become too much for him.
He is still driving.
He has his appointments with the MS nurse, and he says he is ‘fine’ when she asks him.
They have offered him counselling sessions, which he isn’t interested in.
His Neurologists have discussed a potential ‘treatment’ with him, which is a 6 monthly infusion.
His response is ‘whats the point’
Over the last few weeks he has become increasingly sad, which breaks my heart.
I was diagnosed with RRMS in 98, but, have been so incredibly lucky, to have next to no symptoms for the last 16 years.
I feel so guilty that I am ok. But this isnt about me.
Hes been staying at our Mums, on and off for the last few weeks, he gets in from work, lays on the bed, watches TV and goes to sleep.
He’s in a lot of pain and discomfort and suffers with spasms and bowel problems. He fell over at work last week and really hurt himself. He said he has stopped going out as people stare at him
I would love to be able to help him, in any way. He isn’t a talker and hasn’t ever been. But I think that if he went and spoke with the professionals who are offering him support, it could help him?
He just says to our Mum & I, that if it gets much worse he will top himself.
What can I do to help him, support him, give him a reason to live?