ooo, pick me, pick me! This is a topic that I NEVER would have thought I would be able to answer back in 2007 when DX - after all I was married (at that point 12 yrs) and had three kids. BUT divorce led to making the decision, do I want to be alone for the rest of my life, or do I dare risk dating (which I hadn't done since I was about 23) It was made even more difficult for me because I came from a situation that left me with NO confidence and I didn't believe that anyone could ever be attracted to me. (I was told "you won't find anyone, you are diseased, divorced and now desperate) BUT I drummed up the courage (ok a bit of liquid courage helped on the night I actually started a profile on an on-line dating site. It took me a few weeks to write my profile, because I wasn't sure what to do with the MS. Do I tell them/everyone up-front or do I wait, because more than likely they won't like me and so what business is it of theirs.

After many a night of sitting at the computer, I finally decided, screw it, this is me, and IF I am ever going to find someone that actually likes me and wants to be with me, and is attracted to me - I need to know that it is ALL of me and my life that they are ok with and like. I wrote a really open and honest profile - about the MS and what my life was like with it and ended it with "I am NOT looking for someone to care FOR me, but ABOUT me."

I joked that being that honest was my weed-wacker - it kept the crazys at bay, because I had super super experiences with it all, met some fantastic guys (some of whom I am still friends with today - 3 years later) AND it led me to Shawn. He knew everything up front and because I WAS so open - it DID force us to have some deeper conversations early on in our dating that maybe we wouldn't have had, but I KNEW going in - how he felt about questions like: what if I end up in a wheelchair - his answer was then I will make you a ramp (he is a welder)

I fully realize that NOT every story ends up that happy and that for some it might be better to keep it on the down low for a bit but having been married to someone that did not love me, did not like me and wasn't attracted to me, I just decided I am going all in and whom ever in unlucky to get stuck with me - they are getting stuck with ALL of it:)
GOOD LUCK!

I have been with my fiance for over 3 years, and I told him right away about my MS. I have been diagnosed with it for 8 years, there is nothing to be scared about you just have to be opened and honest about. He is there for me everyday when Im struggling!

I believe you will feel an intense freedom in telling people upfront. Otherwise, it is 'that something' that is always in your mind, worrying you about what is going to happen. Isn't it best to get it out right away, BEFORE you are getting emotionally involved?

I've been divorce for 17 years! Dated many men.... I usually tell them on the third date. I let them see how I am before they know and then I educate them. If they have "pity"... adios! If they can't handle it, I prefer them to "walk", but most have been fine! I do educate them and am very open about anything they need to know! My MS has never been an issue or reason for a break up! I've usually find they have more "issues" than I! LOL

I haven't dated in several years as my symptoms worsened. They seem to have stabilized for the moment. I also have my disability income and a part time job, so I'm looking at dating again.

I'm wobbly but mobile. The most difficult part is the fatigue. Some days, I feel quite good. Others, I feel terrible and have difficulty thinking.

I have my first match.com contact. I hope I have the energy to do it.

As for communication, I have a firm commitment to honesty. I might not bring it up right away, but I'll bring a cane, even if I have enough energy that I don't think I'll need it. If she doesn't ask, I'll bring it up.