My sister has had MS for 20 years now. Our first cousin on paternal side was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago. While I myself was recently diagnosed in May of this year.

I have a first cousin (who has since died) who had MS, and a second cousin who has MS and is wheelchair-bound. The second cousin who is still living was diagnosed in 2000 and wheelchair bound two years later. I have no idea how the deceased cousin fared. I had not kept in touch with this cousin, and only recently learned that she had MS.

I was diagnosed in 2001, my dear sister was just diagnosed last week. I am still numb and dumbfounded by her diagnosis, but she is handling it like a champ! When I was diagnosed I just decided to 'fight it' and go on with my life - doing what the docs suggested. She is doing the same. But I am still sickened by what she may be looking at... I have truly been fortunate - I have followed an anti inflammatory diet, taken my meds as directed, sought treatment for relapses and tried to 'listen to my body' and sleep when tired, etc. But even with that, it is no picnic and she has seen me slowly go down hill. I now have what I call 'CRS' (can't remember $hit) & cannot keep my house straight, clean or organized. My hands shake and my legs burn constantly. I go through periods of time when I get my days & nights mixed up and have terrible pain which cannot be treated due to allergies to aspirin and morphine type drugs. I do NOT want anyone to go through what I have been through, but especially not her! As far as I know we have no other family members who have been diagnosed.

My sister had MS but passed away 5 years ago.

My youngest sister and I have MS.