I was at an event where I was running a raffle for the MS Society, and a man approached me, asked me if I had MS, and started giving me unsolicited advice about managing symptoms (fun!), and then started asking me questions about my symptoms and how long ago was my diagnosis. I've only been diagnosed about 18 months ago, I'm not very vocal at all about my diagnosis, and I'm not used to managing these awkward interactions, I was deeply uncomfortable, feeling that it was pretty inappropriate, and… read more
I had the advice. It was about diet. I asked her "How long have you had MS?" She stated she doesn't have MS. So I said, "You look like a very smart person, one who would not talk about anything they haven't personally experienced." Yeah, she shut up real quick & will probably never talk to me again. Do I care? NAHHHHHHH
@A MyMSTeam Member .....that's priceless! What a great response! I too, am so tired of people who know nothing giving me advice or questioning that I have MS. Thanks!!
The unsolicited advice yes, the questions no. People are uneducated about ms and if someone shows a genuine interest, it's an opportunity. But if they only want to play doctor, they should go to medical school.
Excellent response, Richie!
I'm of the same mind as GinaBeth - don't mind providing general information, but I'm not about to discuss personal experiences/symptoms with a stranger. Normally, though, I am just ignored or if a comment is made and I state I have MS, I see the ignorance on their face that they clearly have no idea what it means. I just hope they do a bit of research and find out.