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I'm thankful for you, MS Warriors, and a place where I can be vulnerable. I need to openly and honestly talk about one of my daily struggles, verbal communications. i know many of you can relate.
For most of my adult life communications was one of my strong suits. People clearly understood my message. I now find myself trying to limit the number of words that I use. The more I talk I feel nervous, lack confidence, lose focus and energy. My voice changes (shaky or a whisper tone), hands tremble… read more
Answer Summary
Members rallied around a heartfelt post about struggling with verbal communication due to MS, sharing how they too experience slurred speech,... Read more
That is what has happened to me along with my short term memory & concentration. 😐 I've become an even better listener than I used to be☺
@A MyMSTeam Member, I too had this issue. I led a group of 28 Environmental Specialist. I had to host monthly meetings and attend events and production meetings and speak to area managers. I found my voice trembling and my hands and body sweating like no tomorrow. I would forget the subjects I needed to talk about and answer any questions. At church I was a Deacon and I had to speak in front of the congregation every week. Until this happen here as well. Nerves of steel turned to Super Chicken. Stumbling over words. Just horrific!!
I told my Doctor and she put me on Celexa 20mg. It helped but was not the total cure. I have found that reading at least one to three hours a day helps. Constant reading. I think our brains are being disturbed by the liaisons. So like our other body parts our brains have to find another route. Reading helps to calm the issue for me. And I do IQ test just for fun and other items that make me think of the answers. I also make sure I have an outline of what I am going to speak about an possible questions and go over it several times before I go to the sessions. By the way I am now a Youth Minister. And in doing all this my public speaking is better than ever. God Bless You.
@A MyMSTeam Member God bless you! I am grateful that God used me as vessel to open up dialogue on a topic that many of us live with. We just need to talk about it openly and honestly.
May God bless and strengthen you my dear! Try quietly quoting Psalm 71:1 before or during an event. Or, say it throughout the day. It will give you a sense of peace.
You're not alone in this. I struggled with verbal communication, even though I am a writer. I always felt that I can be clear and concise on paper, e-mails, etc, but bad when expressing myself. Lack of confidence made matters worse. You may want to look into your medications and see what the side effects are. I'm currently taking a medication prescribed after my 5th trip to the hospital (and a 3 day stay), that helps with the regular spasms in my legs and arms, but it's hard for me to function, because I end up falling asleep. Praying that things will get better for you. Much love and blessings!
It sounds like you are being too hard on yourself. I have every communication problem you mentioned. Plus some, will change topics in the middle of the conversation. Don't "feel stupid" because you have a major disease. Good that writing about your feelings is helpful. Focus on the positive things in your life.
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