Tasers and MS

[Bn_2]

I am a 25 yr old male and was diagnosed with MS 12/2012. I am a police officer and our department is going to be getting tasers. My question is will getting tased for training purposes be safe if I have MS? For extra info my department does not know I have MS. Thanks

[SarahL2491]

its my understanding you only have to go thru this once, so you know what its like, but bounce it off your neuro just in case there is a problem.

[calamfred]

Hated reading your "Job became a nightmare" after you disclosed your MS diagnosis to your employer. What happened to you is one reason my hubby debated on telling his supervisor.

It's a shame when a person perfectly capable of performing their job duties has that employment questioned for a reason such as this.

C

[Ojibajo]

Yeah I sort of had to tell my employer when I had a bad flare as started losing use of my left side. However I planned on never telling them, and I was correct in that. After I told them my job became a nightmare!

I agree that it would be best to ask your neurologist. How horrible that you have to be tased for training. Doesn't it work on suspects because it is so damn unpleasant?  That seems like a harsh training!

[Lulu54]

I would think the central nervous system would take quite a hit from a taser, exciting the CNS, and it  might cause temporary problems until your nervous system quiets down.  I can't imagine it would be any permanent damage, but you still need to talk with your neuro about it....  - Laura

[Guitar_grrrl]

I would think working with tasers shouldn't be a big problem with MS, but like the others have said, ask your neuro.  If you accidentally hit yourself, I imagine you'll experience the same discomfort anyone else would (yikes!), but I can't imagine it would precipitate a flare or anything...

[calamfred]

Agree with Sarah!
My hubby was diagnosed 3 yrs ago. It was about year and half before he told his immediate supervisor, as he doesn't want any "pity/special treatment" - Hubby's words, not mine. He does have left leg weakness, so he does have a limp at times depending on how tired he is, etc. He asked that it be confidential between he and his boss for the same reasons it took him a while to decide to talk w his boss about it. In the last year, he has also told a couple of close coworkers.
It's really such a personal decision regarding who, how much, and/or if to tell about any chronic conditions we may have. I think it also depends on if the particular diagnosis will affect your ability to perform your job duties..with safety being a main concern. Just my humble opinion. The ADA is a great resource, too.
In your case, as the tasers work the way they do, I agree it's really important to talk w your Neurologist.
Regards,
C

[SarahL2491]

this would probably be a good question for your neurologist.