You just got diagnosed

Questions for the early days after hearing "you have MS"

What type of MS do I have? Is it relapsing-remitting, progressive, or something else?
How sure are we this is MS and not something that mimics it — Lyme, B12 deficiency, NMO?
What other tests should I get baselined right now — vitamin D, B12, thyroid, anything else?
Should I be seeing an MS specialist?
How soon do I need to start treatment?
What are my treatment options, and how do they compare?
If the treatment we start doesn't seem to be working, how will we know — and what's the next step?
Do people with MS generally live a normal lifespan?
Does MS put me at higher risk for any other serious health problems I should know about?
Realistically, what does the next 5 to 10 years probably look like for someone like me?
What signs would tell you my MS is going to progress quickly versus slowly? What should we be watching for?
What's the realistic chance I'll need a wheelchair or cane someday — and what does that depend on?
Are my kids more likely to get MS because I have it?
What should I avoid doing while I am figuring this out?
Is there an MS-specific therapist or counselor you'd refer me to?
What MS support groups or online communities would you point me to?
Who can I call between appointments if I am struggling?