"Another Invisible Symptom: I don’t see much about sensory overload in most MS forums. It is a very real symptom for me which has been progressing over time. I first encountered it about 3 years ago at a rock concert that included laser lights and pyrotechnics in addition to loud music. I had attended a similar show the year before and had a great time. Not this time. My ears actually hurt and I could not focus on the stage at all. I could not wait for it to all be over. Ditto a party in our neighborhood community center the same year that included live music. Between the music and the number of people trying to talk over the noise, I could not hear anything and went home early. Forward to a year later when my husband and I went to a new blockbuster superhero movie with lots of action and Dolby sound. I thought I enjoyed it but found that I needed help getting out of my seat and walking out of the theater. A week later I could not tell you what it was about. I’m Ok with those movies on TV but not in a theater. We also like to support community charity events by attending their yearly galas. Or used to. Again, I’m finding if the event is in a large venue, like a ballroom or includes live music, I shut down and look forward to leaving. The more people, the more noise and the less I’m able to participate or enjoy the event. This obviously detracts from my husband’s quality of life as with each passing year we can do less together. I don’t mind missing these things, but he worries that I am becoming more reclusive. Frankly, they make me so uncomfortable that I don’t care. About me anyway. I do worry about him and the quickly eroding social life we used to have. Anyone else have this issue? What do you do to cope? "