REALLY!!
Each year an individual is diagnosed, at alarming numbers, with multiple sclerosis known as MS. Many often fear or even wonder what this diagnosis brings, other than how celebrities like Montel Williams describe his symptoms. When I was diagnosed I didn't know or understand what multiple sclerosis even was. I only knew it was an illness but after doing some research I later found out what it was. And how scary it can be without support: family, friends, and doctors.
First of all, multiple sclerosis doesn't kill people it only disrupts the myelin that insulates and protects the body's nerve cells within the brain and spinal cord. This causes the body to fight against its self. It's known as an autoimmune disease. This sucks but it is what it is. This myelin is damaged at a small or large degree which spreads and scars tissue creating white patches in the brain known as a lesion or lesions. These lesions can be seen on a MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, which a neurologist prescribes for you to take. Closed and open MRI's are used to help diagnose multiple sclerosis. A closed MRI completely encloses the patient during the scanning of the spine and brain, but many claustrophobic patients decline this one. An open MRI is the one that many claustrophobic patients prefer, because they are not enclosed during the brain and spinal scanning. After a diagnosis is made the MRI helps doctors name what MS it is: primary, secondary, or relapse remitting which helps the doctor decide the proper medicine to prescribe.
Neurologists usually prescribe medicines that help to slow the progression of the lesions. Some of those medicines come in pill form: Tecfidera and Gilenya...but many are infusions, meaning given through an IV: Ocrevus, Rebif. There is huge variety of medications that can help a person. Whichever one would suit you your neurologist will check with you first to see which you prefer.
Before my MS diagnosis, I had a traumatic head injury in 2009, and my life feels like it's on hold. But of course I don't allow that to stop me from living my life and being independent. I’m in college with needed assistance: a note taker, use of a recorder during lectures, extra time to complete a test in a private and secluded area with surviance. I go to the movies, out to eat, shopping with family and friends. I'm not dating right now which is my choice. I'm not working but it's ok. Regardless of my restrictions, I find and have found things to do. This illness is not an illness I take ownership of and I would not wish it on anyone. I just do my best to keep living every day.
In being diagnosed with MS, some days I'm energetic and some days I'm not. On the days I am, I try to do as much as I can. But on the days I'm not, I tend to get very frustrated being that before this diagnosis I was very independent. I still am today but it's limited nowadays. Now I can only do as much as I can then sit and take a break to allow my body and mind to relax so I don't cause a MS relapse. I'm not old aged and this pisses me off.
In every case you will need to keep your faith in God for better days. You'll need to have the proper doctors: neurologist, psychiatrist, etc and have the rights therapists: physical therapist, counselor, whichever is needed. And please keep a smile on your face remembering that you only have MS, you are not dead. Remember to always do your research on everything, especially the medicine your neurologist prescribes or wishes for you to try. You are welcome to say no, because it's your body so it's your right.
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Written by Crystal Jarvis
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