It has been a BIG week, has it not? Diagnosed (Dx'd) with Relapsing-Remitting ms (RRms) "YOU" likely are scared, think"YOU" will be in a wheelchair soon. I was told by a person that I would be dead within the year, here I am twenty plus years later and still breathing, somebody lied to me. I was also told to avoid cold water as it can lead to paralysis. They lied as well, though I really do not like to cold or too hot showers. I hope this gives "YOU" an example of how wrong even well meaning people can be. I think I am well-meaning, but I can make mistakes and be wrong. So I will always suggest that "YOU" do a little research online about what I say, I will not be upset. Actually, who cares if I am, I will get over it.
Okay legal stuff, I am not a doctor or therapist or employee of anybody. What I say is based upon my experience and observations over my twenty years so if "YOU" have a problem consult a doctor.
I have been told that I am somewhat positive and optimistic. I wonder about that. I would suggest more bloody-minded and stubborn. I firmly believe that "YOU" CAN live a good and happy life with this condition. It will hurl things at "YOU" that "YOU" did not expect. Parts of your body will break and sort of repair. That is the nature of this disease. Slow degradation of your body, and I do stress slow. There is no need to fear too much. Cry, most certainly it happens, it happens for a long time. Keep your dreams, have new ones. Accept change as a new constant in your life. Hold onto things but with a grip that lets them go if "YOU" change your mind or if they decide to go. Ouch, relationships where did that idea come from? Do "YOU" know what the divorce rate in the national population is? What the rate is for disabled people? We are disabled now, and some people do not take for better or worse seriously anymore. They expect life to be fun and game, crazy sex and fast cars. "YOU" and I are not like that so much now. Crazy sex, sure, children, YES. Fast cars , drinking, and smoking not so much.
Divorce, children, disability who knows where your future will lead "YOU. The thing is my sister or brother "You most certainly do have a future. There are medicines available to "YOU" that did not exist twenty years ago. Life may not be quite as bright as "YOU" once hoped for, but it is not dark storm clouds either. "YOU" have climbed a big hill to get where "YOU" are now, ahead lies a vast vista of rolling hills and some shallow valleys. Take the strongest Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT) and avoid the plunging cliffs. Develop an attitude and belief system that lets "YOU" have a gentle downhill journey, not one where "YOU" plunge over cliffs. This is a progressive condition, it does go downhill.
This is a life long journey of choices. and "YOU" get to make them, because "YOU" get to live them. Only "YOU" nobody else. This condition can not be outsourced to somebody else, it is all yours. Just like mine is all mine. Make good decisions for your future, when in doubt, ask and ask again until "YOU" understand. I highly recommend Dr Aaron Boster MD from the Ohio ms Clinic on YouTube as your go-to source for information. There is no cure there are no specific diets, but there is a future for "YOU" a good and happy future.
Royce ( the ms writer)
wipe away those tears it is not all that bad, not as bad as you think
