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Life with MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Updated on March 26, 2017

If you have Multiple sclerosis Or if someone you love has been diagnosed with M.S. please read this page!

Hi, my name is Maria. I am 35 years old. I have been living with M.S. for some time now. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 11 years ago. If any of my experience can help someone, that would be amazing. I am hoping to share my point of view on being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and living life with M.S. When I was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I was very scared and confused, it was hard to see the future ahead. The world does not stop when your diagnosis comes in, but it sure changes for you, and those around you. I hope this page will help you to understand the journey of someone living with Multiple Sclerosis or any other chronic illness.

photo by mariajomith

A Little of my Multiple Sclerosis Story

I was 24 years old when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. when the Neurologist came in and told me I had M.S. I was actually shocked. This was not what I was expecting to hear. My exact words were " I have a 4 year old and a 1 year old at home, this is not possible." Well it certainly was possible and I have changed a lot since that day.

photo by mariajomith

Coping with M.S.-Finding Out That I Have Multiple Sclerosis

I am going to be completely honest in this lens. The technical stuff is for textbooks. I was depressed, shocked and felt very sorry for myself when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I couldn't imagine this was happening to me. After all I certainly didn't deserve this. I was a devoted wife, a doting mother, and had a full time job- which I despised, but would have done anything to give my family a better life. I got a call from my cousin- my angel. I have told her how much this means to me, but i don't think she will ever truly understand. You see my cousin had already been living with Multiple Sclerosis for many years. She said "just thank god at this time, that you don't have cancer." On this day I was feeling so sorry for myself, that I really was considering cancer as a better alternative. Anyway she talked me through it for hours. The moral of this section, is that if you can reach out to someone recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, or any other disease, please do. My cousin taught me that M.S. is not a death sentence, and life is not over on this day.

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On Doctors Treating Your Multiple Sclerosis

People with Multiple Sclerosis need a great Neurologist

I have an amazing neurologist. She was my third try, and i am telling you I seriously would not be here if it was not for her. If your Dr. makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason-- RUN. If you Dr. does not do paperwork, or makes you feel bad about it --RUN. You have it hard enough, let your Dr. help you. If you are depressed, and you probably are, do not be afraid to seek therapy for depression and anxiety. Remember the textbooks I talked about, its right in there, depression is a part of the disease.

photo by mariajomith

my son and i made this together in Jekyll Island Georgia, one of my favorite days
my son and i made this together in Jekyll Island Georgia, one of my favorite days

On Life With M.S.

I love my life. I would not trade it for anything in the world. With the right outlook you will get here. I can no longer work, the job that I had to leave was very demanding, and had no tolerance for the disabled. I no longer make money, but I do make memories. I treasure everyday that I can throw a ball with my son, go to my daughter's tennis matches, cook my husband a meal or take my dogs for a walk. I am not always a ray of sunshine, and I am almost always tired and cranky, but they love me anyway. My kids are not always at every social event, but they are always kind and compassionate, and really do appreciate the simple things in life. We take vacation every year, which is something I never did when I worked. I can not afford to take vacation, but I will die with a lot of debt and a lot of joy in my heart.

photo by mariajomith

On Love and Marriage

My husband is my hero!

I am not a fan of sappy love stories, but I must give credit where credit is due. I am married to an amazing man who loves me unconditionally. When we took our wedding vows, we did not know that every one of them would be tested. I can only say that we have passed the test with flying colors. He has carried me through my hard days, sometimes literally, and we have learned to really cherish each day that we have together. I never wonder if he will be here when times are hard, I know that he will be by my side every single step of the way. I am truly blessed in so many ways.

photo by mariajomith

Final note- Life Goes on with Multiple Sclerosis

I can count all my friends on one hand (unless you count furry ones). I am not saying this will happen to you, but good friends are hard to come by. If someone makes you feel bad about being late or missing a really important event ( and you missed it because of your health) they are not your friend. You will not have a lot of energy to spare, so spend it on the people that really love you. Surround yourself with people that respect you and understand that you are the best you, that you can be every day. Cut yourself some slack, this is not easy. Be the best you can be, be as active as you can to stay strong as long as you can. Know that there is someone that understands you, and look for that person if you have to. Best of luck. I will be thinking of you.

by mariajomith

photo by mariajomith

my personal trainer - she's the one in pink!

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photo by mariajomith

working

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