Before MS, After MS
Editor's Note: The author of "Before MS, After MS" has been sponsored by Biogen Idec and Elan. But the opinions of these authors are independent and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and policies of Biogen Idec or Elan. Please seek a professional's advice before changing your behavior because of something you have read here.
Author: Sande Hickey
Having any disease really does not change us. We are the same person, only with a new (and different) agenda.
Compare it to landing a new job or trying out a new profession. We may have different responsibilities or new goals that come along with a revised set of challenges. Yes, multiple sclerosis (MS) may change the way we live our lives, but that does not have to be a bad thing. We are not different people just because we have MS. We can channel what's happening to us in a positive way to make our lives better, even richer than before MS. How many times have you heard the saying, "It's not what happens to us that matters, but how we react to it?" You may be saying that it's easier said than done. Or you may be thinking, "I'm too busy building a career; I wanted to start a family; or my life is full with my job and taking care of the family I have!" None of your dreams or goals has to be abandoned. Some may need to be altered a little, but your dreams can still be achievable.
In your mind or even on a piece of paper, make a list of everything you want to do in your life, but think MS might impact or get in the way of. First, go through the list and decide if MS really will prevent you from doing these things. Remember, MS is not the only challenge people face in life. Many of us have obstacles along the way. Ours just happens to be MS! Now that your list is whittled down, work out a plan to accomplish everything on your list. Sure, you may need to take things at a slower pace and enlist the assistance of your friends, family and co-workers, and maybe even your boss. Educate those you need to help you. If they understand MS, that's half the battle. Also make sure they know your goals and how you want to go about achieving them. Now, you have an agenda and a strategy. Remember that you may need to make some alterations along the way, but who doesn't need to adapt to changes in this crazy ever-changing world of ours? Keep in mind that there will always be someone in a worse situation than you, so be thankful for the things you can do. If everything in life were easy, we would not appreciate it as much as we do.
Recently, an old friend asked about my MS and how I was doing. What a surprise when she told me I was her role model and that she admired my positive approach to life with MS. I was shocked by her comments; I never thought the reason for my MS might be to inspire others—especially those without MS. I guess everything truly does happen for a reason. Think about it: can you make your MS a positive thing? Yes, you can. Life is a gift, so make the most of yours!
