Ok, so it’s been a long while since I’ve done one of these, and I feel it’s important to do them. For those of you who are new here, several years ago, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. It’s one of those things that changes your life, and it certainly has done for me. I’ve talked a lot about it here on the site, and as it’s World MS Day today, I figure I should do it again.
1) Personal updates – Frankly, there have been some ups and downs with my MS. For the most part, it has been good. I was able to switch out my medication for something easier to handle (more on that below), and I have been symptom-free. I have maintained 99% of the stuff I do (Work, family, friends, hobbies, etc.), and I have been able to lead a full life. The only down thing that has happened is that a couple of episodic issues have occurred, but I have a strong support system that helped me get through.
2) I recognize that I’m SUPER Lucky – I am always aware in the back of my head of how unbelievably lucky I am with my course of MS. I have what is called Relapsing Remitting MS, which means that if I have an episode, I will usually regain full functionality. The only exception to that, of course, is the fact that my very first symptom was going completely blind in my right eye, and I have never gotten my sight back in that eye. Besides that (and a few other minor issues), I have been symptom-free. I count myself as really lucky in this regard because I have met others with MS who have different courses of MS which affect their lives and make their lives more difficult on a regular basis. Because of this, I have done everything I can to help those with MS. I have done this by raising money and awareness.
3) The people around me are all fantastic – Part of my overall luck is those who helped me with my MS journey. Of course, the incredible medical staff at my MS clinic have been amazing in helping me along. They have been wonderful in helping me with any issues I have had and giving me as many solutions as possible. My family have all stepped up as far as helping me cope with my condition to the point that it isn’t a big deal anymore. My parents have done more than their share, and my mom has made it her personal mission to end MS. She joined the MS Society of Canada’s board and has taken her turn as the Chairperson of the research council.
4) MavenClad for the win – I mentioned before that I’d switched up my meds; before the switch, I was taking a daily subcutaneous injection called Copaxone, which was fine, but poking yourself every single day got old. My doctor recommended a medication called MavenClad, which was a total game-changer for me.
SCIENCE WARNING!!!! I AM NOT A SCIENTIST, MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, OR IN ANY WAY ABLE TO MAKE A DIAGNOSIS. I AM ONLY TALKING ABOUT MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, SO PLEASE TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT THIS AND DO NOT TAKE ACTION BASED ON WHAT I’M TALKING ABOUT HERE!
With that out of the way, it was a great thing for me because I had to take a massive dose of it for a couple of weeks over two years, and then I was completely done. No more meds, no more injections, no nothing. It’s been great. Part of MS that I know that a lot of people have a hard time with is the continual reminder that they have the disease. I’m not immune from this, I am half blind because of it. But not having to take meds every single day has been really helpful for my mental health. Previously, having to jab myself with a subcutaneous needle every day was a constant reminder of my diagnosis. Now that I’m off that drug, I don’t forget that I HAVE MS, but It’s no longer in the front of my mind every single day.
Multiple Sclerosis is a different journey for everyone. There are definitely some similarities, but everyone experiences things differently. I, for example, am fairly upbeat and open about my MS. Some people are less so. I get both points of view, as I had certain issues coming to terms with my initial diagnosis. It really depends on where you are. If you have MS, please know that no matter where you are on your journey with it, there are others out there who are alongside you who have been where you are and even some that are willing to help.
Happy World MS Day!
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