31 Days of MS: My Daughter’s Diagnosis Has Brought Us Closer

Photo courtesy of Manuela Lama

Day 1 of 31

This is Manuela Lama’s (@manuela.p) story:

Caring for someone with multiple sclerosis can be challenging, exhausting, and stressful. As a single mother of a daughter with MS, I have been not only physically tired, but, even more so, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Because my daughter and I are very close, it has helped me to take better care of her.

One of the first things that helped me was to educate myself about MS and how it might affect my daughter. By doing so, I felt more prepared to face any challenges that may arise.

I didn’t always know the best way to care for a loved one or what the appropriate treatment was. But I have been very blessed to have had the right people to help us on this journey.

If you are a caregiver, learn as much as you can about the illness and use all the resources available to help you make the right decisions. Finding the best doctor and suitable medications can make a big difference. Reach out to people you might know to help guide you through this journey.

Allow your loved one to continue to live life as normally as possible. They will have bad days when you’ll need to help them just get through the day. In addition, don’t prevent them from accomplishing their dreams and goals.

This mindset has helped my daughter in so many ways. She has focused on her education rather than feeling sorry for herself. Additionally, she’s motivated to help others who are going through a similar journey.

My daughter’s diagnosis has been life-changing for our family, but it has brought us closer. All I can say is: be there for your loved one any time they need you.

Multiple Sclerosis News Today’s 31 Days of MS campaign will publish one story per day for Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this, using the hashtag #31DaysofMS, or read the full series.