After a long month, I’m appreciating life without MS worries, for now
A columnist is grateful MS symptoms aren't a major concern at the moment
Being diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis doesn’t necessarily mean that other health complications or conditions won’t arise.
According to an article published in the journal Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have significantly higher rates of comorbidity and morbidity than people who don’t have MS. Common comorbidities of MS patients include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), and chronic lung disease, a research article in the journal Neurology noted.
A few weeks ago, I was hospitalized for four days due to an IUD complication that caused a cervical laceration, leading to an infection and dying cervical tissue. During my hospitalization, the doctors and medical staff were unsure about what was happening to me or why it was occurring.
At the time, I didn’t have time to process my emotions or fully understand the severity of my circumstances because I was under constant supervision and had a series of exams and blood tests. I was prescribed a few different antibiotics to fight the cervical infection and rid my body of the dead tissue. Luckily, at my follow-up appointment, I was told that my cervix was healing substantially.
A week after my hospitalization, I had a regularly scheduled MS appointment with my neurologist, where we discussed my experiences with a new treatment, Kesimpta (ofatumumab), but there were no complications or issues to report. We also went over any symptoms or concerns I had experienced following my last appointment, prompting my doctor to adjust some of my medications and provide additional refills.
My neurologist performed the standard neurological assessment, which includes a physical and a motor and sensory skills exam. The exam revealed no red flags or areas of concern.
After the neurological assessment, there was a brief pause in the conversation, because there wasn’t anything else to discuss. A sigh of relief from my doctor broke the moment of silence as she expressed her contentment with my current MS status. In that moment, a huge wave of calmness and ease traveled through my body. Upon leaving the appointment, I spent a few minutes outside, soaking in nature and thanking the universe for a positive visit after a long month of dealing with a cervical infection.
After all of these events had occurred, I took a moment to reflect on the fears and worries I had during my hospital stay and leading up to my MS appointment. In that moment, I realized that MS wasn’t the focal issue consuming my life at the time. This insight brought forth a series of realizations that life beyond MS can transpire at any moment, and for that I am grateful.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
About the Author
Tracy Ekstrand
Thank you for writing this, Desiree! I'm a writer in Austin, too, and was diagnosed with MS in 2000. Hope you're part of some MS support group in the area. Think I'll join one, too! Best of luck to you! Thank you for turning lemons into good writing!
Arlene Mowry
So glad to hear you are continuing to recover well from your serious infection and that your mind and body are calmer despite the medical issues. Stay strong and healthy!
Ellen
My daughter was dx’d just before she turned 20. She was in college and had some eyesight issues and numbness. She had MS. She went on medication and finished her education. My husband was so worried about what would become of her situation. 3 yrs later I woke up with body numbness( dx’d as transverse myelitis ) and I was also found to have RRMS. I was 57and had no clue anything was wrong. We were both on injectable meds for 12 years. I don’t think about my MS all the time and I doubt my daughter does either. She came off her meds after 12 yrs. I also did when I was at 12 year mark.So far 5 yrs off meds and feeling pretty well. My MRIs have never shown an active lesion. When they were active I had no idea I had a medical problem. The transverse myelitis left my toes and balls of both feet with permanent sensory numbness but other than that I’d say we both lead pretty normal lives. I guess I never worried about it at least not much. I readi articles, see my neurologist and try to keep up with current MS trends. It could get worse I suppose, but I am more worried about old age than I am about MS. I’ll be 77 next March..Best wishes to all with MS.
Jenny
Beautiful , there really are small or great moments .
It’s a reminder to me , to see them.
Arohanui Jenny