With multiple sclerosis, don’t worry about asking stupid questions

I ask a lot of questions. I have to, because I’ve come to realize that I don’t actually know that much. Asking questions (even to myself) is the only solution. Oddly enough, though, learning new things doesn’t completely scratch my itch, as the answers just keep showing me how much I don’t know.

My cup doesn’t run over with knowledge; it just seems to get less full the more I try to add to it.

This truth seems to apply to everything, but especially so for multiple sclerosis (MS). I’d like to think I know more than I did before my diagnosis, but I still feel like I hardly know anything at all. Over the years since then, I’ve read everything I could get my hands on, followed clinical trials, and bombarded my neurologists and others with MS with questions — lots of questions. I just hope there weren’t too many stupid questions.

This is the part of the movie when the record scratches, the scene freezes, and a voice-over says something like, “But there is no such thing as a stupid question!”

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If you’ve worked in retail, waited tables, or been quizzed by a stranger about your MS, you might take exception to that idea. Per this article from The Current, there are such things as stupid questions. But it’s not the question that’s dumb; instead, it’s the setting of the question that makes the difference. Feel free to comment with examples of questions that make good sense when asked by your neurologist, but wouldn’t if asked by the cashier at your grocery store.

While I can’t guarantee that I’ve never asked a stupid question in my lifetime, I can honestly say that I’ve never asked one about my MS. No questions are taboo when you have this disease and want to know more about it. That should be understood, no matter where you are in your medical journey.

When I was diagnosed, I had many questions and little reservation about voicing them. I asked the people I felt were best able to provide the answers — other people with multiple sclerosis. At the time, I was quietly informed that we don’t talk about unpleasant things (best not to think about those), and I should ask my doctor. I did, but I also found other people who did welcome my questions.

I still don’t feel I know much about MS, but I’m learning by asking — even if that brings up more questions. I don’t like my disease, but it has my interest and, all too often, my undivided attention. I think I’ll continue to ask every question I want, no matter how they sound. I’ll also reciprocate by answering what I can, or giving my opinion when asked for it.

Unless you know everything about multiple sclerosis already, I think it behooves you to learn all you can. If you need motivation to get started on your queries, today is National Ask a Stupid Question Day. (No, I didn’t make that up.) On this day, you have the perfect excuse to start asking the questions that you’ve been too embarrassed to bring up before. Go ahead. You’ll be glad you did.

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.