The Beginning of the End: A Reminder to #StayENabled
It’s with a heavy heart that I write this. I don’t want to, but I have to do what’s right.
This will be my last column.
Lately, things have been crazy busy for me, with a mix of expected events, such as moving to a new home, and a few unexpected ones, such as MS relapses and family illness. I don’t do well with the unexpected, which is why I suspect I’m so focused on calendars, organization, and control.
Much has changed in my life this year, and it hasn’t all been pleasant. Over the last couple of months:
- I’ve had three relapses, one right after the other.
- I’ve had five weeks of hypnotherapy.
- I made my first kids’ coloring book.
- My neurologist told me my disease-modifying therapy, Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), wasn’t working. I decided to try the Overcoming MS diet, which focuses on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and seafood, to manage my condition.
- My granddad developed cancer, his health declined quickly, and he passed away two months later.
- I started a new job at my husband’s company. I took over the organizational part, which involves managing emails, calendars, his podcast, and public relations.
- My husband and I decided to sell our house, and we plan to buy another about an hour away in a completely new area, which fills me with both excitement and terror.
With all of this going on, something had to give. Unfortunately, these events have taken their toll on my MS in one way or another.
The hardest thing has been keeping up with writing my column. I feel like the quality of my writing is starting to be affected, and I would be doing a disservice to all of you and MS News Today if I were to carry on.
This website is so important to me, and it was a hard decision to make. I have loved writing about my experiences and receiving feedback from readers.
But responding to each message has become difficult, as there are so many. Sometimes, life and health keep me from responding. I read, value, and appreciate each comment.
It makes my day to receive a comment from a reader saying my column has inspired them somehow. Providing them with a message that can alter their perception of their life or illness and help them move forward is a dream come true. I love helping people and demonstrating what’s still possible with an illness.
I’ve always wanted to spread awareness, knowledge, and reassurance for anyone affected by multiple sclerosis. We’re never alone in this journey.
Writing became such a cathartic experience. Since starting this column, my writing has improved tremendously. I’ll be forever grateful to have impacted so many. I’ve learned so much about myself during this time. I’ve honed my perception of the world as someone with MS as well as my understanding of how the world perceives those of us with the condition.
I am beyond grateful to Bionews, the company that publishes MS News Today, for letting me play a part in its growth over the last two years. Between recording MS briefings and finding participants for the 31 Days of MS initiative in March, it’s been incredible.
After my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, I longed for a sense of purpose. When a doctor diagnosed me by telling me to go home and Google the condition, I felt hopeless. It was vital for me to find a way to help others avoid being in that position, and receive the clarity and reassurance I didn’t. This gave me a reason to keep going. It’s why I wanted to write about what I was going through, and it’s why I created a symptom tracker to help others.
I learned we can choose to see ourselves as DISabled (lacking ability) or ENabled (finding ways to still do what we love), and I 100% believe in being ENabled.
Thank you to every one of you for reading, commenting, and supporting my column.
I’d love to acknowledge the team at MS News Today who made it possible for me to share strength and encouragement for others.
Now, it wouldn’t be right if I didn’t leave you with a positive quote:
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” – John Lennon
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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
Sophie Brodie
Best of luck with everything ? you are an amazing woman who has helped so many people across the world. You deserve to take time to focus on yourself. I'm so glad our paths crossed xxx
Debbie O'Rourke
Thank you for all your posts. I've always came away feeling positive after reading them. Sorry to hear you are finishing up with them but I wish you all the very best for the future.
Kindest regards
Debbie. x
Gina
I would like to wish you all the best in your endeavors. Thank you for your articles and podcasts. Health is most important that always come first! Enjoy life as much as you can and let us know how you are doing from time to time.
All the Best,
SUSAN T STIFFLER
Good luck to you! I know how hard added stressors can be on anyone with MS. No need to reply.
Philip Marino
Good luck, Jessie. I think I can honestly say, I know what you're going through. We all have that in common; hope it's not too rough of a road for you.
Amy Jo Burnette
Your column has been very informative, encouraging,, interesting ,and current on information. I shall miss it!
Keri Smith
May God bless you on all your endeavours. As a 25 year MS warrior myself, I understand what you relate. God speed in all your endeavours.
Yours Sincerely, Keri Smith
Gary L Hendricks
Wow, lots of changes going on in your life.
Congratulations on your recent publication (coloring book).
I am so sorry for your loss (grandson). Know you will see him again in the next life.
And Mr. Lennon was right, if it is not OK it is not the end.
Good luck in your new endeavors and know you have touched many for the bettor.
Gerardo L. Morales (Gerry)
Hi Jessie, this is my first time reading your column. I’ve been on this relationship with my SPMS for 20 years and what caught my attention was the beginning of your article since I’m very advanced on my disease. I did felt a sense of encouragement in your words and outlook on life. Thanks, perhaps I need to become more open to read and listen to the people, who like me share this unique bonding with this unpredictable and discouraging incapacitating disease, or as I call it an evolution of deterioration. Good Luck!
n.bailey
Thank you and be well !
Christine Gendron
Dear Jesse.
Even though I will miss your columns which were always interesting, inspiring and motivating, you need to take care of you.
I wish you the best of luck moving forward.
Onward and upward!
All my best,
Christine
ERIK OXY
My god, the main completely is that you and your family is ok. Keeping fighting !!! You yourself and your family ... just keep fighting
Kim Ahmed
Jessie, I always enjoyed your columns. You are starting a new chapter of your life & I wish you all the best in moving forward! Go at your own pace!!!
Kristine Altman
I was recently diagnosed as having an “Autoimmune Diseease”&, I’ve been told,that I, also have “Ankolising(?-sp)-“Spondolysis”& have learned that this”A-S” diagnosis can be a symptom of “Autoimmune Disease”-Have received,also- an add’l symptom-that,of “Achilles Tendonitis”, that may be symptom of “A—Immune”, too. And,recently been exhibiting what is called:”Myclonus”- sudden unexpected,rapid”moving”/“jerk-ing” of my left arm,hand-knocking over items(!)- spilling drinking fluids all over the floor. It appears,that, at times,that symptom-as if I am not ever-aware,that “this “-is “coming-on” It’s as if I have lost-control,of the sudden loss, of -it seems-,my left arm/hands...This makes me feel frightened &confused-it just started about(approximately) a year ago,&, this is worsening-(!),&, this “Clumsiness “ tends to happen,more,at the end of the Day.Could you,please,let me know,what you think,about “All Of This?”!I would,feel,so much!better!!! Sincerely Kristine Altman-With Many Thanks!!!
Sharon Starr
You are fabulous, Jessie, I have related to much you have written. I wish you happiness, peace, and improved health. I shall keep you in my prayers, tough year for you - bless your heart. You inspire others, me being one of them, and I thank you for your devotion, and honesty. Be well….
Leanne Broughton
You will have a lot of readng now. I have enjoyed reading your articles and will miss them. The next few years will be busy for you and of course you need to let some things go. Maybe you can come back in the future. Good luck to you and your family.
MADELINE l NEWTON
you will be missed for all of your helpful information and ideas ...enjoy your new journey and if you want to every once in a while you could revisit us ...enjoy life and be safe ...