Each MS Journey Is Different, So Be Kind

I felt defeated. Someone had made a negative comment about me, and it became stuck in my head, making me question why I write. This person challenged the authenticity of my journey, and their remarks frustrated me. But I can’t let one person stop me from sharing my experiences. Multiple sclerosis is different for each person, and I speak from my own perspective.

MS is not a “one-size-fits-all” disease. Everyone struggles in different ways. My MS symptoms have been relatively mild. But I’ve read about aggressive MS and its associated pain. I am thankful to have the resources and support that I need to keep fighting and pushing through.

My grandmother was by my side

My nana (grandmother) passed away after a fight with multiple myeloma. Like MS, the severity of this disease varies from person to person. My nana was 79 and had been dealing with this form of cancer for 13-plus years. Its average prognosis is four to five years, depending on disease stage. While she was in remission for a long time, she had begun to contract other illnesses, including pneumonia. She struggled with many symptoms and had days when she wanted to end the fight. We endured many chemo sessions and doctors’ appointments. She was by my side during my fight against MS, and I was by hers.

When someone close to you is going through a medical challenge, you find ways to relate. My nana accompanied me to some of my infusions, and when I could, I brought her to her appointments and chemotherapy sessions. We would talk about MRIs, needles, and other topics to keep our minds off our diseases. We made light of our situations and rewarded ourselves with food for enduring another appointment.

Keep fighting

Finding the motivation and willpower to keep going can be hard, especially when you have been going through the motions for a long time. My nana and I had days when we didn’t want to persevere and others where nothing could keep us down. All of us go through similar experiences. We have health issues and medications side effects that perhaps another person doesn’t. I often don’t rest enough and keep pushing myself, despite being tired. Someone else with MS might be sensible and rest when they need to.

Everyone’s journey is different. We may not have the same disease, but we are all fighting. No timeline or guidebook exists on how to predict symptoms or outcomes with any disease. I support whoever is dealing with something. Even if your experience is different than another person’s, offer them support. Have their back and use kind words. Every compassionate gesture helps us on our journey.

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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 Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.