Having RRMS has taught me how to live one moment at a time

Ross Libby smiles for a photo. (Photos courtesy of Ross Libby)

Day 22 of 31

This is Ross Libby’s story:

I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2007 when I was a senior in college. I had been very sick with vertigo and gastrointestinal issues for a year prior and no doctor could figure out what was wrong. My symptoms eventually subsided without any cause or cure. Then, a few months later, one day after having a wisdom tooth removed, I woke up blind in my right eye. That led to a diagnosis of optic neuritis, then MRIs of my brain and spine — and then my RRMS diagnosis.

Libby is pictured in Iceland, hiking a glacier.

My symptoms range from extreme fatigue and brain fog to achy heavy pain in my legs and back to discomfort with my stomach and digestion. The worst is shooting pains down my spine and loss of vision in my eye.

As a patient advocate for one of the medications I was on, I had the opportunity to meet hundreds of people with whom I would share my story. I answered their questions about my experience living with RRMS, but talking with them helped me understand that MS can affect all of us differently. What others experience, and the lifestyle and medication choices they make to help improve their circumstances, truly do vary from person to person. I learned it’s important for each of us to find what works for us.

For me, the most important thing has been managing my stress. Whether it be from daily responsibilities or the relationships in my life, managing stress is paramount to how my RRMS can impact me at any given moment.

Life has certainly changed for me over the years with my RRMS. I used to be more social, going out with friends, traveling, playing sports, attending concerts. Today, however, I am a father of two beautiful children and one dog. It takes everything I have to be there for them. When I push myself too hard, my MS will stop me in my tracks and knock me out of commission for days or even weeks.

Ross poses for a photo with his wife, Abigail, son Cooper, and their dog Barkley, after they’d moved into their new home in Wayne, N.J.

I am thankful for the great support I have from my wife Abigail, my extended family and friends, and my doctors. I’ve learned over the years that I must put myself first, so I can stay functional despite my RRMS and can continue to be there for those who need me.

I try to take things in stride and remind myself that things could be worse: At the end of the day, my RRMS is not a death sentence, but a life sentence. I still have plenty of life to live, just one day and one moment at a time.

In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March, the MS Community Spotlight campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MS, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MSSpotlight, or read the full series.