Embrace Your Destiny: Knowledge is Power

Speaking at Toastmasters

I was looking forward to retiring at 55 being healthy, active, and able to do most anything I wanted to do. When I started falling, losing my balance, dragging my right foot and stumbling a lot, I got concerned. What a surprise to be diagnosed with MS at age 50! I argued with my doctor that I was just too old for that disease. Well, after I calmed down and digested the facts he presented, I concluded that Multiple Sclerosis is not good. On the other hand he said it can be managed by me. Okay, I can do that. I set my goal to go after this disease with all the knowledge and positive will power I could muster and see what happens. I knew I could count on my family, my doctor, my colleagues at work and my church family as a strong support system. The rest was up to me.

It's been seventeen years now since I was diagnosed. In the beginning fatigue, pain, stiffness and spasticity and headaches were the norm. My walking was limited to short walks with very jerky motion. Now, I have great energy and vitality. My walking is almost a regular gait. I have eliminated my headache medicine and another medicine for movement. I would say I feel great 98% of the time. So what's the change? That's what this blog is about. 

Over 17 years, I've learned a lot about the disease and about me. My job now is managing me. I embrace the challenge of trying things that are safe, recommended for neurological diseases and especially MS, and fun. I will share what I've learned over time that has worked for me. I will also share my current adventures into some of the new alternative therapies I use for managing myself. Please join me and share your comments, and questions. The destiny begins with drug therapy which is the first big hurdle and decision.