Having a disease like Multiple Sclerosis is never easy. There are good days and bad, and if you’re lucky more good than bad. I am very aware that things can always be worse than they are, and I am grateful that my condition is what it is. There are many others who are in worse shape than me and I don’t want to take anything away from them and their experiences. This story is my own and absolutely does not reflect the lives of others.
I was diagnosed a little over 4 years ago in 2019 after dealing with some very strange symptoms. Luckily for me it only took about 6 months to get a diagnosis. I’ve heard stories of people having to deal with years of symptoms before even knowing what’s going on.
After I found out, my Neurologist and I came up with a treatment plan that was best for me and I’ve been doing an Ocrevus infusion every 6 months since then. Luckily the Ocrevus has slowed down the progression of the disease and stopped new lesions from forming. Sadly, because there is no way to reverse the effects of the disease (Yet), some of my existing symptoms have progressed but I am grateful to not have anything new make an appearance.
In the early part of 2022 I noticed some weakness in one of my legs. Before MS I was a big runner. I was never fast but I ran. I’ve run half-marathons, 10ks, 5ks and even one full 26.2-mile marathon. So suddenly dragging my feet when running was strange. It was hard but I was able to complete a 10k when these symptoms started while I was holding onto my wife for dear life, so I didn’t take a tumble.
This is not a “woe is me” post though!
While MS is surely difficult, medicine has come a long way. Thanks to modern medicine I’m able to live an almost normal life. Yes, my walking is an issue but thanks to the new CIONIC Neural Sleeve (which is amazing by the way), I am able to walk unassisted for quite some time before I need to use a cane or take a break. It’s truly fascinating. I’m not sure I’ll be running in any distance races any time soon but, you never know. Maybe a 5k is in my future.
For the most part, walking has been the biggest issue, and if it stays that way, I’ll be a happy man.
I’m going to keep tackling everything that comes along and live my life the best I can. If anything, MS has taught me that there are always bigger fish to fry. Don’t sweat the small stuff and always stay level-headed. Smile. Spend time with loved ones. Be nice to others and be grateful for the things you do have.
Science and medicine are constantly improving. Who know, maybe in 10 or 20 years they’ll have a cure.
Until next time (hopefully it won’t be so long),
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