I can't stand pity. I was diagnosed with MS during the summer of '08 and was pretty depressed about it for almost a year. I was a marathoner and suddenly couldn't run, or even walk short distances, without feeling faint. Of course, I thought my life was over - I was Superman before the diagnosis and suddenly was completely dependent on my wife to do anything that involved physical activity. I was certain I would be in a wheelchair within 5 years.
I'm over that now. I may or may not end up in a wheelchair. I'd prefer not to be, but what the hell am I going to do about it? It seems to me that the most logical move is not to whine about it, but to do what I can to push forward and use my knowledge of research and health to make a difference. Sound too altruistic? Maybe, but I know that I get annoyed by people like Montel Williams, who is probably a really nice guy, whining all of the time about having MS. Seriously? Use your celebrity to do some good and get people to work towards a cure... not to complain!
I am constantly experimenting with my own diet - what makes me feel better short and longer term. I do it so often that I find it hard to say with any certainty that any one thing is making the difference. I've learned a lot about myself that I might not have learned without the MS diagnosis. That's not to say that I think it's a blessing, but you have to make the most of the cards you're dealt. Stay tuned for more on that.
I am a strong proponent of clinical trial participation. ENROLL IN ONE, YOU BIG BABY - IT WON'T KILL YOU! I'll talk about clinical trials and why they're pretty darn safe - and why enrollment is the key to an effective treatment or cure in future posts.
Thanks for following. I hope to make this fun and informative... and I would be nice if it became a forum of sorts. I take criticism well, so let me have it. If you don't have MS, great - I'd like to hear from you, too. If you're my brother - you're allowed to make fun of me here, but not at family gatherings - what happens in this blog stays in this blog.
Oh, you are a newbie! Welcome to the world of MS blogging! Glad to hear you can take it. Me too, so I hope to hear from you more. Can I tease you even if I am NOT your brother? I think so. I wonder WHY you immediately went to, "I will be in a w/c within 5 years?" I NEVER considered that, in fact I was pretty sure my chances were good that I would NOT. I too had biggest "hit" while running. You will get much better sooner than later, have many good years ahead, just plan like you got MS, but LIVE. Oh, right on about Montel. What a baby. And HE has "people." HE is OUR face of MS?? UGH. You will run again. Now, THIS is the bad thing about drug trials, they will note your remission as a sign their drug did it. And THAT is a big problem with MS and drugs amd the time element, since most of us WILL "get better." I look forward to reading about your adventures.
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