I Have MS...MS Doesn't Have Me
Updated: Apr 1, 2018
Multiple Sclerosis. When I first heard those two words I had no idea the road that laid ahead of me. The fatigue, the aches, the pains… all of which would threaten to take away my livelihood. But I didn’t let it. I won’t let it.
When I was first diagnosed in 2016, I can honestly say I was in denial. There was no telling me that I couldn’t do all the things I had done before my cervical lesion was discovered. I received a Bronze Star for my efforts in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn, so it was mind-blowing for me to hear that I had to “take it easy from now on.” I made some necessary adjustments, but not many because I just wasn’t prepared to accept such diagnosis. I prayed about it and asked God to make me whole again.
“I made some necessary adjustments, but not many because I just wasn't prepared to accept such diagnosis.”
I was fortunate enough to not suffer a relapse for almost two years from the day I was diagnosed. I think I always attributed my lack of energy to my lack of sleep. I blamed my muscle weakness on the amount of steps I took daily around the hospital as I worked tirelessly to take care of my patients. With this relapse came a new understanding of the diagnosis. I had to take control of it so that it didn’t take control of me.
A New Journey of Hope
So now, that is what I plan to do. Yoga, eating better, meditating, staying calm and stress-free is what my life has become. I have made subtle changes in my lifestyle and will continue to do so… so that I can prove to myself and the world, that I can beat this. I have multiple sclerosis, it does not have me.
I am blessed to be able to share my story. I know that my faith in God will get me through and overcome.
I do not plan to live with MS, I plan to live above it.