March heralds MS Awareness month. But what does this actually mean? In my life, I’ve found that most people are ‘aware’ of MS; they have a 2nd cousin twice removed who has it, or, as my husband used to think, ‘it is something that affects your mobility… so you end up in a wheelchair’. Heck, I used to associate MS with wheelchairs… I remember being at Primary School, meeting a man using a wheelchair – he had MS.
But if I was going to raise awareness of MS, there are a few simple things I would like to make other people, those who have no personal knowledge and experience of MS, to be aware of:
Aware…. that MS is a ‘snowflake’ disease. We are all the same (have the same disease, Multiple Sclerosis), but we are all different. We may not all have the same symptoms and, if we do, they may not affect us in the same way. One example is mobility – I have problems with my left leg and I use crutches and a scooter. Another MSer may have problems with their hands, some may have to use mobility aids, some may not. Some may have ‘relapses’, where their mobility worsens, then get gets a bit better, others will have problems with their mobility 24-7. Not everyone ends up in a wheelchair.
Aware…that MS is often considered a ‘hidden’ illness. An MSer may not experience any obvious problems that are easy to see at first glance. But fatigue, dizziness, cognitive problems (such as memory loss, word-finding difficulties), blurred vision, numbness and bladder/bowel problems are all common symptoms. Most MSers will tell you that people will often say ‘but you look so well!’ Putting on a bit of blusher can help me look ‘well’, but unfortunately doesn’t eradicate the hidden symptoms.
Aware…that we are the same as you. People diagnosed with MS are wives, parents, boyfriends, children… anyone can be diagnosed, though it is most commonly diagnosed in the 20-40 age group. We have or have had careers and hobbies, we still like to socialise and do everything that you like to do…it just may be a bit more difficult for us. Those of us who are obviously disabled may ‘look’ different to you, but we are still the same person we always were, inside.
Aware… that there is ongoing research and new discoveries into new medications to help MS. Not everyone qualifies for them (again, it is that ‘snowflake’ disease again) but, compared to when I was first diagnosed in 1994, the options for treatment are massive.
Aware… that diet and lifestyle can have a positive impact on MS. Dr Roy Swank first looked into the link between saturated fat intake and MS progression in the 1950s (those with lower saturated fat intake progressed less and slower than those with higher intake). The Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis programme extends on this – through their Holism research, they’ve shown clear links between lifestyle and wellness in MS.
This is what I want people to be aware of during MS Awareness month… is there anything you would like others to be aware of?
Great post. I think the main things I would like people to know is that it is different for everyone and just because you look ok doesn’t mean you are. It is one of those conditions that people still have a very set image off. Have reblogged this. xx
Yes, it can definitely be very hidden. Thank you for reblogging! 👍😊 x
Reblogged this on Dinosaurs, Donkeys and MS.
It isn’t just a problem for 20-40 year olds. I was diagnosed at 50, and am still working full time and going strong!
I think lots of people mix up MS and ME. It’s not their fault, so I always use the full name Multiple Sclerosis to help people hear the difference at least. Good post!
Thank you. Yes, I had my first relapse at 13, diagnosed at 15. I’m glad to hear that you are doing to well 😊
Thank you! Yes, I had my first relapse at 13, diagnosed at 15, so I was diagnosed as a child. I’m glad to hear you’re doing so well 😊
Thank you for this. I have an uncle who was just diagnosed with a very progressive form of MS that his doctors currently don’t know much about. This helped shed some more light on what he’s going through. I also appreciate what you shared about diet and nutrition and will be relaying this information to my aunt.
I am so glad that you found this helpful. A lot of doctors are not on board with diet etc as often money is made through use of medicine! Thank you so much for your comment 😊
So true! 🙂
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
Thank you so much 😊👍
This is an excellent read for people who don’t really understand MS.
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
One of the best MS posts I’ve read!!
Thank you Danny, lovely words, much appreciated 🙂 x
🙂
Great post!
Thank you 😊
Reblogged this on MSnubutterflies.
Thank you!
Reblogged this on Fearless and commented:
Great information!
Thank you so much for reblogging! X
Thank you for this post! Great!
Great Post 🙂 xx
Thank you! Xx
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