MS is a rare disease where the immune system eats away at what protects our nerves. Affecting roughly 200,000 people each year, it’s a complicated disease to understand, and one that, currently, has no cure.
Living with MS can make each day unpredictable. Every morning when I wake up, I never know how much gas is going to be in my tank. Although I’ve had this disease for most of my life, it didn’t get severe enough to warrant a diagnosis until a few years ago when I began suffering from balance issues, tingling and fatigue. My doctors and I believe that menopause and age caused my MS to progress and become more noticeable.
I was so scared after my diagnosis, but things are better now. Thanks to advances in medicine, today you can live with MS and still lead a rewarding life. I am on a regimen of treatments that help manage my symptoms, and there is great support staff through the local National MS Society chapter in my community. I also credit my fighting ability to the support of family and friends. I volunteer at a local senior home because connecting with people and giving back gives me the strength I need to keep going.
