A woman on my Pug owner’s community commented that her neurologist thinks she has MS. Naturally, she’s pretty upset about this. This is and edited version of what I wrote. My advice rarely varies.
I was diagnosed with MS about six years ago and I’m still standing. It’s not a death sentence.
Let me put this into a bit of perspective. I’ve lost several friends to AIDS. We’re all given challenges and hurdles to overcome in life. I didn’t pull the short straw this time.
My dad’s sister, my aunt Velma, has been fighting MS for close to 25 years. If she can do it, so can I. And so can you.
Here are a few tidbits of advice I give to people I talk to who are diagnosed with MS. If you are diagnosed with MS, keep these in mind.
1. Find a neurologist who specializes in MS. Your neurologist may know a lot about MS. A specialist will know even more.
2. Don’t stop living. Take advantage of every good day you have.
3. Learn to listen to your body. When it says it’s time to rest, it’s time to rest.
4. Don’t be afraid of meds that are injected. It’s mind over matter. It’s no worse than insulin.
5. Take care of your mental health, too. Find a support group in your area.
6. It’s okay to be angry, upset, and confused. See #5.