"Making the Best of It"


by Dan Fueger



Who is this stranger that knocks at your door when you least expect it or are least prepared for it? Mr./Ms. Multiple Sclerosis, that's who.


I have had MS for more than 20 years, so I know. I am 59, as of 2004, and have lived (a good life.) I can't imagine what fears and trials young people face. Life is tough enough without something like MS.


On a positive note, however, the young people being diagnosed with MS today have many options which were not available to me until my MS had advanced. Now we have the ABCR (Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif) drugs (plus Novantrone and the newest drug in late 2004, Tysabri) to help manage progression of MS. The drugs are not a magic cure, of course. But they are relatively new in the MS world and promising.


When I got my diagnosis, I was grateful, inasmuch, as it identified why all those years I seemed so clumsy - tripping and spilling drinks so easily.


I could complain about doctors all being specialized and the "troubles I've seen," but I would rather give advice on being careful to select physicians who specialize in MS and are at least knowledgeable about the effect of MS on such body parts as our eyes and muscles. This way all our doctors will work together for our benefit. Be sure and communicate clearly your needs to your doctors. Keeping notes is a good way to keep your thinking clear.


We do have to learn to accept and learn to not give up. This may sound easy but it isn't, trust me. I hope you choose a path of positive thinking and self-advocacy rather than bitterness.


I often wondered where the saying "the patience of Job (pronounced Jobe)" came from until I read in the Bible, the book called Job, chapter 2. Satan has obtained permission from the Lord to afflict Job physically, (God knew Job would not disappoint him). Job was smitten with illness, pain, and death in his family, to name a few "tests" Satan placed on Job. Job was true to his Lord and never gave up. God knew how strong Job was and how much he could handle.


From this I learned the key was to make a life for myself.


Another Bible passage comes to my mind from the 13th chapter of Job. Job testifies his confidence in the Lord, and says: "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him, and, He also shall be my salvation."


I chose to live the best possible life and be an example for others. I hope the same for you.

All materials published in LivingMS™ are protected by copyright laws.