Really quick follow up on my earlier post about physical therapy. I’ve been going once a week, and though I’m only three weeks in, so far I love it.
The tasks that Julia gives me are small. I’m practicing balancing on one foot, for example. I’m slowly working on core muscles. I’m stretching more effectively. You would think that I’m doing very little, and that would be true.
But at least I’m doing something. I’ve been diagnosed with a disease that isn’t very well understood, and for which there isn’t really an approved treatment program. (The drugs I’m taking are supposed to help some things, but not everything.) So last winter I was given this enormous, somewhat traumatic news and then: take a pill every day and hope for the best. We’ll see you in six months. It’s a pretty helpless feeling.
Now, even in a very small way, I’m at least DOING SOMETHING. I hope it’ll help me stay well and steady, but if nothing else, it helps me to feel strong, proactive, and more in control.
I also appreciate that this (above) is the view from the parking lot. It’s not a bad way to start the day.
steady she goes 
I also struggled with feelings of helplessness throughout the first year after my diagnosis. The neurologist I had at the time had little practical information about controlling the disease and was not supportive in my quest to learn about more holistic (alternative) ways to curb my M.S. He had a ‘give yourself the shot everyday and hope or the best attitude’. This was not enough for me. I recently stumbled upon Professor Jelinek, from Australia, who authored, “Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis”, based on his personal journey with M.S. and his road to recovery. It is amazing how after reading his book, I feel more confident and encouraged to face this disease that isn’t understood. I’m not saying I am going to undertake every single suggestion, but there are many good ideas I want to practice. I’ve found a neurologist who is positive, upbeat, and supportive of my decisions; an occupational therapist who can help me with work-related hurdles; and a psychiatrist who helps me cope with the mental and emotional challenges of M.S. I agree with you, it is all about finding a way to cope with the M.S. and to do everything within my power to have some control.
http://www.overcomingmultiplesclerosis.org/
Thank you for sharing your journey.
Thank you for sharing your posts. Being newly diagnosed is difficult and overwhelming. As you process and embrace what has been dealt your way, you will look back and be proud of how you championed MS. Not perfectly, but remember the process of accepting, mourning and doing everything you can to be the very best you can be. After all, you deserve just that! 🙂