MS and Lifestyle Choices

Someone recently asked me how having MS impacts my daily lifestyle choices. The truth is that historically it has been very difficult for me to recognize that I needed to change the way that I did most things. For years, I worked long hours at a job that I loved and spent every free moment after work being a wife, a mother, a loyal friend, a caring daughter, etc.… and the list goes on. Then one day I woke up and I just couldn't move. My body felt motionless for weeks and that was my wake up call to change my lifestyle.

Two years ago my husband and I mapped out a plan to recovery. We didn't know if it would work but we knew we had to try. With the help of my neurologist, I took a leave from work, changed my medications, and then I decided to embark on a regimented exercise program and a healthier diet.  All of this coupled with rest has yielded some excellent results. It was an evolution that took a lot of time and research not to mention trial and error.

Now that I feel that I have gained some control over my condition, I don't harp too much on the past or how I used to do things but rather focus on the gifts life gives me everyday. It sounds trite I know but it is the absolute truth.

Limitless Lizzie

P.S.  A bit about me...I have been diagnosed with MS for over 20 years and am currently being treated for secondary progressive MS. I am married with a beautiful little boy and until recently worked full-time using both a manual wheelchair and at times a power chair. I battled stage III breast cancer and consider myself to be a survivor. I am grateful to be a part of this community and share my experiences with you and hope that in some small way they may be useful to you.

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