Recently the Mayor of Ipswich, Paul Pisasale shared some great insight into how he lives positively with MS. This led us to ask other people with MS to share their stories of how they live positively with MS to help provide inspiration and support to others.
We received an overwhelming response of 'Living positive with MS' stories; the stories were all worthy of being a winner in their own right. But there had to be one recipient of the opportunity to have lunch with Mayor Pisasale and MS Queensland’s Advocacy Manager Natalie Walsh, proudly donated by Gambaro’s Seafood Restaurant in Caxton Street, Brisbane.
The recipient of the 'Living positive with MS' story was Sandy with her story titled ‘Lucky’. The judging panel felt it was overwhelmingly inspirational and showed great resolution upon receiving her diagnosis of MS and how she has come to terms with change in her life. The judges also felt it was an important story for other newly diagnosed clients and illustrated the importance of seeking and receiving support with valuable examples provided that others can apply to their daily life.
Here is her story…
"LUCKY" By Sandy, person living with MS.
It’s been two months since I was diagnosed with MS. Two incredibly overwhelming months filled with anxiety, dread and finally relief. At last I know what is wrong, why I’ve been so tired, why I get hot, why I have numbness and weakness in my limbs, why I lose my balance, why I forget things, why my vision is blurry.I am lucky. Once the doctors finished pushing pins into me, taking blood out of me and imaging me, the diagnosis was clear. The doctors were patient and explained my diagnosis, but most importantly explained that MS doesn’t mean my life is over. Visits from the MS Society reinforced this, helped me understand the disease and its treatment. MS just means my life will be lived a little differently to what I expected.In some ways, getting MS could be considered a gift. In the past I have taken so many things for granted – things like being able to wash my hair and hang out the washing, dressing myself, driving my car to visit friends, going shopping, picnicking on a summer’s day, working, remembering friends’ birthdays, writing my name. Simple things, but when you have MS it’s a bit more complicated. When symptoms limit what you can do, you have to plan in advance, become more organised. And you realise just how lucky you are in your family, friends and work colleagues.Allowing others to help me is now a gift I can give to others – previously I liked to be the one giving and doing for others, now I recognise that others like to give back, and I have had to learn how to accept their help gracefully. This has been a great equaliser, and brought me closer than ever before to those I love. Their care shows in the way they suggest activities that accommodate my current limitations, without being demoralising.Another gift is the re-evaluation of my life which came with the MS diagnosis. No longer can I blithely assume I will work till I’m 65 then retire – I need to consider that I may need to cease work early.It also made me think about the fact that if I have a shorter work life, how can I make each moment count? Whatever work I do I should be passionate about. Making each moment count has become my new motto, not just in work, but in everything! Each new experience, no matter how small, should be valued. Being able to walk to the bus, cook a healthy dinner, visits with family, socialising with friends – all these things are gifts!Life is so short, but having MS has made me appreciate it all the more. I know my symptoms will fluctuate, that I can’t predict how my MS will remit or progress, but I do know this – life is a gift, so make every moment count.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your inspirational stories. We will be sharing a positive story a month on this page of our website so make sure you check it regularly.
