My MS Journey

Have you ever embarked on a journey only to find that the starting point was not where you thought it was or started a mystery trip where the route and length of the journey are unknown? 

My MS journey officially started in 1988 but I believe it really started in 1983. I was involved in an accident that year and sometime after the accident I experienced a most excruciating headache for a number of days. It was after this incident that symptoms became apparent. I know that there is no definite proof that a traumatic experience can trigger MS but I know of many people who do believe and I certainly find it a credible theory. When my traumatic incident was coupled with a familial connection, my Uncle Michael Crowley also lives with MS, the writing was definitely on the wall; bad graffiti more than writing.

At the time of my diagnosis MRI scanners were not available and the diagnostic procedure seemed very basic. In any event I sought a 2nd opinion after 10 years and MS was confirmed. By this time an MRI scan was available as were a small number of treatment options. There was still no cause and no cure but at least treatments had become available. 

I have been living with MS for 28 years, my Uncle Michael for 50+, and I can safely say that it is no bed of roses. My MS story is not unlike so many other MS stories and a phrase that I find very helpful goes like this; when you can’t change the outcome, change the journey. If I suffer a breakdown on a car journey I call roadside assistance, AA, RIAC or whoever, and I use the same criteria on my MS Journey. My first call is to Jean and then depending on the severity of the problem I contact the medical profession. The end of my story is already written but the intervening chapters are works in progress, they are changeable. Is there a moral in my MS story? Yes there is! Don’t be afraid to ask for help; timely asking for help has the ability to alter the journey. I didn’t recognise it at the time but asking for help is crucial. I would urge everyone to consider the possibility of help in advance of it being forced upon you by circumstances.

I am the central character in my MS story but my family and friends make it a more interesting tale; I was tempted to say ‘more enjoyable’ but there is very little 'enjoyable' with MS. The only good things to come out of my MS story are that I am stronger than I thought but more importantly my family and friends are the real super heroes, they are my supporting cast; they support me through thick and thin. 

I like to think that my MS life has had more ups than downs and the ups have lasted longer than the downs. How is your story unfolding?

Declan

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