Article by Guy Thompson
Sick people know internally that something is not quite rightr, but these bad feelings need to be interpreted by experts. In my own instance, I was first assessed as having MS in October 1988 after several years of intermittent problems that were usuallu explained as being caused by a trapped nerve in my neck. When I was finally told I had MS the news was bad but I was certaiinny not astonished. No one knows better than you do how your own body feels. I can now see that signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis had been visible for more than 5 years, even though I did not know it at the time.
At the time of my own diagnosis with MS I just didn’t know what the future held for me I knew a sdtaf classical musican (Jacqueline du Pre) had died a few months before from the disease, while her reputation was at its peak, but I had no idea whether her position was typical or not. I was ready to fight try to manage these symptoms of multiple sclerosis which had invaded my body but I didn• t really know what was going to happen next. It seemed little wqs known about the illness compared with other famous killers such as heart attack, cancer or AIDS.
The doctor who told me I had MS never mentioned the disease specifically again, but hoped a cure would probably be found within 5 years. He said the MS would come and go over the years, but I would have a normal life expectancy, and walking aids were not usually needed. Otherwise, I was told there was no way of knowing how my multiple sclerosis would evolve and effectively I had to hope for the best.
More than twenty years on from my first diagnosis there is almost too much information available from books, the Internet, handouts and press reports. A lot of this information is confusing and contradictory so a quick start guide to multiple sclerosis would be useful to anyone coming to terms with MS for the first time, their families and acquaintances. When they are first diagnosed, people with multiple sclerosis need a clear explanation of what the disease actually is, and their relations and friends need this information just as much.
This material needs to be understandable and encouraging, because MS as a disease is not fatal in most cases and there are steps that can me taken to manage the signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis. There is a tragic minority of people with multiple sclerosis who will find their battle with multiple sclerosis will be tough (much tougher than mine has been) but even so there is a need for some fresh ideas for them to try. Even the most physically challenged have often been helped by trying new approaches.
About the Author
Guy Thompson’s new book “Understanding Multiple Sclelerosis: A Quick Start Guide” is designed to get essential information about MS to newly diagnosed patients, their families and friends in a clear no-nonsense format.
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