Living on Faith and a Positive Attitude
My name is LJ, and I was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in December 2014. I have 16 out of the 17 symptoms of MS. It took roughly 7 years of Dr. visits treating one symptom at a time. When my right leg started giving out and I started having a dropped foot and falling, it took one neurologist to suspect MS. I was a mother involved in everything with my children, always active, I had a home based Custom Design business, walked dogs for extra income, I never stopped doing! I was 49 yrs old and ready for the second half of my life. Both my children are young adults and in their 3rd and 4th years of college. I wear a brace on my leg everyday, use a walker in my home and a cane when out. My balance is terrible, I can barely walk, I can't write. The MS has affected the whole right side of my body. I have little control over my right hand and no control over my leg and foot. At first, I was beside myself with the reality of the diagnosis. Why me? For a while I was depressed but I decided I was not going to be that person! I was not going to let MS define me. I would grab the bull by the Horns and I would prevail. I learned everything I possibly could about MS. Once I accepted it, I owned it.
I would move forward from there. There are many things I have difficulty doing now, but I don't let that stop me. I work within my abilities and limitations. I'm very creative and will come up with a way to get the job done.
I have always lived by Faith. I have faith in God and in myself, my family and friends. Having MS has been a humbling experience. You must maintain patience with yourself. If MS is going to be a part of my life, I know that I'm going to give it one hell of a fight and the good Lord will carry me when I'm too tired or fatigued to fight it myself!
LJ Kirk
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