Mind Over MS My Relapse-Ready Game Plan

My Strategies for Dealing with Relapsing MS

Embracing Life’s Twists and Turns: My Journey with Multiple Sclerosis

By Ann Marie Johnson, as told to Shishira Sreenivas

Picture this: it’s New Year’s Eve in 2002, and I’m a sassy 32-year-old woman starting my career in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. I was a force to be reckoned with, announcing my arrival with the clackity-clack of my 5-inch stilettos. Life was grand.

But fate had a funny way of reminding me who was boss. It all started with a pen. It seemed determined to escape my grasp, like a rebellious bird longing to be free. Now, a little fumble here and there is no cause for alarm, right? I thought the same. But when those funny feelings crept up, spreading from head to toe like a mischievous dance of pins and needles, I knew something was amiss. I mustered the strength to say, “Look, I don’t feel right. Something is not right.”

And just like that, my life took a wicked turn. The floor beneath me became treacherous, refusing to support my faltering legs. A fall, a helpless tumble, and I found myself at rock bottom. It was in this moment of vulnerability that I realized my journey with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) had officially begun.

Strutting Through Life: Canes, Curls, and Clacking Canes

As I adjusted to life with MS, I discovered a whole new world of assistive devices. To conquer the challenges of walking, I embraced the power of canes. But here’s the twist—I refused to let MS dull my style. My canes became an extension of my vibrant personality.

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Enter the leopard cane, my fierce companion. With its spots matching my leopard print shoes, I became a walking fashion statement. For special occasions, the black and white cane took center stage, demanding attention. And oh, how could I forget my African queen cane, the epitome of regal strength?

Embracing these canes became an empowering act. Instead of hearing the clack-clack-clack of my once-mighty heels, passersby were greeted with the bold clack-clack-clack of my canes. MS may have changed my gait, but it couldn’t touch my spirit.

Cracking the MS Code: Strategies for Thriving

Living with MS requires careful planning and strategy. Different symptoms act as reminders that MS is always lurking in the shadows. You quickly learn to navigate life’s twists and turns with finesse.

It all starts with acknowledging my morning grumpiness, my identity as a “wet noodle,” unfit for early adventures. But when the afternoon sun shines its golden rays, that’s when I truly shine. So, dear friends, don’t dare disturb me before noon!

Writing down every little detail became my secret weapon. Symptoms, meals, temperatures—I jotted it all down. And like an alchemist deciphering ancient texts, I discovered hidden patterns. Armed with this newfound knowledge, I unlocked the door to modifying my life, one step at a time.

I learned that big meals were my kryptonite, sapping every ounce of my energy. So, I broke free from their clutches, opting for small meals sprinkled throughout the day. This magical trick kept my energy levels steady, preventing workday drowsiness.

MS may have given me the gift of frequent bathroom breaks, but I’ve become a master at fluid management. That morning coffee? A dangerous gamble. Now, I drink strategically, downing my beverages swiftly to avoid any embarrassing mishaps.

Remember, my friends, life with MS is a constant journey of discovery. We adapt, we learn, and we thrive.

Strength in Numbers: Uniting for Wellness

The early years of my MS journey were a time of self-discovery. I hungered for knowledge, seeking solace in the wisdom of others. That’s when I reached out to the National MS Society, and they led me to the haven of support groups.

Through these groups, I found my tribe—the warriors fighting their own MS battles. We swapped tales of triumph and survival, sharing cheat sheets on the best cane shops and exchanging diet secrets. Together, we transformed “chronic illness” into “wellness.”

Support groups provided a lifeline, a lifeline filled not only with practical advice but with stories of ordinary triumphs. We celebrated those who traveled, got fancy degrees, climbed the career ladder, and created families. They showed me that life doesn’t stop for MS; it simply adapts.

So here’s to feeling better and doing better. Let’s walk this winding MS path together, hand in hand.

Dear readers,

Life may be filled with twists and turns, but we have the power to navigate its unpredictable terrain. MS may have knocked me down, but it didn’t keep me there. Instead, I found a way to rise, embracing canes with flair and strutting through life with determination.

Remember, my friends, when life hands you lemons, grab your leopard cane and conquer the world.

Stay vibrant, stay resilient, and keep clacking those canes!

Yours in wellness,

Ann Marie