| We Have Choices…… |
|
I've attended quite a few MS events lately. In speaking with my peers, I realized that so
many people with MS are still not taking drug therapy. The National MS Society has issued
a statement that supports the theory that all people with MS should be on some type of
disease modifying therapy, as early as possible in the disease. Although this is being
stressed by doctors, and MS organizations, the fact still remains, there are many people
not taking any type of therapy.
MS is so different in each and every one of us who wake up daily with this disease.
The one thing we do have in common is the power to take some sort of action against
this disease. It is so important that we do everything possible to slow the rate of
disability and reduce the rate of relapses.
The face of MS has changed so much in the last 10 years; you see more people walking,
and living life to its fullest. This change has come about due to the disease
modifying therapies that are now available. Symptom management is also a very
important part of treating this disease, but the disease modifying drugs get in
there and work at the heart of the problem.
At this point and time, our choices all involve injection therapy. To some the
idea of needles is what turns them off to starting therapy. If this is the only
means available to us to fight against this disease, it is a hurdle that must be
overcome. We overcome obstacles every day in our fight against MS and starting
therapy is just another challenge we MUST face.
There are many options available to each of us, and discussing these options with
your doctor will help you decide which therapy works best for you. Everyone responds
differently to therapy, but the bottom line is, we NEED to be on something.
This is our way to take control of what is uncontrollable, to be the one in the
drivers' seat, when you are usually a passenger in a car that is out of control.
I write this from my heart, and encourage each and every one of you reading this to
get in to your doctors office and get on some type of therapy. The last few years
have brought so many medical advances for the MS community, we need to take advantage of
them and be proactive in our fight. If you are on therapy and have a peer who is not
currently on therapy, talk to them, encourage them, and let them know they are not alone.
If we all work together to support each other and provide encouragement, the face
of MS will continue to change. The cure is on the horizon, but disease modifying
therapy is available to you now. Seek out what works for you and stick to it!
We will all get through this, one day at a time.
Michelle Tapia
To add a comment or question go to Michelle's MS View Comment and Question Forum
|
| -Copyright 2002-2005 Michelle Tapia . |
|
