How I Know I Am “Adjusting” to my MS Diagnosis

When I had my annual check up, my neurologist noted that it appears that I am adjusting quite well to my MS diagnosis. My first thought was “Really?” Some days, it does not feel like it. I initially had a steep learning curve, and still some times I feel very impacted by my low energy level, what I can do, how I cope, and all the little things I can no longer do like buttoning my shirts, threading needles, picking up small items from the table or floor, being a multi-tasker, handling lots of details across the day, and having the patience to cope with others in a spontaneous fashion. I know this is part of the neuropathic symptoms and the damage from this disease, but rather than focus on what is not happening, I can and do focus on what I am able to do. My “can do” list is much longer than my “can’t do” list, so I have become satisfied with doing what is possible and letting a lot of the minutiae go. My last MRI had no new lesions, and I am independent. Those two items are milestones enough.

I remind myself others might not see my fatique or pain or issues with this invisible and incurable disease. I know that change is hard, and self-change is even harder. Therefore, I choose to rely on my positive mindset and be resilient in the face of all change because if I do not, the days can be long and gray. That is not an option for me.