Fuis le plaisir qui amene repentir

"Avoid the pleasure which will bite tomorrow" - Living with Multiple Sclerosis.

I was told I had Relapse Remitting Multiple Sclerosis in September 2012 and have been trying to come to terms with the diagnosis since. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease which affects around 100,000 people in the United Kingdom but the reality is, that while many may have heard of MS, few can comprehend the practical implications. 

Everyday I open my eyes and hope that today is not a bad day, I hope that lifting my head off the pillow isn't too much of a chore and I hope my body doesn't put up a fight when I need to get out of bed. You may be reading this thinking that I am exaggerating (you may even be rolling your eyes) thinking that I am just like any other 26 year old girl however, everyday, I am served little reminders that I am not like every other girl. 

Multiple Sclerosis, in my case, is all about learning my limitations. If I drink too much alcohol, if I don't get enough rest or if I am unable to manage my stress levels then my body will soon punish me accordingly. From constant tingling in my extremities to facial numbness and paralysis, I have experienced my fair share of warning signs and have quickly learned to prioritise my body's needs over prior social engagements (a hard lesson to learn at 26). 

The hardest part for me has been differentiating between what may just be an everyday sniffle and what is a hint that I am overdoing it. My symptoms are not constant, they come and go, so before I try to take on too much I need to ask myself questions such as; "Would I still have had this cold if I hadn't had such a stressful week? Would I be able to go out tonight if I didn't stay up late last night? Are my muscles hurting from my triumphant return to the gym or is there something else to it?" Not ideal. 

I don't want anyone to come away from this thinking that a diagnosis of MS means instant doom and gloom. My MS is manageable as long as I am prepared to be sensible. I have been forced to learn how far my body can be pushed and accept that these limits will fall short of those of my peers. All I can do is make the best of what I have and maintain a positive outlook throughout.