Living with chronic illness

When illness comes into our lives, we have choices - choices on who to see to help, choices on medication to take, and choices on how we will deal with the problems and challenges this illness brings. When one is diagnosed with a chronic illness, as I was, the choices can seem overwhelming.If you cant find ways to lessen the impact this newcomer to your life brings, if your illness overwhelms you and you cant see a way to a better life, you are in trouble. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), four years ago. This disease brought challenges, but I refused to give in to it. Since 2010, when my neurologist told me I had MS, I have reshaped my life, so I am living in the way Ive always wanted to live.I was affected by the disease in the beginning, but am feeling much more mobile now. My initial medication prescribed to me did a reasonable job to slow the damage to my body this disease brought. It was an injectable medication though, not at all pleasant. A new tablet came into my country, one the government decided to put out at a price our household finances could cover.This new medication is a small capsule, that I have been taking every morning, and it is absolutely wonderful! I have been able to leave my mobility aids, my walking stick and my cane, in the car. I have been able to further my writing career, beginning a blog about my new MS life, and writing a memoir about it too. My new life is a wonderful one. Now, the only time my stick or cane come out of the car is when I give a talk about my memoir. They are both with me on the front cover of my memoir, which is titled Mick, Jane and Me  Living Well With MS.Moving on and enjoying lifeNow, if I go out, I can stride out and I am happy to report I havent fallen over at all this year. Before, falling over was a common thing. Cuts and bruises not uncommon, and either my stickor canea constant companion. I have now committed to living a healthier life, eating a more nutritionally balanced diet, and exercising as often as I can.I have lost weight, and am proud of the way I am considered to be an inspiration to those who have read my words in the memoir. Positive thinking, seeing the good in my life and in the entire world brings me joy, and I am grateful for every good thing that comes into my life.