By Dr Eva Jackson

Let us take a moment and go back into time. Remember your life before multiple sclerosis. Now stop and take a big breath as you let your memories unfold. You may visualize the days of going to a theme park and riding all the rides, or running on a sandy beach, just having fun. The days before watching your steps to ensure that there were not any barriers that would create a fall hazard or looking at the handicap parking spaces at your local grocery store to ensure that you did not have far to walk.

Now smile, because if you can visualize this, just know that you are not alone. Most of us are very independent people. People who never relied on others when making plans to go places. Independent individuals who very seldom had to go to the doctor regularly or spent days researching healthcare plans because this work was often done by your jobs.

As you think about those days, I will tell you a little secret. I have not been to a Christmas parade in over 5 years. During my last parade, I experienced several falls and sustained a shoulder fracture the next year. The risk is not worth the fulfillment of watching a parade in person.

Now MS has created a need in you to find safety nets in your home, communities, and healthcare. A safety net that you may have never thought you would need. A safety net could be financial, healthcare, family, or community support.

Let’s look at different safety nets and how they may vary for you.

Financial

A financial safety net could be an insurance policy, your savings, a pension or 401 (k) plan. Financial safety nets can help stabilize you during a health crisis.

Healthcare

After being diagnosed with MS, I went from having 3 doctors to 8 healthcare professionals who support my care. I did not realize some problems I brought to urgent care clinics were MS-related and required a specialist. Life with MS brings challenges that require multiple specialists working together to ensure that you live life to its fullest.

Family and Community Support

People with multiple sclerosis often have symptoms such as vision problems, unsteady gait, fatigue, muscle spasms, and pain. At first, it may not seem necessary to share details of the condition with family or friends. Some people may hesitate to report their symptoms, perhaps because they feel uncertain or uneasy about the diagnosis. Utilizing available resources, involving family members, and engaging with the community can provide support. There may be others within the community who are dealing with similar experiences. Always know that these resources may become your “Ram in the Bush” one day. The ram in the bush is often used to express something or someone that can help provide a provision to help you in times of need. Never give up, develop or find your safety net system. And always seize the day and live life to its fullest.

Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.