By: Bob Rapp

I am a partner to a person living with MS. My wife has been living with the disease for over 20 years and has done remarkably well. She has always been meticulous about her health. She eats well (except for the candy), exercises almost daily and is adherent to her medications. Things are not perfect but she has, and continues, to lead her life. She’s pretty tough and resilient.

A few months ago as some of her symptoms seemingly began to worsen, she had an MRI and the scan showed some new lesions. In consultation with her neurologist they decided it was time to change her DMT from the one that has been so effective for all of those years to a new medication that would hopefully better manage her disease. As people who have gone through this transition know, that is not as simple as it sounds. In some ways it is like losing a trusted friend, one that has been by your side for decades. You worry about the new medications effectiveness, you may experience side effects that you thought you left behind so many years ago and you worry about the future.

It is another of those unpredictable consequences of having MS. Another aspect that has to be managed. Another hurdle to be overcome. Another issue where the support of others is so important.

So what is my purpose in sharing this personal story during this holiday season? It is a simple one. To encourage everyone to enjoy these special days, celebrate what we have and the goodness in life. Laugh a lot and keep your friends, family and loved ones close. MS and the challenges it brings will be around but it need not consume our lives. Keep on living. Happy holidays!

*Bob Rapp is the Chief Operating Officer of MSAA. He has been a care partner to a person living with MS for more than a decade.