About Teena Palathanam

My name is Teena Palathanam and I am a Client Services Specialist for the Mission Delivery team. I graduated with an MPH degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. My favorite one liner is " When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

Building your Fortress

An individual going through a chronic illness like MS may be hit with a multitude of emotions like loneliness, helplessness, confusion, anguish, anger, and sadness at different points in time. The uncertainty associated with MS can be immensely stressful. Having a support system, whether it be friends, family, coworkers, or therapists, can help you navigate through the toughest times. Reaching out for help from your support network is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows that you have a strong support system to back you up in hard times. Below are some tips to build a strong and thriving safety net:

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Soak Up the Sun

Living with MS comes with a unique set of challenges. Heat intolerance can cause setbacks that can lead to a lot of discomfort for those experiencing it. Hot weather can exacerbate MS symptoms and lead to potential flare-ups. As the core body temperature increases, one may notice increased fatigue, weakness, changes in vision, tremors, and more. Heat-related changes are usually temporary and could get better as the body cools down.

Below are some strategies to beat the heat and manage symptoms:

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Power of Empowerment

There are a lot of uncertainties one must face while battling MS, and its symptoms vary widely among individuals. For newly diagnosed individuals, this can be a scary and unsettling journey without knowing what to expect down the road. Below are a few things you can suggest to someone who has been recently diagnosed with MS:

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An Attitude of Gratitude

Life is one roller coaster of a ride. I realize that each life experience has a mix of emotions attached to it. At this point in life, I think I have experienced it all – anger, frustration, joy, happiness, embarrassment, peace, sadness, laughter, grief, and so forth. I have been overwhelmed many times, not knowing how to handle it all.

Having a good support system has always been my foundation, and it has helped me get through those tough times. I am proud of the little victories and the small successes that I have encountered in my journey through life.

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Being An MS Warrior

Being diagnosed with MS can be disheartening news for many since the road ahead can be so scary and unpredictable. If left undiagnosed, it can lead to severe disability over time.

It is of utmost importance that you schedule your appointments with your neurologists and other care providers regularly so that they can help with managing your symptoms and keeping your MS at bay. The high costs associated with the treatment make medical coverage crucial as over time, MS may unfortunately place a financial strain on individuals and families. Fortunately, there are organizations like the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) can direct you to valuable resources while navigating the bumps along the way.

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Learning to Love Yourself

I truly believe that the more I care about my needs, the more effectively I can take care of others around me. The more compassion I show myself, the more empathy I can show to others. This means that if I want fruitful relationships with others around me, the transformation must start from within me. Taking care of oneself is not selfish and it often translates to prioritizing yourself. Below are some things to keep in mind while learning to love yourself.

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Smiling Through the Storm

Life is full of ups and downs. We all have experienced plans that have gone haywire, and curveballs thrown at us at the most unexpected of times. Everyone goes through tough times at some point in life, it is just the intensity, frequency, duration and type that differs. Always remember that it is alright to go through failures because failures are the steppingstones towards success. Instead of diving into despair and gloom, viewing challenges as opportunities to grow can transform your whole outlook on life. Below are a few thoughts that may help you during difficult times:

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