It can be overwhelming managing doctor’s appointments, bills, medications, and all the many responsibilities that come with managing multiple sclerosis. However, prioritizing and strategizing tasks can help manage the stressors of it all to not feel so daunting.
First, prioritize the necessities. I like to think of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs when feeling overwhelmed with what needs to be prioritized. Food, necessary medications, rent/mortgage, and basic utilities always come first.
Living with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, presents a unique set of challenges. Managing finances can be one of them, with medical expenses, reduced work hours, job loss, or unexpected expenses straining budgets and causing disruptions. Financial worries can impact our emotional and physical wellbeing, and building a support network of friends, family, and others living with similar challenges can offer much-needed support. I heard a quote once saying, “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can,” and I couldn’t agree more. Be resourceful and think outside the box.
Continue readingLife is strange, isn’t it? It can be overwhelming, complicated, and confusing to understand. Mix it with unexpected occurrences and difficulties, and it can feel nearly impossible to navigate at times. Despite the myriad of emotional turmoil life may cause, there is always one underlying truth – there are millions of other individuals trying to figure it out just like you are. Of course, we all face different circumstances and feel various emotions, but at the end of the day, we are all navigating how to get by and be happy. Happiness, whatever that personally looks like, is the commonality that we all are looking to achieve. And there is plenty of it to go around.
Continue readingAs usual, time slipped by me and before I knew it, we were already days into June.
It’s a common enough routine: laughing with colleagues or strangers and saying, “Can you believe it’s June already?” or “I forgot it’s not May!” Usually, this conversation ends with a chuckle, perhaps a little added hustle to catch up on work, but ultimately no trouble.
But there are some months that are just more stressful.
Continue readingMSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Nancy Garcia as June’s Artist of the Month. Nancy is from Chicago Heights, IL.
Continue reading
We all know a mother or mother-like figure in our life who demonstrates selflessness, resilience, and strength in all that they do. Mothers with multiple sclerosis especially, take on the unique challenge of navigating symptoms and flare ups, while also balancing being a mom.
Overcoming challenges as a mother with multiple sclerosis can be demanding, but also rewarding. It can become a balancing act between self-care and caring for your family, leaning on support, and being adaptable to accommodate flares and symptoms.
Continue readingWhen you become a parent, it feels like you are running on a racetrack. Rushing to doctor’s appointments, having to take time off work when they are sick, driving them to activities, non-stop cooking and huge piles of laundry seem like never-ending tasks. As they grow older, it is a whole new ball game. There is a different type of challenge for each phase from infancy to adulthood. Let’s admit it, some days it may feel like you are losing your mind with the stress.
Continue readingMotherhood is a profound journey that embodies selflessness, nurturing and unwavering love. As I reflect on this extraordinary role, I am inspired by the remarkable mothers in my life, particularly my own mother, who has been a guiding light and a source of love and strength. Though I have yet to embark on the journey of motherhood myself, I am in awe of the physical and emotional changes mothers endure and the instant, profound love they share with their children.
Continue readingBy Kate
My journey to motherhood was pushed into warp speed when I was diagnosed 8 years ago. In 2014, I had just gotten married and started having vision and grip issues which led to my eventual diagnosis of MS. Before any treatment was considered, my initial doctor (a lovely human) asked what it was I wanted for my life. I told him I wanted to be a mom. His response: “GREAT! You have 8 months to get pregnant, and if you don’t, I suggest we start treatment and reassess how and when to stop treatment in order to try again in the future.” This was good news, but like, no pressure, right?
Continue reading
The care and comfort provided by mothers is a privilege. For those with a strong mother figure, it is easy to see how impactful their nurturing has been. Mother figures often represent gentleness and selfless love, but they also represent protectors and providers, fierce and relentless in protecting their young. At its core, motherhood is a journey of love and sacrifice. It involves physical changes, an emotional whirlwind, social expectations, and a complete identity shift. The juggling act commences, and it never really ends. Regardless of how old their children get; mothers will always be mothers.
Continue reading