By: Emily Carlin
Understanding life with a chronic disease diagnosis is a long-term experience. For me, it took years to come to terms with the fact that I have MS. The journey was not easy but looking back I am proud of myself for how I handled that situation so early in my adulthood.
For some background, I was 23 when I was diagnosed with MS. Unfortunately, I am very familiar with how this condition can impact your life, as some of my family members have lived with MS for many years. To write this piece, I’m going to take you on a little journey with me. Join me as I take you back to the time when I was first diagnosed as I pretend to take myself out for coffee as the 35-year-old woman, wife, and mother I am now.
I asked my younger self out to coffee. She showed up with glowing skin, long hair, vibrant, and full of life. She was also well rested (darn, I was jealous of that, being I’m now a mom of two toddlers). She asked me how my day was going with a cheerful smile. I paused for a second, I looked right in her eyes and told her she was beautiful before I answered. I softly smiled, and told her my day was going well, but I had some things I’d like to share with her.
Being the people person that she is, she took my hand, and said “sure, I’m all ears.” First, I had to compliment her on her well-rested face and no dark circles under her eyes, ha! I then proceeded to tell her that her life was going to be more beautiful than she could’ve ever dreamed. However, they’re going to be some very challenging times ahead, so she needs to stand firm in her beliefs and the faiths she has in herself, and that she is stronger than she could’ve ever possibly imagined.
I also told her that she is going to come along beautiful times married with very difficult times. One of the most difficult times she will ever face in her life is being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. That diagnosis is not going to be the end, it will be the beginning. The beginning of realizing who you truly are to the core of your being. It will shake you; it will transform you; and it will change your outlook on life. But don’t be discouraged, you got this.
You need to make sure you’re thinking of your health first in every situation from this moment on. Eating healthy, regular exercise when you’re able, a positive mindset, gratitude for the health that you still have, and loving yourself. Now, you don’t know this quite yet, but you will meet a man who will stand by you in every up and down, every twist and turn in life. You and he will also build a family.
Spoiler alert: You will have two beautiful daughters who will think the world of you, as they should. Don’t lose sight of the fact that you are their inspiration, and role model in life. Please value yourself, respect yourself, love yourself, and give yourself grace.
Now, for the harder part… some people are not going to understand this disease. Those people will not understand how it affects your life. These kinds of people will be irrelevant to you. Keep the people close to you that only offer you love, understanding, and support. You will get hurt; your feelings will hang in the balance in some situations. You will lose friends that do not understand. You will lose companionship from those who also do not understand. All of this is OK, so please rest assured that you will find your people who actually add value to your life.
Lastly, keep going! Your life has really just begun. You have so many things to look forward to. You’re kind, you’re positive, you’re going to live life to the absolute fullest of your current ability. Do not lose sight of the fact that you have family and those close to you that will only lift you up. Life is going to be beautiful, please believe that. Oh! please don’t forget to wear sunscreen, your 35-year-old self will thank you I promise. 
