“You have Multiple Sclerosis”
Overwhelm sinks in.
Four words that would change my life forever.
Contrary to what most people would expect, I did not worry about my change in lifestyle, or how my health might deteriorate over the years to come. I started to worry about one thing: How will this impact my family and friends.
I had just started dating my girlfriend (who became my future wife). Would she still stay with me after my diagnosis?
Would I have to move back home to be supported by my mother and father?
Would I be a burden on all of my closest relationships?
Would I ruin the plans of my family and friends?
All of these questions swirled through my head.
I WAS AFRAID.
I think we all go through this feeling when we are diagnosed. The feeling of hopelessness. A feeling that even your closest family will feel you are a burden. A burden which you would never want to force upon any relationship.
Four years later, I am proud to say that life is just as good as it ever has been and I want to share with you the tips that got me through this tough time.
Hold on to your seatbelt, its going to be a bumpy ride.
1. Learn your mental path to healing
Every chronic illness comes with its own physical and mental challenges. We go through an endless cycle of emotions, flare ups and healing.
Step 1 is to understand your mental path to healing.
Your doctor will give you the medicine, and even the physical exercises to heal your body. What they will not help you with is your mental well being.
How will you overcome the pain caused by having an illness that you have no control over?
The first thing I did, was come to terms with my illness. I worked on my mental fortitude before working on my physical healing.
How did I do this?
I bought a journal, and learned to meditate.
During this step, read the following articles. It will help you on your path to mental healing:
The Chronic Illness Fighters Best Friend: A Journal
10 Day Meditation Challenge
Cycles of emotion with Chronic Ilness
2. Learn the best physical and nutritional regimen
Despite what your doctor says, the right physical and nutritional plan can provide HUGE benefits.
Most doctors will not prescribe any “non conventional” wisdom because they legally are responsible for following their prescribed medicines.
Take time to learn the best gym routines, and the right foods that will help you overcome your illness.
The right food and exercise will not replace your doctors recommended medicine, but it will be a great supplement to aid you on recovery.
For me, I have a gym regimine 3-4 times a week working on strength and cardio training. Especially strength in my legs. My motto: be stronger, so when your illness makes you weak you have more room for loosing strength and still being functional.
For food, I follow the Paleo lifestyle. You can read more here. It doesn’t work for everyone, but in my opinion the cleaner foods you eat the better you will be.
3. Look for the right support structure.
Family and friends are always great support, but with chronic illness we need to look for support outside of our inner circle.
There are two options here: Live and Online.
Live
There are many groups that you can join where people have a similar illness to yourself.
Go here to find the best local groups for you.
Note: if you are just beginning your journey going live can be overwhelming and may have a hardship on you mentally. Start online and move to live as you become more comfortable.
Online
There are many support groups online for people with similar illness. You can join our own Cant Stop Me Community in a private Facebook group. You can also join any of the groups below that will help you find people with similar illness:
Chronic Illness Groups on Facebook
I hope this helps. Remember, if you ever need 1×1 coaching feel free to reach out to me.
Go and Live the Life You Deserve.
Dave
