I've always known that looks can be deceiving. But my recent diagnosis of MS has made me living proof.
For the past several years I looked fine on the outside. No one knew when I was having a bad day. Friends and family didn’t understand how I felt inside. (I didn’t even fully understand it!)
Now I know that I’m in a war.
My immune system has mistaken my brain for the enemy and is trying to attack that critically important myelin sheath that surrounds my nerves.
Okay, I’ll just say it. I’ve been getting on my own nerves. Literally.
Unless you happen to see me trip while I’m walking through the mall, there’s really no visible symptoms. Yes, there’s scar tissue on my brain, but only my neurologist will see those unflattering photos.
I’m in a battle with my worst enemy: myself.
The more I ponder this thought, the more I’m convinced that I’m really no different from anyone else.
At one time or another, everyone faces battles that others can’t see. For example, people are fighting …
People are walking through life, battling the disabling effects of what’s going on between their ears. Just. Like. Me.
Are you also fighting a battle? Let’s grab the most powerful weapon we’ve got: prayer.
You, my blog readers, have given me so much support as I’ve shared my diagnosis over these past couple of weeks. I’d like to do the same for you. Are facing an invisible fight? Let me know how I can pray for you.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a battle you know nothing about." - Wendy Mass
For the past several years I looked fine on the outside. No one knew when I was having a bad day. Friends and family didn’t understand how I felt inside. (I didn’t even fully understand it!)
Now I know that I’m in a war.
My immune system has mistaken my brain for the enemy and is trying to attack that critically important myelin sheath that surrounds my nerves.
Okay, I’ll just say it. I’ve been getting on my own nerves. Literally.
Unless you happen to see me trip while I’m walking through the mall, there’s really no visible symptoms. Yes, there’s scar tissue on my brain, but only my neurologist will see those unflattering photos.
I’m in a battle with my worst enemy: myself.
The more I ponder this thought, the more I’m convinced that I’m really no different from anyone else.
At one time or another, everyone faces battles that others can’t see. For example, people are fighting …
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Self-defeating thoughts
- Anger or unforgiveness towards yourself or others
- Grief
- Shame
- Regret
People are walking through life, battling the disabling effects of what’s going on between their ears. Just. Like. Me.
Are you also fighting a battle? Let’s grab the most powerful weapon we’ve got: prayer.
You, my blog readers, have given me so much support as I’ve shared my diagnosis over these past couple of weeks. I’d like to do the same for you. Are facing an invisible fight? Let me know how I can pray for you.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a battle you know nothing about." - Wendy Mass
Me & Em looking STRONG ... Halloween 2015
I think it's important to educate others about the signs and symptoms of MS. I personally went through several frustrating years before finally getting diagnosed. Hopefully I can help someone else through sharing my story. This week I wrote a shorter version of my experience for the Quad City Moms Blog. Feel free to check it out "A Walk in My Shoes: Facing a Diagnosis of MS"
