Finding Your New Normal

December 14, 2016 9 Comments

Category: MS, My Story
Tags: Finding Your New Normal, multiple sclerosis, tysabri

It’s 9am on a Friday morning as I sit patiently awaiting an IV so I can begin my monthly infusion. I make small talk with the nurses after taking my routine pregnancy test to ensure my heavy-duty medicine doesn’t harm my apparent unborn child. Unfazed, I ask Jenny how her daughter is and then look around the room to see if any of the other usual suspects are here. Within a few minutes, I have 115 mL of Tysabri being pumped into my veins that will slow down my overactive immune system for next 30 days. As I sit back to begin two hours of frivolous busy work to pass the time, I can’t help but think to myself: This is my new normal

When I learned that I had multiple sclerosis, it felt as if my whole world came crashing down. I was full of emotions – terrified for what this could mean for my future and angry that I couldn’t do anything about it. It took me a good year to shake out all of the ramifications of learning of my incurable illness, but eventually I came to terms with it.  This is my new normal.

Through that process, I learned firsthand the true meaning of the statement “time heals all wounds.” After the initial shock wore off, I had months to research what having MS entails and I empowered myself with the knowledge and tools I needed to tackle it. Time allowed me to talk to others with the disease and to consult with specialists that, too, gave me confidence I could be okay. Time gave me the ability to accept my illness and what it may mean for my life moving forward. This is my new normal. 

One of the scariest aspects of my first MRI was learning the truth behind my symptoms. But the actual process of getting the scan can be equally as terrifying to someone who’s never experienced one before. You’re placed in a large contained machine for hours at a time without the ability to move. You sit there with your own thoughts while it makes the loudest screeching sounds for minutes on end. That first MRI was so daunting to me but now, I know what to expect. Time and experience gave me that gift. I now ask each MRI attendant for a few things to make the process easier:  headphones so I can play music, a towel to cover my eyes from the bright lights and insight into how long each scan will be. This is my new normal. 

While no two days are the same with MS, I have generally come to expect symptoms based on the location of my lesions. My vision will never be the same because of the one on my optic nerve. And other symptoms just seem to come with the diagnosis, like bouts of fatigue, numbness and tingles that shoot from my head to my toes. While I’m always susceptible to new symptoms, new lesions and relapses, I’m getting to know my body, my limits and my triggers. This is my new normal. 

So whatever you’re going through – no matter how big or small – rest assured, the shock will wear off, you will adjust and time will be there to help you recover. Whether it’s days, weeks, months or years, you too, will find your new normal.

— Originally published through the National MS Society website —


Comments

9 thoughts on “Finding Your New Normal

  1. Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

    Genevieve

    Amazing perspective, Ang! So powerful and inspiring for those beginning to get to know their new normal.

    • Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

      wellandstrongwithms

      Thanks so much, Gen! Appreciate your support as always and feedback on the post.. means a lot! xo

  2. Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

    Ashley Zeal

    Loved this, Angie! Keep up the good work! You are inspiring so many others! XooX

    • Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

      wellandstrongwithms

      Thanks, Ashley! So nice of you to say.. Just telling it as I see it 😉 Appreciate all of your support and for reading along too. xoxo

  3. Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

    Dr William Arnold

    This is a critically important concept for all young people with a chronic illness to understand. Adapting to the reality of chronic illness reduces stress, improves quality of life and eventually improves the illness itself. Congratulations, Angie. You consistently show wisdom beyond your years.
    Dr William Arnold

    • Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

      wellandstrongwithms

      Thanks so much.. I couldn’t agree with you more, and appreciate you pointing that out. I’ve always said that attitude is a much more powerful tool than any medicine.. Thanks again. I love that you’re following the blog and giving your perspective 🙂

  4. Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

    Anonymous

    I have goosebumps everytime I read from you. You are amazing, and a beautiful woman

    • Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

      wellandstrongwithms

      So touched by that.. thank you. Means a lot! Appreciate you reading and following along too 🙂

  5. Avatar for Angie Rose Randall

    Kyle Gordon

    This was great! Well written, (I am a sucker for rhetorical devices, so I loved the repetition), inspirational and courageous. Keep up the good work and know Lauren and I are with you.

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