In the past, if you had asked me what Multiple Sclerosis was, I don't know if I could have provided a definition. I knew it was a disease of some sort that caused fatigue, but that was about the extent of my knowledge. Then I found out that there are an estimated 2.3 million people in the world living with MS, and 200 people every week are diagnosed in the United States. So, how is it that such a prevalent disease is a mystery to most people? I decided to educate myself, and write about the disease to educate others. I interviewed a good friend of mine, Angie, who has been diagnosed with this disease for several years. I asked her questions about her daily life, her complications with MS, and how she managed to earn her college degree as a single mother with MS. She is truly an amazing woman, and I am hoping that this will help educate people about MS.

But first: What is Multiple Sclerosis?

According to the National MS Society, "Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body." This occurs because of damage to myelin coating on the nerve fibers in the central nervous system. No one knows what exactly causes MS, but scientists predict a combination of epidemiology, immunology, and genetic factors to be the culprit.

How would you explain Multiple Sclerosis to someone who doesn’t know what the disease is?

MS is different for everyone diagnosed and there are different forms of MS. From Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS), Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS), Primary Progressive MS (PPMS), Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS), and there is no known cure for any form of MS. The disease can become debilitating. Symptoms may include loss of motor skills, speech impairment, loss of vision, bladder control, and many others. It can cause extreme fatigue, known as Chronic MS Fatigue. When an MRI is performed, you can see lesions which are on the brain or spinal cord. I personally only have 11, but some patients have so many you can barely count them.

I have had to learn to say no to things so I don’t overbook myself and my energy. I’ve also learned to be more patient with myself.

Prayer and my faith. I was a bit in denial for several years. I have been fortunate that my symptoms for the most part have been at bay and haven’t caused me to many issues. I just have to be extremely careful when it gets really hot out as symptoms can flare up. (So no more hot tubs for me!)

I have been blessed to have wonderful family and friends who have been very supportive. I am not able to be the lead for events in the case that I have a flare up, which is rather frustrating. I sometimes feel like I wont get the same opportunities in my professional life had I not had this disease. I feel like it holds me back. I try hard to not let the disease run my life, I am just careful with not running myself too thin and that can be challenging.

My worst symptom is the Chronic MS Fatigue.

I had to be very organized with my schedule. I stayed on top of the syllabus and planned out my week so that I wouldn’t run out of time in completing an assignment. One class, one week, one assignment at a time. Some advice I would give would be: don’t over stress yourself, just find balance and plan, plan, plan.

A good day is when I am symptom free, have energy, and don’t need a nap. A bad day is sleeping for 18 hours being unable to get out of bed.

For someone who has been diagnosed: be strong in your faith, reach out to friends and family, find a support group, and learn to say no, as you have to put yourself first. Others will understand, and if they don’t, they are someone you may need to put on the back burner.