My Life and MS

By Jeana Wisnesky

Jeana's Journal Page #1

Hello,

I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Jeana Wisnesky, and I have MS. I've been a resident in "The Heights", since May of last year. I previously had my own apartment in Illinois, but came to live here because my parents were afraid for me to live on my own. I was having more frequent falls. Although, my symptoms were mild at the beginning, as with any progressive disease, they continued to get worse.

Just because you admit having a disease, doesn't mean that that disease defines who you are. Everyone of us are different. Also, just because you accept having a disease, doesn't mean you've given up hope. I never give up hope. Everyday, I constantly learn something new about this disease, and wish there is a cure found soon. I want to be normal again. I went through a mourning period, when I was first diagnosed with MS. I kept asking myself, "why me"? I went to college late in my life, trying to increase my income, better myself, and travel. I was diagnosed with MS a year after I graduated. Everything I went to college for, I could no longer do. I always thought I'd have time after I graduated to commit myself in a serious relationship, and eventually have children. After I was diagnosed with MS, I really felt like I had wasted my time going to school.
 
It's natural to grieve when you first learn you have an incurable disease, just don't constantly feel sorry for yourself. It's not very healthy. I learned primarily about my disease from books, and from other people with MS. After being diagnosed, it sent me spiraling downwards into a world of self-pity. I ended up going to a psychiatrist, and admitting myself into a 2 week class for depression.
 
MS symptoms change constantly, and we have to change with them. My friends and family had to adjust to the new me, and I had to stop wishing I was the same person I used to be. I needed to understand what was happening to me, and be thankful for what still functioned properly. I also needed to learn how to cope with my new limitations. Everyday is new, and we have to constantly learn about our new capabilities. Maybe, oneday we can paint, but can't the next day. Perhaps we've embroidered all our lives, but now our hands won't function properly. Find different hobbies, but never use your limitations as a reason to give up.

.
Take care and until next time,
 

Bye
Jeana

You can contact Jeanna by E-mail or respond to her Blog

	Web www.Psychtreatment.Com