This blog post has probably been the most difficult to draft. It runs the risk of being misinterpreted as a personal cry for help. (It is not, and I love you for caring.) It risks sounding judgmental. (It is not, and I am here to help whether we are now friends or soon to beContinue reading “Living Longer, Living Uncertain: The Mental Health Paradox of Modern Multiple Sclerosis Treatment”
Category Archives: Health
Eleven Years: What MS Has Taught Me About Time, Probability, and Purpose
Eleven years with MS has taught me that life is rarely good or bad in itself. It is uncertain, often answered only with “maybe.” Within that uncertainty, I have found clarity: to guard my time, honor my priorities, and live our family mission of Mostest.
Uncertainty Is Not the Enemy
Research shows that people often underestimate their resilience and overestimate the impact of uncertainty on well-being. While fear of the unknown, such as with multiple sclerosis, is common, uncertainty is a constant in life. Embracing this reality allows for better decision-making and adaptability, fostering resilience in the face of life’s unpredictability.
Moving Beyond Cynicism: Harvesting a Non-Net Sum Zero Life
The blog post discusses the contrast between Net Sum Zero and Non-Net Sum Zero belief systems regarding success and resources. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration, abundance, and overcoming cynicism to foster community and personal growth. The author advocates for a mindset shift towards shared success and connections for overall well-being.
10 Years with MS: The Obstacle is the Way
On the tenth anniversary of my multiple sclerosis diagnosis, the author reflects on the journey and lessons learned over the decade. Gratitude for stability, the value of time, and the power of community emerge as key themes. Emphasizing growth, resilience, and the importance of asking for help, the author celebrates life fully.
The Future of MS: What Does A Cure Mean & Unintended Consequences
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been undergoing a leadership change with the retirement of our previous CEO and the appointment of our new CEO (Congrats, Tim!). The new CEO will build on the immense progress made in understanding multiple sclerosis (MS), including its potential links to Epstein-Barr. The confluence of these has caused meContinue reading “The Future of MS: What Does A Cure Mean & Unintended Consequences “
The Waiting Game: A Closer Look at In-Office Times
In healthcare, patients endure excessive waits, with 97% facing over 25 minutes of delay in 2022. This not only heightens anxiety but also erodes precious moments, especially for those with chronic conditions. The healthcare system’s inefficiency challenges professionals’ Hippocratic Oath commitment, creating an ethical dilemma. This post examines the impact of wait times on patient well-being and suggests steps toward a more efficient healthcare model.
The Endurance of Care: Why Treating the Person Matters in Health, Business, and Beyond
In a world often hyper-focused on quick fixes and narrow solutions, this post explores the profound necessity of treating individuals as complete entities, especially in healthcare. Drawing from my own experience with multiple sclerosis, Stoic philosophy, and an endurance athlete’s mindset, I argue for a comprehensive approach that considers emotional, physical, and psychological aspects of a person. This strategy, as it turns out, transcends healthcare and is vital for any service-oriented industry, including business.
MS Awareness Week 2020 – Day 7 #ThisIsMS
So, how does one end a week of posting about a life with multiple sclerosis? That’s the question I have been asking myself all week. To answer this, I thought back to why I stepped out to become public about my MS and why I posted this week.
Every person has some struggle that she/he is dealing with, or they will in the future. Those struggles often lead to questioning “Why me?” Those struggles often lead to pain which can be both debilitating and contagious.
For whatever reason, I am blessed to be engineered to want to fight this. The question was never, “Why me?” It was always, “Why not me? What makes me so special that I deserve a life free of pain, struggle, or challenges? OK, now how am I going to fight this – for me, my family, my friends, and my community?” That’s why I stepped out 2.5 years ago. That’s why I posted this week. My intent has been to show a more balanced view of what MS is for me (and others?). I was exhausted seeing only the negative side of MS. I hope I showed an honest point of view. Life is neither normal nor abnormal. It is not binary of easy or hard.
I hope I never came across as a victim because I have never viewed this in that manner. In many ways, my feelings are the exact opposite. MS has given me new context and perspective. It has given me an opportunity to help others.
It has instilled an internal fire to love every moment and the people in my life.
#ThisIsMS (Pic is from a rock pile where I first publicly stated I had MS. It’s written on a rock down there… somewhere amongst all the other secrets and proclamations.)
MS Awareness Week 2020 – Day 6 #ThisIsMS
A few weeks ago, I fell while running. It was a nasty fall and worse than I thought. I didn’t fall on the hills. I fell on the flat. It could have been MS. It could have been a root. It could have been dumb luck.
After dealing with pain for 2 weeks, I decided to see my team over at @bluetailmedical. I have a torn right meniscus and have been running on it for weeks.
Yesterday, they did BMAC on the meniscus. This involves taking my blood and harvesting both fat and bone marrow. That is then injected in the site to rapidly repair it. I am expected to be back to half strength in one week and full strength within 2 weeks.
Falling is part of MS. Pain is part of MS. It matters more how I get up and accept a constantly changing new normal. Then, put one step in front of the other. Even if it’s a bit of a hobble.
Oh, make no doubt… Leadville 2020 is absolutely on!
#ThisIsMS