13 realities that people with Multiple Sclerosis live with

“All my life I dreamed of having four children. I'd had their names in my head since I was 12. Then multiple sclerosis came along and changed my life, and I decided that being a mother would be an impossible task for me. Today, more than ever, I admire mothers.” Twitter.com/MarianaOE

How much do you know about multiple sclerosis (MS)? We've gathered the voices of some people living with the condition to hear what they have to say.

1. What is Multiple Sclerosis?

It is a disease that affects the brain and central nervous system

The damage is to a substance in the body called myelin, which surrounds and protects neurons. When it is damaged, communication between the brain and the body is diminished or even interrupted.

Source: Facebook.com/EMPA

Is there a cure?

It is an autoimmune and incurable disease

It means the body attacks itself. And although current medications can help delay the disease, there is currently no cure.

Source: Twitter.com/Fernando_andere

3. Do you have any visible symptoms?

It is a disease that is not always seen, but it is felt.

Because nerve damage affects communication between the brain and body, people with MS may experience vision and coordination problems.

However, there may also be symptoms that are not noticeable to others, such as pain, chronic fatigue, and even dizziness.

Source: Twitter.com/WorldMSDay

4. Does it affect men more than women?

It affects both men and women, but women are more affected.

It is also known that, although it can occur at any age, it is usually more common in people between 20 and 40 years of age.

Source: Instagram.com/unloco_enelespacio

5. Are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis always the same?

Your symptoms can be very different in each case.

Some symptoms range from dizziness to body numbness, difficulty moving arms and legs, double vision, speech difficulties, concentration problems, and even difficulty with bowel movements or sexual intercourse. Some may last for a few days, while others can last for months.

Source: Twitter.com/Staiment

Due to its difficult diagnosis and the diversity of its symptoms, multiple sclerosis is also known as 'The disease of a thousand faces'.

6. What causes Multiple Sclerosis?

Currently, its causes remain unknown.

The disease is thought to be caused by a virus, a genetic defect, environmental factors, or a combination of these three. Geographically, it tends to occur more frequently in colder regions of the world compared to tropical and semi-tropical areas.

Unfortunately, multiple sclerosis currently affects 2.5 million people worldwide, so a commitment to self-care is vital for every patient.

Source: Twitter.com/EsclerosisyKeka

7. Do you feel bad all the time with Multiple Sclerosis?

There may be relapses

A disease like MS is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms. There are times when it seems like everything is progressing, but then there can be periods when the disease progresses.

At times like this, patients need all the support they need.

Source: Twitter.com/Lambs_Assassin

8. Are they more vulnerable to Covid-19?

People with MS also need to be protected against the coronavirus, but according to recent studies, it is still unknown how the current pandemic might affect those with multiple sclerosis.

However, it is known that people with MS, especially those with lung and heart problems, should take special care regarding handwashing, social distancing, and food safety.

Source: Twitter.com/em_emicon

9. What can you do to feel better when you have Multiple Sclerosis?

Faced with such a huge challenge, attitude is key, because emotions matter a lot.

There are even many support groups for MS patients and their families around the world that can help connect patients and share the challenges of a condition like this.

In this sense, many people have also taken advantage of the reach of social media to share their stories and give new meaning to their condition.

Source: Twitter.com/MariGuizado

Contrary to popular belief, multiple sclerosis does not necessarily mean work disability. Most people can lead normal, successful working lives.

10. Are there movies about this disease?

Many multiple sclerosis testimonies have made it to the big screen.

Cinema has provided an important platform for widely sharing life stories related to MS.

One example is '100 Meters,' based on the true story of Spaniard Ramón Arroyo (played by actor Dani Rovira), a man whose life was transformed after being diagnosed with this disease.

He was told that he wouldn't be able to walk 100 meters in a year (hence the title), but then he decided to defy all odds and decided to run the triathlon known as Ironman.

Source: Twitter.com/Adrianledeb

While people with MS may experience mobility issues, only 25% of cases require the use of a wheelchair.

11. When is World Multiple Sclerosis Day?

May 30th is World Multiple Sclerosis Day.

Between 2020 and 2022, the theme will be connections: at the community level, personal level, and to achieve quality care.

Source: Twitter.com/MyEMyYo

12. How is research into this disease funded?

Donations are important to continue research into Multiple Sclerosis.

Basque basketball player Asier de la Iglesia, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, launched a campaign in 2018 with the organization Multiple Sclerosis Spain.

It consisted of selling bracelets with the phrase "Don't wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain," inspired by people living with this disease.

By April of this year, the athlete announced that he had raised 100,000 euros, which will go toward research into this disease.

Source: Instagram.com/Santaoes

13. Are the donations worth it?

As MS research advances, the path toward a cure continues to take steps forward.

Source: Twitter.com/EM_OnetoOne_Es

Have you ever wondered what COVID quarantine is like for people with mobility disabilities who are confined to their homes or buildings? We share this article with you: There are people who, due to reduced mobility, live their entire lives in quarantine: Disability and Rights

Now you know more about multiple sclerosis. It's a condition about which little is known, but research continues.

The most important thing of all is to always put life first. Illness can be a tormentor, but it can also be a teacher. We all deserve to live a quality life.