MS Strength

I started this website with a vision to empower and inspire other MSers who search the internet for multiple sclerosis information, news, and stories. I guess it’s been a little pipe dream of mine because I like to write and I also like to help others (I spent the majority of my short career in the health and public service realms.)

Recently my website underwent a name change, due to copyright infringements with another website. MS Friend became MS Strength in a matter of a week. I think this new name is an improvement, something of an upgrade: this site is gonna rise to its true, gritty, ballsy name. It will keep me on my toes as I attempt to present what I know and what I learn about MS. My own multiple sclerosis story is currently good, as I relax a bit from the chaos, pain, and grit of the last several years. To view my own journey, check out the “Categories” link to “My Personal MS Story” in the right margin.

I’d like to present some other stories of MS grit. I read several blogs and find such courageous people living day in and day out with multiple sclerosis. I’ve been to several seminars where I’ve met other MSers and I have to admit that a few were big sulkers. When I say “sulkers”, I am speaking about people with MS— generally with moderate disease courses— who complain and have nothing but negative comments to make about their lives and their conditions. They don’t appreciate any of the available medications and don’t want to try any of them, they are depressed but make no effort to change their situations, and they bring nothing of their true selves— their true grit— to the table.

The following links lead you to some of the best, current stories of MS strength that I have personally witnessed. These people plug on and demonstrate grit in the face of adversity, which is what MS strength is all about:

• Nadja, recently diagnosed with MS after a scary attack, talks about the challenges of working full-time as a teacher, getting some help for coping with the disease, and maintaining her sanity through yoga.
• Joan, an MS vet, recently downshifted from a full-time career and now maintains a blog and chatroom that she graciously hostesses.
• Lisa is an influential MS advocate who has been researching medications and big pharmaceutical companies in an attempt to help other MSers. She recently attended an out-of-state conference as a key speaker and navigated a crowded, confusing airport with MS fatigue, weakness, luggage, and a trusty cane.
• Linda, a compassionate psychiatric nurse, takes care of everyone else and maintains a strong position of courage, but she reveals her vulnerability, which becomes her greatest strength.
• Lanette, coming out of a recent relapse, is experiencing job loss and financial uncertainty right before her wedding. She is continuing with the wedding and facing the humbling experience of letting others help her.
• Blindbeard (my absolute favorite blogger) faces many challenges, including a recent divorce, financial strain, a lengthy disability appeal, pronounced MS symptoms, emotional stress, and a house full of chaos. She is currently awaiting an important doctor’s visit.
• Diane (my absolute favorite prolific blogger) writes tons of posts about an assortment of topics, including MS hope with a “Wizard of Oz” twist.

All of these MSers demonstrate true MS strength under pressure. It is with honor that I can present their stories to you in an attempt to give you inspiration and strength during troubled times.

Sincerely,

Jen