We all feel very naïve in the beginning. #chronicillness #multiplesclerosis #msdiagnosis #autoimmunedisease #msawarenessmonth #lifewithms #disability

10 things that I wish I knew when I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Number one, MS is going to fuck with your mind. You are going to meet or hear of people that have MS and they're going to say, "Oh, it's not that big of a deal." You're going to have doctors that are going to tell you, "Oh, you're fine. Your MS is stable. Your MRIs are stable." When in all reality, you're not. You're going to have days where you feel normal and if you're lucky, it'll last a while. And if you're not so lucky, then you're going to have issues just kind of randomly show up out of nowhere. And just when you think you have, just when you think you have things figured out, something else happens. And your doctor will still tell you that you're stable. It's a fucking roller coaster, so hang on tight. Number two, you are going to be gaslit a lot. And the number one person that is going to gaslight you the most is yourself. When you try to regain some kind of normalcy in your life and your body just won't let you. Even if you are physically strong and healthy, you will try to convince yourself that this isn't real. That it's just all in your head. Number three, some doctors don't know shit. Not all doctors fall into this category, so if you have a good one, hold on to them. You're going to have doctors tell you bullshit like MS does not cause pain. MS doesn't cause headaches. MS really is not that big of a deal. If you're lucky, it won't be. Doctors can be very dismissive. Can't rely on them to take care of you. Number four, you are going to become hyper aware of your body and any kind of changes that are happening. This will drive you crazy. You have to learn how to cope with those changes. I do it through dark humor and sarcasm. For five, some of these changes might be life altering and you have to adopt and change the way you live. You will grieve. And that grief never goes away. Number six, people in general are not going to know how to talk to you or treat you. Some people will treat you normal and forget you have it. Some people will flood you with toxic positivity. Some will say a diet, a cleanse, these supplements are going to help you. Most people aren't going to understand what chronic illness means. We're going to have to be particular about who you will put up to. I may be very open here on TikTok about MS, but in real life, I'm not at all. Some people you think will care won't. Your heart is going to get broken. So when you do encounter someone who does understand, cherish them. Number seven, you are not alone. I guarantee you the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing are more common among others who are chronically ill than you might think. Being part of a community is a huge asset. Number eight, MS will teach you compassion. You will find that you are more empathetic towards others. Just make sure you're being empathetic towards yourself too. Number nine, you will have to develop thick skin. You are going to hear and see things that is going to hurt you or make you angry. And finally, number 10, as raw and as real as all of this sounds, you still have a beautiful life ahead of you. It really sucks that we have to be sick and life might look different from here on out, but it can still be a good life learning to thrive and not just survive. You're a goddamn warrior now. Pick up your orange shield and wear it proudly. This message is Elvis approved.