I have had multiple sclerosis for over twenty years. Thankfully [mspic] and I will explain this later) I wasn't officially diagnosed until September 2000. The reason I say 'thankfully' is because, if diagnosed prior to 1990, the prescription/treatment for MS patients was to 'go home and rest'.
Prior to the nineties, the diagnosis for MS was dicey, at best. Being a neuro-muscular disease, it mirrored a plethora of symptoms shared by other diseases. I remember having (what I know now) exacerbations that included blurred vision, clumsiness, tingling fingers, face, feet and toes, incontinence among other mysterious maladies. I often left the doctor(s) with a diagnosis ranging from fibromalagia to chronic fatigue symptoms, pre-menopausal symptoms, etc.
After the official diagnosis in 2000 by my MS specialized neurologist, I went through a variety of emotions. I experienced self-pity, denial, irrational mood swings and yes, I became an alcoholic.
You don't have to be an ANGEL
I know that many folks will rationalize their alcoholism when they have a 'family history' of the disease. Yes, the problem is underlying in those of us with family histories, but the alcoholism can be overcome, ignored, and in the case of alcoholism, knowledge is power.
I have read about folks fighting alcoholism when they learn of their unfortunate fates in life. I remember several people of notarity falling into the alcohol pit, only to wake up one day and realize that alcohol is NOT helping.
When I fell into the drinking pit, I found the following:
- I was much more moody, and sad
- My clumsiness left me bruised, battered and generally my mobility made me more dangerous in the most simple of physical activities.
- I felt my MS symptoms more pronounced
I kept rationalizing that alcohol helped me handle the sporatic symptoms and emotional denials instead of seeing that alcohol helps no one.
Now, I am not a teetotalling, bible-thumping reformed alcoholic. I chose to stop drinking, cold turkey. This is the method that most would NOT recommend, but I see it differently. Although it is known that alcoholism is a disease, I believe that we have the power and inclination to change and see outselves for our strengths and weaknesses.
My neurologist kept telling me, patiently and non-judgmentally that alcohol was like poison to an MS patient. With his no-nonsence approach and non-threatening words, I saw the light.
- MIXING ALCOHOL WITH MS DRUGS CAN BE FATAL
- ALCOHOL CAN MASK/EXACERBATE MS BLACKOUTS
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