Lidia

Age: 46
Diagnosed age: 43
City: Lublin, Poland

When I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), I was worried I wouldn’t be able keep up with the most important activities in my life: teaching and parenting.

I couldn’t believe it when a doctor told me I had MS. I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to raise my children.

Accepting that some things are harder for me, such as climbing stairs at work and chasing my three-year-old twins around the house, was an important part of coming to terms with MS. I learned to pace my energy throughout the day so I could still be a passionate teacher and active parent. When I am especially tired, I stay off my feet as much as possible and avoid leaving the ground floor. I save my strength for the things that are most important.

Telling my coworkers about my MS was nerve-racking at first, but everyone at the school was very understanding. I knew I could always count on them to give me a hand. When I had a second relapse, my boss let me take a year absence to focus on my health.

My diagnosis mobilized my whole family to offer support. The condition became fact and we all had to deal with it together. At first I worried I would become a burden on my husband, but he has been my most important source of assistance throughout my MS. He took care of the children when I couldn’t do it myself.

My 18-year-old daughter has also taken a big role in supporting me. I’ve became very close with my daughter; she’s been an enormous help to me.

Now that my two sons are six years old, I have started explaining my MS to them in terms they can grasp. Right now they understand that their mum has trouble with moving. They already assist with some of the chores around the house.