Life with MS

I was diagnosed with MS 13 years ago. I went into denial, then depression. I was in terrible shape both physically and mentally. I was self-destructive, and trying my best to just give up. I grew to hate and mistrust all doctors. I was shuffled from one doctor to another, being told it was all in my head, that there was nothing wrong with me. I was subjected to test after test, most of which were very painful, had numerous surgeries, and was misdiagnosed countless times. The final blow came when I had to demand that an MRI be done. I had it done on a Wednesday, and on Friday a message was left on my answering machine: “You have MS.” This was not the way to tell a patient she has MS.
 
My husband was seeing a chiropractor/ physical therapist named Dr. Jordan Zabriskie. He would not get off my back about seeing him. I finally agreed only so my husband would stop bringing it up. Little did I know, this doctor was about to change my life forever.
 
The first time he had me try any kind of exercise, I could not even lift my leg up – really, there was nothing I could do on my own. We took it slow, but I could see improvement. I finally woke up to just how bad off I was. I could barely walk, and had no strength in my arms and legs. My whole body was weak. I could say it was all MS, but it was also me not helping myself for so long. The past three years have been the most amazing years in my life thanks to Dr. Zabriskie. It’s been a lot of hard work, and we’ve had some setbacks here and there, but I can now lift my legs up with weights on them, do squats, push-ups, and more. But the best improvement is that I can walk! I use a cane and someone’s arm, but I walk.
 
I wish I could send Dr. Zabriskie to every person with MS that thinks their life is over. It's not. I thought mine was. Try to find that one special doctor or physical therapist, someone who cares about you and wants you to be the best you can be. It's worth the effort. Please don't do what I did and give up on yourself because of MS. I will not let this  disease define my life; I am Lynn Kunz not MS Kunz!
 
Dr. Zabriskie brought me out of the deepest depression, taught me what life is about, and how to live for now. I no longer look at what I cannot do, but at all the things I can. I don’t see where I was, but where I am now. We're not finished, though. I have a lot more to do!