> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://achronicvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 3 Reasons Why I Don't Let Multiple Sclerosis Prevent Me from Living a Normal Life - URL: https://achronicvoice.com/dont-let-multiple-sclerosis-prevent-normal-life/ - Published: 2018-12-20T14:15:19.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-17T09:15:30.000Z - Author: Sheryl Chan - Tags: Chronic Illness, Guest Posts, Men's Health ## An Introduction on Trevor & Multiple Sclerosis It's our pleasure to have Trevor with us today. I am always on the lookout for male voices within the chronic illness community, as they are rarer yet equally as important. The male to female ratio for many chronic illnesses lean toward women. For example, [9 out 10 people with Lupus (SLE) are female](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2891868/) (Weckerle & Niewold, 2011). Hence you could say that men are the minority within a minority. Add to the fact that men and women inherently tend to communicate and express our needs in different ways, and also the [**stigma of strength**](https://achronicvoice.com/you-dont-have-to-be-strong/) tied to men within society, and it can be an extra lonely road for them. So thank you for taking the time to share your story today, Trevor. It is my hope that it not only raises awareness of Multiple Sclerosis, but also provides an "I'm not alone" moment for others who live with chronic illness out there. Now let's read what he has to say! *\*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on the author's personal experiences as a patient. *I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice.* Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding *any* new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our* [***Privacy Policy***](https://achronicvoice.com/privacy-policy/)*page for more information. Thank you!* Pin to Your Multiple Sclerosis & Chronic Pain Boards: ![3 Reasons Why I Don't Let Multiple Sclerosis Prevent Me from Living a Normal Life (Guest Post by: Trevor McDonald)](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/reasons-why-dont-let-multiple-sclerosis-ms-prevent-living-normal-life.jpg) ## My Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Began Rather Quietly On an otherwise ordinary morning in 2011, I woke up with a severe case of vertigo. I was in my late 20s, and to be honest, I didn’t even know vertigo was a thing that could happen. I tried to write it off as one of those weird things that happen, but it persisted. I later learned that it was my first [Multiple Sclerosis (MS)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269) episode (Mayo Clinic, 2024b). Unfortunately, it was the mildest episode I’d experience. ## My Next Episode of Multiple Sclerosis was Brutal My next episode came a few months later in that same year. This one was marked by extreme muscular pain. It felt like my leg was in a vice grip that someone would tighten and loosen, but mostly tighten. Much to my dismay, the pain never completely subsided. For those of you who don’t have MS, I’ll explain. In the early stages of this autoimmune disease, most people are diagnosed with what’s called [Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)](https://www.nationalmssociety.org/understanding-ms/what-is-ms/types-of-ms/relapse-remitting-ms) (National Multiple Sclerosis Society \[NMSS\], n.d.). This is one stage of the disease, and it’s characterized by episodes that last 1-2 months before they subside. ### The Most Worrying Thing is the Permanent Damage that MS Can Cause But the most problematic thing about these episodes is that they can (and often do) cause permanent damage. This is what I experienced during my second episode. My pain was less intense after that episode, but it never went away completely. Now, here is where most people with chronic illness can relate. Many chronic illnesses come with some level of pain. If you let it, **c**hronic pain can really derail an otherwise happy life. Add more layers of chronic disease, and it’s even easier to succumb to hopelessness and rage. But I make a conscious decision to do the exact opposite. It’s a decision I make every single day. Here’s why and how I don’t let my chronic disease prevent me from living a normal life. Read Related Posts: - [“It’s in My Blood”: Shannon Giroux – Making a Better Home to Live in, Despite Multiple Sclerosis](https://achronicvoice.com/shannon-giroux-better-home-multiple-sclerosis/) - [How Does Antiphospholipid Syndrome Affect The Body? (Beyond the Blood to Major Organs)](https://achronicvoice.com/how-does-antiphospholipid-syndrome-affect-the-body/) - [An Experience from Hell: Pulmonary Embolism, DVTs & Antiphospholipid Syndrome](https://achronicvoice.com/pulmonary-embolism-dvts-antiphospholipid-syndrome/) - [What It Feels Like to be Suddenly Disabled](https://achronicvoice.com/suddenly-disabled/) - [My Second Brush with Death: A Broken Heart (Literally)](https://achronicvoice.com/death-broken-heart/) ## 1\. We Only Get One Life As cliché as it sounds, we all have the same number of seconds every day. I can spend them dwelling on my problems, or I can spend them focused on more important things. I’ve done it both ways, and there’s no question that focusing on pain and problems is a waste. This may seem morbid, but [**we will all eventually die**](https://achronicvoice.com/what-neverending-pain-reveals/). When you’re on your deathbed and thinking about your life, do you want to remember days spent curled up in bed or days out living life to its fullest? Even on my worst days, I [**regret decisions to do nothing**](https://achronicvoice.com/give-your-best-even-when-feeling-depressed/), more than I regret a decision to do something. Even if it's just picking up a book to read, at least my day was made valuable by learning something new. ## 2\. I Always Maintain Hope When you have a chronic disease like Multiple Sclerosis, your doctor probably isn’t a fountain of hope and positivity. On the contrary, they usually prepare you for the worst. And although there are many promising treatments on the horizon, the old standby drugs simply don’t cut the mustard. At best, drugs like interferons will slow the progression of your disease. So, you may stay where you are or get worse. There’s not a lot of hope in that. That’s why I choose to focus my energy on alternative and cutting-edge treatments. This is what led me to [stem cell therapy](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117) (Mayo Clinic, 2024a). My doctor told me about a trial he thought I’d qualify for, and I was lucky enough to get a spot. Stem cell therapy has helped me live a mostly pain-free life. I still have issues, don’t get me wrong, but the debilitating pain isn’t an issue. And I know that if I can find a treatment to help with my pain, there must be other treatments that can help. I choose to have hope, and that keeps me going every day. Read Related Posts: - [I May be Chronically Ill, but I’m Also Chronically Resilient](https://achronicvoice.com/chronically-ill-resilient/) - [Life with Chronic Illness: Happiness & Pain Can Co-exist](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-happiness-and-pain/) - [Chronic Illness is Unpredictable, but You Don’t Always Have to Fear the Unknown](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-unpredictable-dont-fear-unknown/) - [Latest Research on Antiphospholipid Syndrome](https://achronicvoice.com/latest-research-on-antiphospholipid-syndrome/) - [MediSearch Review: A Medical AI Search Engine for Patients, Clinicians & Medical Writers](https://achronicvoice.com/medisearch-review-medical-ai-search-engine/) ## 3\. I Share My Struggles & Receive Support I’m part of an active online support group that keeps me accountable. I’ve been part of this group for about three years, and it’s made up of others who have MS. We all have different symptoms and challenges, but we all share the same passion for life. In this group, we share successes and failures, and we check in on people who are inactive. You may [**find an online support group**](https://achronicvoice.com/panic-attacks-internet-friends/) like this, or you may have one or two close friends who provide this level of support. I find it super helpful to have someone check in on me whenever I fall silent. It helps to know people care. If you’re struggling with MS, chronic pain or any other illness, my best advice is to avoid dwelling on your problems. If you need help with this, let someone know. [**People who care about you will be happy to help**](https://achronicvoice.com/asking-for-help-life-skill/) you live a better life – whatever it takes. ## Sign Up for My Free Newsletter Be the first to get the latest post updates in your inbox, and unlock the comments section. You will also receive an e-book full of uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations as a token of appreciation! [Browse more membership plans here](#/portal/), or [make a one-off donation](https://ghost.achronicvoice.com/#/portal/support) instead. Sign Up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Read Related Posts: - [What Stops You from Splitting Your Burdens Up?](https://achronicvoice.com/splitting-your-burdens/) - [What’s it Like to be a Caregiver for a Chronically Ill Loved One (The Challenges & Rewards)](https://achronicvoice.com/caregiver-chronically-ill-loved-one/) - [Suffering with a Rare Disease, Isaac Syndrome, as Told from a Male Perspective](https://achronicvoice.com/rare-disease-isaacs-syndrome/) - [3 Important Holiday Checklists for Those with Chronic Illness (and Their Supporters)](https://achronicvoice.com/holiday-checklists-chronic-illness/) - [Keeping Up with the World: Why it’s Important Despite Pain](https://achronicvoice.com/keeping-up-despite-pain/) Pin to Your Living a Normal Life with Chronic Illness Boards: ![3 Reasons Why I Don't Let Chronic Illness Prevent Me From Living A Normal Life. Guest Post By: Trevor Mcdonald.](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/why-dont-let-multiple-sclerosis-prevent-living-normal-life-featured-guest-post-trevor-mcdonald-2.jpg) **Contributor Bio:** ![Trevor McDonald's headshot](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/trevor-mcdonald-profile.jpeg) Trevor McDonald is a freelance content writer who has had a passion for writing since he was a young adult. He has written a variety of education, health, self-development and lifestyle articles. Although living with a disease, he strives to do as much with his life as possible. In his free time, you can find him playing with his dog, writing stories at his favorite coffee shop, or laying out on the beautiful beaches of San Diego. You can find more about Trevor on his [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-mcdonald/). ### References: - Mayo Clinic. (2024a, March 23). *Stem cells: What they are and what they do.* https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117 - Mayo Clinic. (2024b, November 1). *Multiple sclerosis.* https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269 - National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (n.d.). *Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).* Retrieved 2018, December 20 from https://www.nationalmssociety.org - Weckerle, C. E., & Niewold, T. B. (2011). The unexplained female predominance of systemic lupus erythematosus: Clues from genetic and cytokine studies. *Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, 40*(1), 42–49\. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-009-8192-4 ### Comments Archives: Comments imported from previous WordPress site. - Lu Jan 14, 2020 Hi, as well as photophobia, I have extremely painful, sore & inflamed eyes. It’s best when the sky is blue but when I can’t sleep, like now due to my horrible new neighbours who wake me up all night, I can’t do anything. I’m so frustrated because even though I don’t think I can manage it, I’m trying to return to work unwell as it’s my last chance (I’ve been long term sick a few years & in my 30s), I don’t want to be ‘unemployed’, I had plans, I wanted to buy a house now it’s all ruined. How do I get past this excruciating eye pain? Artificial light & sunlight trigger my eye inflammation which generally can be avoided (looking at ways to block it in the office or that’s a no no!). I haven’t had a holiday for 7yrs, I’ve spent most of my 30s indoors, I am not happy about that but how can I plan things when I don’t know if I’m going to be well enough on the day to get there? So frustrating… - Sydney Jul 24, 2019 Thanks Trevor! This is the philosophy I decided to adopt when I was diagnosed with severe RA. I felt like the clock was ticking but I still had so much I wanted to do. I can’t do it all but I will give everything else my best shot. Plus it’s much better for my mental health. Feeling like I had to give up was a very dark place for me. Plus I feel better when I’m about dwelling on my health. It’s still a work in progress though. - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Jul 24, 2019 It’s always a work in progress, even for healthy people I think 🙂 Here’s to accomplishing our goals step by step! - [ Caz / InvisiblyMe ](https://invisiblyme.com/) Mar 29, 2019 I love this – so encouraging & uplifting to read and I think many of us need a reminder, at least from time to time, to hold on to hope, get support, and make the most of the one life we have to live. Thanks for sharing Trevor! x - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Mar 29, 2019 Yes agreed! I am really glad Trevor chose to share his story, and encourage others despite his own difficulties 🙂 - Denise Dec 21, 2018 Okay I’m first very happy you have found some relief but I am 60 and I cant seem to decide to live my life, ME/CFS rules my life. Along with fibromyalgia, hashimotos, hypothyroid and bipolar. I cant seem to find that drive or that push to get up and keep living. Today cold, damp, dark and windy, I feel like I want vfc to implode upon myself, hope is not even a twinkle of light. If you can chose to live a life i applaud you!! I cant seem to find that option, is it because I’m old? - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Dec 21, 2018 Hi Denise, Trevor will have to answer that question from his perspective, but personally for me I get where you’re coming from (and I’m only half your age!). I wrote another blog post about this here that expresses these thoughts: [https://www.achronicvoice.com/2017/07/26/suicide-option/ ](https://achronicvoice.com/2017/07/26/suicide-option/) Regardless, no matter how tired I am, for whatever the reason is, I know that I have to just hang on and see life through. Sending you good thoughts 🙂 - [ Rachel, The Invisible Hypothyroidism ](https://theinvisiblehypothyroidism.com) Jan 7, 2019 Hi Denise, as a fellow Hashimoto’s and Hypothyroidism patient, I’m sending a big hug. - [ Adam Hanmer ](https://adamski76blog.wordpress.com/) Dec 21, 2018 Hi Sheryl and Trevor, Good post and very true. I do feel a minority sometimes as well. Firstly a man in a woman’s world in my home I have my 3 lovely daughters, wife and our au pair (not moaning about this!). I have Primary Progressive MS so puts me in the 15% of people with MS. I also blog a bit about my trials and tribulations with MS if you fancy a read. Happy Christmas to you both. Keep up the good work and positivity. Adam. - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Dec 21, 2018 Hi Adam, Thanks for sharing your thoughts and blog. I will definitely check it out! Hope you and your lovely ladies have lots of quality time over this holiday season 🙂 **Start a new conversation in the Member Comments below!**