Thursday January 12 2017 11:25 AM
This week Declan Groeger shares his MS journey.
Have you ever embarked on a journey only to find that the starting point was not where you thought it was or started a mystery trip where the route and length of the journey are unknown?
My MS journey officially started in 1988 but I believe it really started in 1983. I was involved in an accident that year and sometime after the accident I experienced a most excruciating headache for a number of days. It was after this incident that symptoms became apparent. I know that there is no definite proof that a traumatic experience can trigger MS but I know of many people who do believe and I certainly find it a credible theory. When my traumatic incident was coupled with a familial connection, my Uncle Michael Crowley also lives with MS, the writing was definitely on the wall; bad graffiti more than writing.
At the time of my diagnosis MRI scanners were not available and the diagnostic procedure seemed very basic. In any event I sought a 2nd opinion after 10 years and MS was confirmed. By this time an MRI scan was available as were a small number of treatment options. There was still no cause and no cure but at least treatments had become available.
I have been living with MS for 28 years, my Uncle Michael for 50+, and I can safely say that it is no bed of roses. My MS story is not unlike so many other MS stories and a phrase that I find very helpful goes like this; when you can’t change the outcome, change the journey. If I suffer a breakdown on a car journey I call roadside assistance, AA, RIAC or whoever, and I use the same criteria on my MS Journey. My first call is to Jean and then depending on the severity of the problem I contact the medical profession. The end of my story is already written but the intervening chapters are works in progress, they are changeable. Is there a moral in my MS story? Yes there is! Don’t be afraid to ask for help; timely asking for help has the ability to alter the journey. I didn’t recognise it at the time but asking for help is crucial. I would urge everyone to consider the possibility of help in advance of it being forced upon you by circumstances.
I am the central character in my MS story but my family and friends make it a more interesting tale; I was tempted to say ‘more enjoyable’ but there is very little 'enjoyable' with MS. The only good things to come out of my MS story are that I am stronger than I thought but more importantly my family and friends are the real super heroes, they are my supporting cast; they support me through thick and thin.
I like to think that my MS life has had more ups than downs and the ups have lasted longer than the downs. How is your story unfolding?
Declan
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Comments
Lulu
Thursday January 12 2017 15:45
They say that attitude is everything and yours is inspiring. I love your quote and post; true and honest life lessons for all of us.
Joan Jordan
Thursday January 12 2017 16:10
I like that Declan Groeger! When you can't change the outcome- change the journey. It's been a pleasure travelling with you!
ANNE Hegarty
Friday January 13 2017 09:16
Declan's story has to be inspirational to any newly diagnosed MS sufferer. He's the most upbeat person you could ever meet - always with a smile on his face! Beautiful words indeed
Helen Farrell
Saturday January 14 2017 10:21
It's a journey none of us wanted but your attitude to travelling it is admirable Declan.
Ann Hanley
Saturday January 14 2017 11:58
Wrote beautifully.
Have to agree with your attitude to dealing with the situations we find ourselves in due to having the disease. Mine is my ability to laugh at myself. This is something I learned to do ie leg and arm spasms. Family and friends are great when we let them in.