1. Do you carry and take your MS medication while you're climbing and on the mountain?
Answer: Yes, I do. Part of my mission in climbing the seven summits is to encourage the newly diagnosed and those not currently on a prescribed therapy to get on therapy and to stay compliant once on therapy. If I can inject at 20,000 feet on a glacier, it is no big deal to inject down here at sea level.
2. How do you cope with getting overheated?
(This is a big problem for people living with MS) Answer: Just like MS itself, overheating may or may not be an issue for many people with MS. My symptoms are more pronounced when I get too hot, therefore, you need to know when to say when. You need to recognize when you are getting too tired, over-heated or more symptomatic. When I get too hot I immediately drink something really cold. Remember, it is your core body temperature that you want to bring down so you need to get something cold in you quickly. There are also tricks and devices that people use to keep from getting overheated. The MS Foundation out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL has cooling vests and collars available. You can also try putting ice in your shirt and/or on the back of your neck. Just remember not to get discouraged. Listen to your body and know that tomorrow is another day, and you can try whatever it was you were doing again.
3. I am not able to run; I walk with difficulties; often I use a scooter or a cane to move, so, I can't run a marathon. Therefore, what can I do with my MS?
Answer: The possibilities are endless. Don't let your MS decide for you. Go out and try something you never imagined doing or take on a new challenge. During my U.S. travels, I have met so many people with MS doing so many incredible things. How about skydiving? John in Chicago is in a similar situation as you and has made 4 jumps already and will be jumping again in June 2007!
4. My doctor doesn't think my MS is bad enough and so he has not put me on any of the MS therapies. Should I ask to be on therapy or find another doctor?
Answer: The research is compelling and the long term data indicates that the sooner you get on therapy the better off you will be. The National MS Society has made this part of their mission to encourage people with MS to get on therapy. If your neurologist says you are not 'bad enough' I would seek a second opinion or try to get an appointment at a 'MS Center' to advocate for yourself and your MS. We are now so fortunate to have four different therapies to choose from. If you are not doing well with the one you are on or have side effects, switch! I truly believe in therapy, but in my opinion, not being on a therapy is not an option!
5. When I was first diagnosed with MS, I attended a local support group. I was uncomfortable and many of the participants made me feel badly because I wasn't in a wheelchair. I was depressed when I left and afraid for my future. How can I find a better support group?
Answer: I am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. I try to live that way myself. If you are not feeling positive or uplifted by your support group they really aren't supporting you, are they? If you can't find a positive group in your area, start your own! Surrounding yourself with upbeat and positive role models will only benefit you and bring you up. Need help starting a group? Contact the MS Foundation in Ft. Lauderdale, FL or the MSAA in Cherry Hill, NJ because both organizations have wonderful information and people that are very eager to help.
6. My MS isn't that bad and I don't tell many people I have it. I don't want to take one of the prescribed therapies because then I will have to remind myself I have MS. Is this smart or should I get on a therapy?
Answer: This question is similar to one I answered earlier. The research and evidence is extremely compelling that you get on one of the disease modifying therapies in order to manage your MS. MS isn't always evident by your symptoms; often the MRI shows a completely different story, so you are doing yourself a huge disservice by not meeting with your neurologist and getting on one of the prescribed drug therapies. Remember that prior to 1993 there were no therapies for MS. We were pretty much told to go home and prepare for a wheelchair. Today, in 2006, this is no longer the case! As I always like to say "This ain't your Mama's MS!" You do not need to tell anyone about your MS, but you owe it to yourself to get on a therapy and be committed to taking the best care of yourself that you can.
7. How do I get to do the things you are doing?
Answer: You are only limited by your imagination! It's a huge wonderful world out there and you can do anything you put your mind to. And remember, not only did you do it, but you did it with MS!
8. How many flair ups have you had?
Answer: I have had 'bumps' along the way that included vertigo as well as increased numbness, but I have been able to continue with my life and do the things I have always wanted to do by continuing to be proactive and seeking medical help as soon as I feel it is necessary.
9. What are your symptoms?
Answer: My toes on my left foot are completely numb. I am also numb from my toes to the top of my rib cage on my left side. Three toes of my right foot are numb and I get muscle spasms in the toes of both feet. In addition, I suffer from dizzy spells and occasionally have vision troubles.
10. My family and friends tell me I should move back home, live with my parents and not pursue my college degree and future career because I have MS. They say that I may not be so bad now, but I am going to be in the future. Is this true?
Answer: Again I want to stress upon you that this, "ain't your Mama's MS." I know that your family and friends only want the very best for you and believe they are doing the right thing, but you can assure them that you are okay and will live your life fully despite your diagnosis. Once they see you being proactive in your disease management, working closely with a good neurologist and taking care of yourself, they will see and understand that you aren't going to break. Again, get on a therapy and manage yourself by living a healthy lifestyle, eating a good diet and exercising. Remember, your brain is still strong and you will be surprised that when you put your mind to there isn't much you can't try or do.
11. These mountains you climb are very cold; does the cold bother your MS?
Answer: My MS and I do far better in the cold. I feel stronger and better when exercising in a cold environment.
12. These mountains are very dangerous. Are you sure you are prepared and equipped to be climbing them?
Answer: I would not put myself and more importantly the other people on my team that I am climbing with in any sort of jeopardy, so YES! I'm sure that I am prepared and equipped to climb them and will continue to climb until I summit all Seven Summits!
Climb On!