Connect with others who understand.

sign up log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
NEWS

Multiple Sclerosis Is Like a Ninja

Posted on April 15, 2022
View reactions
Article written by
Brittany Quiroz

It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining. All of the household work is done. I have the afternoon to myself. After remembering that I have a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card from Christmas, I get a bit of extra pep in my step and decide to take a walk to the bookstore so I can get lost in the aisles of books for an hour or so. Today is all about me! The world is my oyster!

After throwing on my favorite hoodie, I head out. While on my way, suddenly, out of nowhere, some random wacko starts throwing rocks at me. Every time a rock hits my body, it causes excruciating pain. One hits my head, just above my eye. In comes another, nailing me in the leg. “Whoa! What was that for?” I yell back. Before I can confront my assassin, they are already gone from sight, nowhere to be found. I’m left frazzled and confused. So I try to continue my walk where I left off, prior to the rock throwing.

Still feeling the aftermath of pain from the recent attack, I decide to enjoy a latte at the cafe. While carefully sipping the perfectly brewed cup of love, someone punches me square in the face and then takes off running in the opposite direction. Not only am I now wearing that latte, but I can’t feel my face. I can’t even tell where my face starts and the latte ends. I think to myself, “Fantastic. I’ve been assaulted again for no reason, I’m in pain, and I can’t feel my face. And to make matters worse, I can’t even confront my attacker.”

Of course, the likelihood of the above events actually happening to me is slim to none. But living with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis (MS) can honestly feel the exact same way. We are confronted with ghostly assassins on a daily basis that inflict physical pain and torment for no reason other than to remind us that our immune systems enjoy attacking themselves. Shooting pain, numbness, tingling, burning sensations — you name it, we face it.

Acceptance Is Part of the Journey

Apparently, our immune systems didn’t get enough love as a child or something. Maybe they need a hug. But the truth remains: We are faced with sensations that come out of nowhere and can interrupt us at any time. We can’t even see the assailant, but we endure the rocks being thrown at us.

On days when I feel like I’ve had rocks thrown at me or that it seems like I’ve been socked in the face, I’ve accepted the fact that it’s OK to feel defeated. I’ll be completely honest with other people because I don’t believe in sugarcoating life. My husband jokes that my tombstone will read “Never Sugarcoated Anything.”

But to be as real as I can be, I’m feeling pretty defeated at the moment, even as I’m writing this. However, even on days when we feel like unseen assassins are throwing rocks at us, when we lose feeling in our faces, when we’ve been through the wringer, we fight through the pain — and we’re still here. Those of us with MS are kind of awesome. We need to give ourselves some more credit.

MyMSTeam columnists discuss multiple sclerosis from a specific point of view. Columnists’ articles do not reflect the opinions of MyMSTeam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. MyMSTeam content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Posted on April 15, 2022
View reactions
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.
Brittany Quiroz is a freelance writer and the creator of A Hot MS, a site built to help change the perception of what disability looks like. Learn more about her here.

Related articles

After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...

How I Got Over My Fear of Needles To Have My Best Shot With MS

After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...
In partnership with GoodRx
As time goes on, we encounter a staggering number of changes, and we feel the growth of our new w...

Ask the MS Warrior: How I Explain My ‘Bad Days’ to Others

As time goes on, we encounter a staggering number of changes, and we feel the growth of our new w...
Jenna Green was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS at the age of 31. After her insurance comp...

Living With Multiple Sclerosis: How Jenna Green Became an Advocate

Jenna Green was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS at the age of 31. After her insurance comp...
Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2019 caused me to feel like I’d been catapulted i...

Ask the MS Warrior: How I Continue Practicing My Favorite Hobbies

Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2019 caused me to feel like I’d been catapulted i...
Back in 1997, when I was first officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), I never thought...

MS Management 101: Finding Resources Following My MS Diagnosis

Back in 1997, when I was first officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), I never thought...

Recent articles

Peppermint and chili peppers add flavor to your favorite foods, but did you know that they’re als...

Topical Treatments To Relieve MS Pain: What Works?

Peppermint and chili peppers add flavor to your favorite foods, but did you know that they’re als...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and stiff-person syndrome (SPS) are both autoimmune diseases affecting th...

Is It MS or Stiff Person Syndrome? 9 Ways To Tell the Difference

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and stiff-person syndrome (SPS) are both autoimmune diseases affecting th...
With age comes wisdom, and if you’re lucky, it may also come with fewer multiple sclerosis (MS) r...

Is It Safe for Older People With MS To Stop Taking a DMT?

With age comes wisdom, and if you’re lucky, it may also come with fewer multiple sclerosis (MS) r...
When it comes to multiple sclerosis (MS), having the right doctors on your side is essential. Wit...

8 Doctors Who Treat MS: Which Specialist Handles Which Problem?

When it comes to multiple sclerosis (MS), having the right doctors on your side is essential. Wit...
You look in the mirror, and something’s different. One side of your face is drooping. The muscles...

Bell’s Palsy and MS: What’s the Connection?

You look in the mirror, and something’s different. One side of your face is drooping. The muscles...
If you’re living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, you...

Is It Stroke or MS Symptoms? 5 Ways To Tell the Difference

If you’re living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, you...
MS News
MS News

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more:

sign up for free

close