Teresa E. 59 years old, female, with hx. of MS symptoms over 30 years was diagnosed 20 years ago. She came on her own to Dabek. She spoke on behalf of Lublin MS Community in Poland.

Later on she wrote as follows:

"I was a mother of a 7 years old son and a 4 years old daughter when I was immobilized in bed for a week. Then everything returned to norm slowly, on its own. Similar episodes repeated with different frequency and lasted about one or two weeks. Not always remissions were complete. During remissions I still was able to get and keep my job as a bookkeeper. At work I experienced many painful falls due to balance difficulties and dizzy spells. Each time when my work required overtime I had to pay with more severe symptoms. With time I had to accept another, less demanding and less paid jobs.
Finally, at the age of 39 I had to accept a disability status. That means no more return to work. At that time I visited multiple doctors. They did not explain anything. Then I learned that I had to deal with an incurable, chronically progressing disease. I was told I should have expected a wheelchair, total body paralysis and bedsores.

I REJECTED THIS even if I heard the same opinion from many different neurologists. They all prescribed the same medications. Neither was helpful to me. I decided I was wasting my time and my money.
I was on my own. Severe relapses knocked me down completely. I required total care. I became a burden to my family and that was most difficult to accept. I was lying quietly in my bed at home not asking for anything. I was grateful to anyone who brought me a glass of water. My family lady doctor used to visit me with supporting words. She used to prescribe medications that just added some energy. My family still consulted me with questions what to buy, what to eat and how to prepare dinner.

I felt needed, but on the other hand I wanted to be left alone and not bothered.
One day I asked for a priest. He visited me. I shared with him my anger at the whole world. He listened. He was patient and visited me many times. I started to be more at peace with myself and with the world.

My family doctor decided I should have had physiotherapy. I started it on my own at home. I was persistent. I exercised against all odds, despite my fatigue, pain and disappointments. I continued my exercises for long. I knew I had to do it. I knew I had to win. I wanted to walk again, to be independent, to help my children not to expect any more help from them.
It took months. My husband arranged furniture at home so I could start to move from a chair to a chair to get to the bathroom on my own. Then a longer trip to the kitchen. With difficulties I learned to prepare my first cup of tea. What a joy! I started to walk with help of walls, then with a cane.

The spring came. My 5-th floor apartment without an elevator kept me inside. My doctor arranged my visit at a healer. His treatment helped me make a decision to get out from my home. My husband started to take me to the woods. Among trees and birds I continued my battle with my disability. It was not easy. Our trips took all summer. I was able to walk better and better, each time farther and farther. Next fall I was able to walk without the cane.

I became very active in our newly organized MS support group. With the same determination as I used to fight for my own independence I started to fight for our rights as a group.
It was quite clear to me that rehabilitation was the best form of MS treatment. It does not bring side effects. My attitude changed. I was at work and thus - in charge. Diagnosis of MS does not mean the end of the world.

My voluntary work on behalf of others helps me. I have a lot of time to overcome bureaucracy. I walked from one institution to another. I organized our own clinic for Persons with MS. I arranged for others rehabilitation trips, financial help, apartments, many other needs were also satisfied. I must be physically well to win all those battles".

For Persons with MS our psychological attitude is extremely important in overcoming our disability. During MS relapses our psychological stamina collapses. It is time when we need it most. We have to believe that we will be better despite of all. The sooner we get out from our emotional bottom, the sooner we are able to improve physically. For some of us also their belief in meditation helps them to win. I need to believe that I will be independent. That I'll be able to help other people".

Persons with MS belong to five groups:

• passive givers up,
• passive demanders,
• miracle drug seekers,
• passive acceptors,
• active fighters - they come to an MS organization, learn about MS, meet with doctors, therapists and psychologists, actively and systematically participate in different forms of rehabilitation, remain active in family and community life.

Persons with MS must be flexible and ready to change their own agenda and hierarchy of things they consider more and less important. Persons with MS should learn to appreciate all they can do on their own and look for an opportunity to help others. Teresa says: "I teach our authorities to respect us, Persons with disabilities. I have trained my own personnel to be ready to replace me when my time is over."

Teresa is a President of a Lublin Chapter of the Polish MS Society. She is very active in the Lublin MS Community. She can move on her own, without any limitations.