Claudia the MS warrior - Part 2

Claudia ready to swim.

Claudia who enjoys spending time with family and friends, just hanging out, eating scrumptious food and chatting has developed a positive outlook since been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She loves swimming and recently took up body boarding which she describes as ''the best fun!'' For her, one activity a day is enough as she needs to be balanced in finding time to rest.

She enlightened that, ''probably the biggest lesson I learned from MS is to ask for help. I was frightfully stubborn and independent before the diagnosis. You can’t fix this on your own. I rely on the help of friends, family and medical experts daily.'' Claudia further explained that she, ''always wanted to do things at full throttle. I realize now that this is not sustainable or healthy. This is another lesson…moderation.''

''I used to get frustrated when I couldn't join in a run up the mountain or a cycle along the coast, but what is the point when MS is out of your control?'' she wisely says. ''This is cheesy but you just have to focus on the things you can do, not the things you can’t.''

She still battles with being told what is best for her but continues to work on that.

Claudia truly believes that a cure will be found within her lifetime. There is a lot of research being done in Europe and in the US. She is confident they will reach a breakthrough.

''Medication is expensive and not everyone has access to it, but that is another story,'' she told me.

I learnt from Claudia that there is no guarantee that the current medication will help manage the disease but it all that MS suffers have. Claudia’s views are that ''There are many theories about the cause of MS and there are few that believe they have the cure for MS.''

Her advice for those who have been diagnosed with MS is to, ''know there are people and resources out there to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, listen to your body and don’t be too hard on yourself. Adjusting is a journey, there are lessons to be learnt that society might not agree with. You need to know yourself better than anyone. Fear will hold you back so just be brave, believe and accept in your ability. If you get knocked back because of the MS, learn from it, use it and move forward.''

As said before, ''How you confront MS is a very personal battle!''

Claudia with a doggy friend.