Combat Veteran with MS: KEEP PUSHING!

I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in March of 2017, after experiencing severe migraines and my first seizure in January of 2017. I’ve experienced MS symptoms, including pain, imbalance, fatigue, vertigo, migraines, memory loss, and muscle stiffness as far back as 2007.

When it all became

The onset of symptoms started well within my seven years, following my honorary discharge from the army. In addition to these symptoms, an MRI of my brain for a combat-related TBI found brain changes consistent with MS. My MS was found presumptively connected to my military service. While research continues to explore definitive causes of MS, I continue to experience the progression of MS and other service-connected conditions.

What my symptoms look like today

Today, my ever-changing symptoms include chronic lower back pain, shoulder pain, groin pain, extremities pain, migraines, vertigo, numbness and tingling in both legs, mood swings, depression, irritability, anxiety, chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory deficits, hearing loss, muscle spasms, tremors, dizziness, shakiness, imbalance and impaired cognitive thinking. With the help of my wife, I am HEAVILY involved in treatment.

Adapt, adapt, adapt

While doctors agree I am no longer able to sustain gainful employment, I am blessed with the support from my family and numerous innovative treatments to explore. I learned to keep pushing. Multiple Sclerosis instills the ability to adapt in the face of adversity; a transferable military skill, MS turns us all into warriors.
Keep pushing!