I was
diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2006. It was a scary time as I didn't know
anything about MS. I leaned on Abe, my husband, and together we did a lot of research
online. I was disappointed that the only therapies available at the time were "injectables"
as I quickly learned I had a fear of needles. It was important to me to start
on a therapy as soon as possible and that meant getting a shot. My neurologist
and I decided on a weekly intramuscular injection. I was given a DVD to watch
and was told a nurse would come to my home to teach me and Abe how to give the
shots. We bought oranges to practice on with the nurse's instruction and I
would be receiving my first injection. At first it didn’t seem so bad when it
was the orange getting an inch and half needle piercing through its skin! When
it came to my turn, however, my new fear overtook me. I had gotten shots at my doctor’s
office before and have a few tattoos, but this was different. I already knew
there was no way I could inject myself so Abe volunteered. He really stepped up
as my caretaker.
The next
week it was just me and Abe. We made the preparations exactly as the nurse
taught us and planned to inject into my thigh. However, right when Abe would
get to the “1” in the countdown I requested I would swat my hand at him that I
wasn’t ready and needed more time. He told me the sooner I got the shot the
sooner it would be over with. It sounded
reasonable, but again fear over took my body. I don’t know how long it took,
but eventually I had the shot. Many weeks were like this. I was on this therapy
for a year and a half and that whole time I couldn't give myself the shot. My
fear was so strong that I couldn't even look at the needle without feeling
nauseous. During this time Abe was my rock. I truly counted on him as my
caretaker to help me try to slow down this disease. Every week he would make
all the necessary preparations as I would try to relax in another room. As soon
as the shot was over, I would start to have anxiety about the next week's
injection.
After that
year and a half I switched my therapy to a once a month infusion. Abe has been
with me to every infusion appointment and every neurology evaluation. I still
get nervous around needles but having an IV placed is much less stressful for
me than a long needle! Abe and I have
been fighting against MS together since day one, and he has always given me
support in any way I need. I have a found a passion to raise MS awareness over
the last few years and recently started blogging and mentoring the newly
diagnosed. I also started a Facebook support group that Abe co-manages called Friends Against the MonSter. Abe and
I have participated in Boston's Walk MS for 4 years and will continue to
fund-raise until a cure is found. I feel so fortunate to have a great support
system and to know that Abe is there for me today and everyday!
