with the support and empathy of a Lived Experience Therapist
I am Nicholas J. Stevens and I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in April 2006.
I have endured a vast array of symptoms and treatments including injections of all sorts, homeopathic care, chemotherapy, physical therapy, yoga, live bee stings, voodoo (probably), and a wealth of others. It was all meant to assist with optic neuritis, lassitude, nausea, vertigo, weakness, imbalance, and many others whose categorization escapes me. Through it all I laugh and smile and do my very best to spread that sentiment to others, MS patients and those who care about them and those who just don’t know.
Now I have it, have had it, and will have it. I know it far too well, but others don’t. I began this wretched journey in isolation and I am certain it would have gone smoother and stronger if I didn’t have to. I’ve done the hard work and lived the hard life. I can help others. I can make their journey less daunting, less confusing, and maybe even funny! That’s a Herculean challenge, but it’s one I welcome.