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In the months that it took for me to get my diagnosis, I became increasingly desperate for one. The ten months that bridged November of 2015 and September of 2016 were a source of frustration and confusion. Why wasn't my leg working? Would I ever get feeling back in my left leg? Will I have to use a cane for my entire life? What is wrong with me? A dozen or so MRIs, a spinal tap brought no answers. While steroid treatment and plasmapheresis treatment brought relief, I was still in search of a final answer. At the end of August, exactly two years ago, I got my answer. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The next chapter of my life officially began.
However, it soon dawned on me that my diagnosis gave me something I had never considered before: a life sentence. While I was fortunate and blessed to not have a terminal disease, living with a chronic disease would be a lifelong battle. With a young family as well as a career that I loved, I was going to have to figure out how to live with a disease whose amorphous presence had the potential to make living each day difficult. After the struggles that my family and I endured in those murky first months, I set a simple yet powerful goal and standard for my future health: being up on my feet.
Whenever anyone would ask how I was doing, I would tell them I was doing well because I was up on my feet. During my darkest moments, my disease taught me that the most simple things are often the best things. If I was up on my feet, I could play with my kids, cook for my wife and teach my classes. If I was up on my feet, I could life my life.
Since my diagnosis, I've been on a program of an aggressive course of treatment that has so far been very successful. I've chronicled the importance of rest and the amazing support that Kate has provided in regards to this crucial part of our fight with MS. Conversations with my neurologist surfaced another important piece to this fight: exercise.
I don't like to exercise.
Not a groundbreaking statement, I know, particularly when you see the staggering statistics related to obesity and heart disease amongst my fellow Americans, but I have never been interested in exercise. I've been delusional enough to join gyms (I'd say between membership fees and actual visits, I paid $87 per visit) but have never been able to commit to a consistent exercise routine. However, over the past year, I've pushed myself to make that change.
With the continued numbness in my left leg, I knew that running would be a tall order, so last summer I bought a new bike. I rode a little bit and bought a little trailer that I could pull the boys in. After a winter of weekly yoga classes and stationary bike riding, I decided to commit to going for longer rides three times a week throughout this past summer. I did some homework, bought some gear and began to go on longer rides. Starting at 10 miles, I soon started climbing up to 15 and 20 mile rides. It was during this time that Kate sent me a link for a 25 mile ride from East Hampton to Montauk. My family has a long history at in Montauk which sadly ended last year when my sisters and I made the difficult decision to sell our family house. Once I learned of this ride, I made it a goal to do the ride. I've been riding consistently over the past two months and I'm looking forward to my first official ride next week to a place that is so special to me and my family.
Even more exciting will be my second official ride.
On Sunday October 21st, I am going to complete what I hope will be the first of many Bike MS events. At 30 miles, this will be my longest ride and I can't imagine one being more important. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been a great support over the past two years. In addition to the resources they provide, Kate and I have also been lucky enough to contribute to the MS Connection blog. This outlet has helped connect us with other people and learn of their struggles as well. We have raised almost $10,000 over the past two years through Walk MS with all money going towards creating a world free of MS.
Perhaps most importantly, this ride will be special because I am able to do it. While I'm always happy to be up on my feet, I'll be even prouder to be sitting on the seat of a bicycle. Through my treatment, my rest and a new found and unexpected commitment to exercise, I will be able to ride my bike in order to fight my disease.
Over the next month and a half I will be raising money for this ride. I have set a modest goal that I hope to meet. I appreciate the support that many of you have given to our Walk MS fundraising in the past and hope that perhaps you could support me as I take on this next challenge.
