Breathe
By Monica Canto
"I learned that Multiple Sclerosis does not stop my life and that it is not everything I am, it is just a part of me. It's important how you tell your story because that's how others will perceive you," Monica Canto.
A numbness in one leg was one of the most important symptoms where I realized that something was wrong with my body. It was during a wedding that I started to feel a significant weakness in my heel, a numbness that came and went; that's when I understood that throughout my life I had a series of symptoms that were not 100% clear until, after a long 4-year journey, in 2017 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
When I was 14 years old I had my first symptom, I lost the clarity of sight in one eye; you do not realize that small symptoms that you presented for years are linked to the affectations that this condition has.
I began my diagnosis in Mexico after a neurological evaluation, however, there was no clarity about my condition at that time, there were not enough symptoms to confirm it and everything remained in assumptions. I left Mexico to go to a new country where I had to adapt to the place, the climate, my new job, the people, the city, etc. However, there were still some discomforts that did not disable me, so I tried to associate it to this change of life and I did not see it as a "red flag".
It wasn't until I went on a trip in October 2016 where there was mountain climbing and a lot of walking; after the weakness of my steps, my leg and especially my heel I fell out of nowhere. I became concerned and went to an orthopedic doctor who after a series of studies referred me to a neurologist. At this point they returned to perform analysis and studies, one of them, the lumbar puncture which was the one that finally confirmed the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in February 2017; by this time the symptoms I presented were already more visible, clear and sometimes even incapacitating.
At the beginning it was difficult to know that I had Multiple Sclerosis; living in another country, speaking another language, living alone, where you cannot fully understand what they are telling you; of course it is complicated, however, it was also liberating, I understood why my body reacted in a certain way and I felt some relief, however, then came the fear; the first thing you imagine is "I am going to be in a wheelchair".
Although Multiple Sclerosis is a degenerative disease for which there is no cure, I found that you have to move, even if it's hard for you, exercise, even if you can't, walk, stay active and watch what you eat. For four months after my diagnosis, I took a leave of absence from my job. During that time I dedicated myself to pilates, yoga, feldenkrais, swimming, among other activities until I found what was good for my body. I understood that I had the power to strengthen my body.
"To make the invisible visible" is one of my life's missions. For me, Multiple Sclerosis is an important condition, but it does not define me; that is why it is necessary to raise my voice and share my experience. When I joined the EMovimiento group I understood the importance of surrounding myself with people who understand the disease, of being in a group that helps me to learn more about myself, about others, about life and to see that no matter the symptoms, what is really important is not to stop moving, to be able to keep moving.
Multiple Sclerosis has not stopped my life. Today there are many treatments that allow you to slow down, as much as possible, the progression of the disease. It is important to read, ask questions, understand the disease; this helps to identify what you can do on a daily basis to improve your quality of life. Everyone can favorably impact your progression, and it is important to raise awareness of how to take care of yourself.
I have learned from Multiple Sclerosis to go back to the basics: eat healthy, exercise, sleep well, manage stress, surround yourself with people who love you, love, laugh, sing, cry, very basic actions that do make a significant change, in addition to your medical treatment. Doing all this has allowed me to be much better and to continue living without fear, every moment of my life.
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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