Can a person with MS parent a child ?
In the past when a woman is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the physician will advice against setting up a family. But the advance of science and medications as well as better understanding of multiple sclerosis let many in the medical profession to acknowledge that a person with the illness can give birth to children and deal with the debilitating disease.
Even with multiple sclerosis, you raise more than one child but for that, you need to take a deeper look at yourself and how you handle multiple sclerosis. There is definitely a necessity to plan ahead and organize your life to take care of the growth and health of the children.
Do not attempt to take it all by yourself as raising a family can be trying even for parents without multiple sclerosis. Planning your time sensibly is important and as looking after children can be draining, tries to ration your energy so that you can go through the day without feeling worn out. When you are energetic, allot some time to play with your children but at other times, when you feel tired, have quiet activities with your child.
Children are very observant and when the time is right, explain to them your condition as they are young and very receptive. As multiple sclerosis set in, sometimes there is a need to enlighten your children that you need time to manage it and may affect whatever plans you have with them. Activities can be postponed but seek their understanding and perhaps set aside the time for other more sedate activities such as reading, etc. When you take the time to explain to your child, it can be helpful and not lead to misinterpretation.
Multiple sclerosis needs not be a life sentence as there are still many things you can do as long as you learn to prioritize. Your time with your children is very precious and for other tasks that can be put aside to a later date, learns to do it and spend your time sensibly. Put aside time to run errands and other important things but do not overdo it. When you are occupied with energy sapping task, do a simpler and less energy draining one next so that you can conserve and not overly exhausted.
Always instill in your child the need to be thoughtful and accepting of those with disabilities. Children with multiple sclerosis parents tend to grow up to be more responsible, loving and caring adults. ———- Jhye is an author who read widely about health and article on multiple sclerosis is his contribution. Take a look at http://www.managingmultiplesclerosis.com.
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I was diagnosed in 1983 with MS – 8 months after the birth of my second child. My husband was diagnosed in 1985 with Hodgkins Disease cancer and passed away in 1989. The children at the time were 9 year old and 6 year old. After that initial bout with optic neuritis I really had no problems with the MS thus I went forward as a mom and wife. Like they say – “out of sight, out of mind.” I had to go on raising the children after Charles died, and I was convinced that unless God himself brought a presentable husband to my door, I was not going to remarry “just for the kids.” We were a cheerful threesome. Then we hit the teen years, “alien” time period, and I went back to the university in another state to further my education. By 2003, I had completed 2 Masters degree programs successfully, gotten through the “alien” time period, and now have a beautiful grandson. My son is 29 year old and father of a terrific little 1 year old. My daughter is 26 year old and not yet married. They have basically been raised now in Illinois (we had moved from Florida after my husband’s death) and they prefer to stay in Illinois as their friends are here. I want to go home to Florida to my parents and siblings but the economy makes it hard. I was fortunate in the respect that I did not have another bout with MS until right before graduation with my second Masters degree in 2003. Unfortunately, it really made everything in my body snap – my eyes are getting worse, my back is disintegrating, my hips don’t work for long periods of time and I am always fatigued. I have not even gotten to get a job to use my education!! Learned alot, but I guess it was really a waste – the Department of Education is sucking it out of my Social Security check each month.
I started Avonex in July 2008 – made me sick as a dog and really I felt I was getting worse every day. I changed neurologist in April 2009 and have been using Copaxone since May 2009 – I feel like I have been reborn. I still have a few problems, but nothing like when I took Avonex. At least I know I will be able to take my grandson to the zoo and library and all over one day. And, of course, Grandma will have to take a nap when Sylas does — There are alot of things that I would change in my life, but like my grandmother told me “God does not give us things that he knows that we can’t handle”. I have been blessed with being able to raise my two children successfully – alone – and have MS at the same time.
Twitter: kathAVFM
said:
Hi Alicia,
I too srtart6ed on Avonex and it didn’t suit me, hated the flu like symptoms and eventually started freaking out at the size of the needle ! Anyway Copaxone seems to be making me better (which it’s not supposed to)
Your story is inspiring. My kids are now 12 and 10 and although I was diagnosed before the first one I have never been so well in my life as when I was pregnant. Not unusual.
I see you took up the fatigue report and I wouold welcome any feedback you have
Kath
kath@avoiceforms.com