Gordon - At Work with MS
When I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis, I was 33 years old and looking forward to a job promotion. The tingling and vision problems I’d been having on and off finally sent me to the doctor, and a few months later, I received the diagnosis of clinical isolated syndrome (CIS).
Finding out that I likely had MS was a shock that I worked hard to avoid confronting. My symptoms went away after a short course of steroid therapy. I got my promotion and became Manager of the Regional Sales for the large retail chain that employed me. Thanks to my management position, I had the freedom to choose my tasks; when I was hit by fatigue or episodes of poor balance, I spent more time at my desk.
I continued in my state of denial until I was diagnosed with MS, which occurred when I experienced my first major relapse. I spent a week confined to my bed, too weak to do more than shuffle to the kitchen for meals, my mind racing. I began to realize that the unpredictable nature of this disease was stressful enough, without trying to hide it from the people at work. After discussing it with my wife, I decided that disclosing my diagnosis was my best option.
“People were generally very kind when I returned to work. I began taking a disease modifying therapy as my neurologist had advised, and over the next year, my boss and I arranged for a few simple accommodations that made my work day so much easier. I got a magnifier to make it easier to read sales reports when my eyes were acting up. I moved to another work area that’s closer to the washroom. Best of all, the Human Resources manager offered to allow for more flexible work hours. Just having the understanding and support was such a relief. I know now that not everyone has such a positive experience in these situations.
I had 4 more years at that job, before symptoms and extreme fatigue nudged me into taking early retirement to go into business on my own. I consult with sales managers and give motivational talks to sales personnel. Back when I was diagnosed, it seemed like my life had nowhere to go but downhill. Now, I have the ultimate flexibility of working for myself, and I’m excited by the prospects of my new venture. Money is tight, but my wife Patti is behind me all the way. I’ve even had time to get some exercise – I still enjoy cycling – and to learn more about MS. I feel better about my future than I have in years.”
Gordon, and his wife, Patti, have experienced lots of highs and lows since Gordon’s diagnosis. A job promotion put Gordon on the career path he’d always dreamed of. But when extreme fatigue started making work difficult for Gordon, Patti stood by his side and supported his decision to go into early retirement.
“We were really shaken up by Gord’s diagnosis of CIS. He was really angry – he’d just received the promotion he’d been working toward, and he couldn’t wait to take on his new responsibilities. And that’s what he did – he acted as if MS had never come into his life. I was in a panic, but still tiptoeing around this elephant in the room.
After he had his relapse and was diagnosed with clinically definite MS, I began reading about MS so I would have some idea of what to expect. It took some time, but eventually he realized he would benefit from finding out more about this disease that was changing our lives. It was depressing for him at first. I made a point of letting him know I would be here for him, and we are making the MS journey together. Our lives will never be the same, but we’re closer than ever."