Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. In a person with MS, impulses are transmitted by the nerve cells either slowly or not at all. The causes of this disease are still unknown
© Getty Images
© Getty Images
Is she better off now?
Hanne soon realized that she would need even more flexibility, because fatigue doesn’t adhere to a regular schedule. Now she has reduced her number of working hours to 30 per week and has switched to an administrative position. This has involved developing a flexible working model together with her superiors. Now she only has one late shift per week and can also adjust her schedule flexibly to allow for more productive and efficient work. Sometimes she has noticed that this model is perceived as special treatment.
Even though Hanne doesn’t have any additional breaks and is given equal treatment, sometimes one of her coworkers will sigh and say, “Lucky you!” Hanne hastens to add that her colleagues aren’t really resentful; in fact, they go out of their way to help and even carry heavy boxes for her. Her learning process has also included learning to ask for help. As she explains, she doesn’t mind asking others any more: “I have to accept my limits, which means accepting help from others. Once you’ve taken that hurdle, you feel a lot better and you see that it actually works. Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness!”
Most multiple sclerosis experts would offer the same advice as Hanne Schultz. They emphasize how import it is not to strain yourself but to gain an understanding of your own limits and to respect them. A balanced schedule should include enough rest periods and moderate physical exercise. Hanne Schultz enjoys regular massages and physiotherapy, and she regularly meditates and goes for extended walks. “I love being active,” she says. “I also love to ride my bike. Whenever I can, I take the stairs and putter around in the garden. I’m so happy to be living an active life!”
Her brown eyes light up as she says that. Before she leaves, she offers some advice that should give other patients hope: “My MS and I — we’re able to live together quite happily now. I’m glad to be so healthy. I don’t want to let anything ruin my life. After all, I only have one life and I want to enjoy it!”
Hanne soon realized that she would need even more flexibility, because fatigue doesn’t adhere to a regular schedule. Now she has reduced her number of working hours to 30 per week and has switched to an administrative position. This has involved developing a flexible working model together with her superiors. Now she only has one late shift per week and can also adjust her schedule flexibly to allow for more productive and efficient work. Sometimes she has noticed that this model is perceived as special treatment.
Even though Hanne doesn’t have any additional breaks and is given equal treatment, sometimes one of her coworkers will sigh and say, “Lucky you!” Hanne hastens to add that her colleagues aren’t really resentful; in fact, they go out of their way to help and even carry heavy boxes for her. Her learning process has also included learning to ask for help. As she explains, she doesn’t mind asking others any more: “I have to accept my limits, which means accepting help from others. Once you’ve taken that hurdle, you feel a lot better and you see that it actually works. Accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness!”
Most multiple sclerosis experts would offer the same advice as Hanne Schultz. They emphasize how import it is not to strain yourself but to gain an understanding of your own limits and to respect them. A balanced schedule should include enough rest periods and moderate physical exercise. Hanne Schultz enjoys regular massages and physiotherapy, and she regularly meditates and goes for extended walks. “I love being active,” she says. “I also love to ride my bike. Whenever I can, I take the stairs and putter around in the garden. I’m so happy to be living an active life!”
Her brown eyes light up as she says that. Before she leaves, she offers some advice that should give other patients hope: “My MS and I — we’re able to live together quite happily now. I’m glad to be so healthy. I don’t want to let anything ruin my life. After all, I only have one life and I want to enjoy it!”
