![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blog.mssociety.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Luidjy2.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nShortly after receiving my diagnosis, I told myself I had two choices: accept the disease and live with it or live unhappily<\/em>. As soon as I got out of the hospital, I decided I was going to appreciate everything around me more. I got involved with MS Canada including MS Walk in Terrebonne, QC and the Christmas markets, and I gave presentations in schools. I wanted to give back to the community and make a difference.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n MS is a disease that isn\u2019t as well known in the Black community, so I\u2019ve had to talk to people about it and explain what the disease is and how I\u2019m going to live with it for the rest of my life. Even now, I\u2019ve only ever met two other Black people with MS. I think that multiple sclerosis is taboo in the Black community, because it\u2019s not talked about as much. <\/p>\n Sometimes my condition isn\u2019t taken seriously. People often discount how I feel when I\u2019m explaining my situation. As soon as I\u2019m with someone else (my ex-wife, for example), they\u2019re more likely to believe what I\u2019m going through. It\u2019s as though I have to provide proof or have my family back me up to be believed.\u202fLuckily, my ex-wife and my family are very supportive. I also have two friends with MS, and I\u2019ve been able to connect with other members of the MS community through social media, which has been great. I\u2019ve formed some close connections and can lean on them since they\u2019re living though something similar. <\/p>\n I have many symptoms, so I\u2019ve learned to listen to my body and adapt my activities as needed. I recognize my symptoms and I try to take care of myself.\u202fI no longer have sensation in my hands, so I need to be really careful not to get too cold or burn myself, because I simply won\u2019t feel it. I have to use a cane or a walker because I\u2019ve lost my sense of balance. I also have memory problems, fatigue, and pain. After my diagnosis, I developed epilepsy issues.\u202f<\/p>\n Having MS as a young father of two presents some challenges. I\u2019m very proud of being a dad and I adore my son and daughter, but it\u2019s not always easy to explain how I feel to other people, especially to kids. I usually say I have \u2018a storm in my head\u2019 to help them understand my condition. I\u2019m happy to be able to count on them to help me get through any challenges. My son has even become a fan of my walker and likes to use it with me! <\/p>\n I like the fact that we highlight the importance of the Black community for a month, but it should be all the time.\u202fLots of events have marked our history and they\u2019re not talked about very often, apart from major historical figures such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. It\u2019s important to talk about Black history, highlight our heritage, and educate others. It\u2019s important to show the diversity of people who have MS. Caucasians aren\u2019t the only people affected by this disease and by showing people from all cultural communities, we can help others feel less alone. When you don\u2019t feel represented, you\u2019re more likely to isolate yourself, and that can undermine your mental health even more. When we feel supported and represented, we feel we\u2019re being heard, and that encourages us to share our emotions instead of keeping them to ourselves and living in the dark.\u202f <\/p>\n \u202fIt\u2019s true that MS is scary, and your emotions are valid, but your life isn\u2019t over\u2014it\u2019s just a new chapter that is starting. Take command of this chapter and don\u2019t let the disease control you. Take control of as much as you\u2019re able to, take care of yourself, and make the necessary adjustments to find some comfort in your daily life. And also, don\u2019t remain silent\u2014talk to the people around you and ask for help when you need it.\u202f <\/p>\n Kenbe la ( \u2018stay strong\u2019 in Creole)!\u201d <\/p>\n All people living with multiple sclerosis deserve to see themselves represented in the stories we tell. We know that it is much more than just one month, week, or day and are committed to representing and amplifying voices from diverse perspectives all year round. Share your experience living with or being affected by MS by emailing socialmedia@mssociety.ca<\/a> <\/p>\n The post Black History Month – Meet Luidjy<\/a> appeared first on Blog – MS Society of Canada<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n