Debunking the Misconception That MS Looks the Same for All People
In reflecting on what he’s learned about living with the disease since his diagnosis, Osbourne points to the way ongoing research results are improving treatment options. “The thing that stands out to me the most is how quickly things are progressing, in the sense of what they told me the first day I got diagnosed to where we are now. It’s almost a different landscape,” he says.
For example, take the current recommendations around diet and exercise for managing MS. “I was told there’s no real value to diet change, and now we know that there is,” Osbourne says. “I was told there’s no significant benefit to exerting yourself through exercise, and now a lot of people will say the opposite, that having an exercise routine is really beneficial.” He says doing high-intensity CrossFit workouts “works and makes me feel good.”
Despite the scientific advancements that are improving treatment options for MS, Osbourne says public perception of the disease remains mired in old ideas.
“The most common misconception is that people think you’re not so able-bodied when you have MS,” says Osbourne. “Either that, or they’ll assume you’re fine because you’re not in a wheelchair.”
Ultimately, MS doesn’t necessarily look the same for any two people who live with the disease. “I like to say that MS is as unique to the individual as their own fingerprint,” Osbourne says. “Don’t just lump everyone under the umbrella of ‘this is MS,’ because it really is so different for everyone.”
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