 When were you diagnosed with MS?
In April 1992, with primary progressive MS, but the first symptoms around 1986.
Were you in a relationship/married at that time with children etc?
I did not have children. I was divorced and dating a lot.
Do you think that MS influences your relationship with (potential) partners?
Absolutely, yes. Who wants to be stuck with a woman who might become paralysed down the road?
Do you feel that your self-image or selfesteem,as a woman/partner/sexual being has changed due to MS?
Yes. During the period when I did not know what was wrong with me and after being diagnosed, tried, unsuccessfully, to hide my condition. My selfimage and my self-esteem as a woman were damaged as long as I tried to hide the diagnosis. When I accepted the fact that I had MS, and when I decided that I had to fight MS, I felt better and that fact immediately improved my relationship with men.
Do you feel that others (e.g. partner, healthcare professionals) see you differently in terms of your role as a woman, partner and sexual being, because you have MS?
With a diagnosis of MS, people do not see you as a woman anymore, a woman who could go to bed, make love, and participate in sexual activity. It is your responsibility to show others that you are still a woman and still a human being with sexual desire, who wants to participate in sexual activity. You must take charge of your sexual life – be a fun and sexy woman – even with MS, and perhaps even more so than before.
In your opinion/experience, do you feel that people with MS may have limited opportunities to express themselves sexually or to participate in relationships?
People with MS do not have to have limited opportunities to participate in relationships. If you are caring, loving and giving, as well as a beautiful person, you can connect. It's important to keep in mind that MS is not an excuse to sit around in flannel pyjamas, hair rollers and no make-up. The secret is taking control. In searching out ways to attract a partner, you have to change how you thought about yourself before MS. You must reach out and try to establish relationships.
Have you made changes to your lifestyle/ way of thinking in order to maintain or enhance intimacy and sexuality since being diagnosed with MS?
Yes, I made a lot of adjustments. I became unpretentious and generous and I am not afraid of rejection anymore. And the level of what I am willing to give up for love is much greater. Now, would even sacrifice my fabulous job to be with the man I love if I were asked to. I think having MS encourages you to make extraordinary changes in your life.
|
