Articles by Shelley Peterman Schwarz
 Newly Diagnosed
Family & Friends
Strategies for Living
Positive Parenting
For more articles by Shelley, visit Bruno.com's Mobility Forum. |
Newly Diagnosed |
From Diagnosis to Acceptance: One Woman's Journey
Learning to live with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis
has been the hardest challenge of my life. I had to rise above
the emotional pain and scary thoughts and replace them with
something else. Here are my secrets for keeping a positive,
hopeful attitude. >>>more>>> |
Is MS a Blessing?
Although I may never understand the real reason why MS entered
my life, I have come to understand that having MS has helped to
me learn some life lessons and to grow spiritually in a way that
could not have happened had I not been faced with significant
challenges. >>>more>>> |
Family & Friends |
An Open Letter to Friends and Family
August 25, 1979 is the day my life changed forever. It was the day I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The letter shares how I told the people in my life about my diagnosis and provided them with an insight into what it's like to live with an incurable, unpredictable disease. >>>more>>> |
Judy's Birthday
A special birthday celebration called for a road trip that I wasn't sure I could handle physically and/or emotionally. For years I had been giving up pieces of my life to MS. And once I gave something up, like driving and standing, it was gone forever. Here was a chance to put something I had lost back into my life. Did I have the courage to try it? >>>more>>> |
When Your Friend is in Need
"How are you feeling? I was afraid to call because I didn't know what to say. I wanted to help you, but I didn't know what you needed and I didn't want to intrude." Here are three simple suggestions on how to reach out when a friend is in need. >>>more>>> |
Strategies for Living |
Creating a Happy Life
When I was diagnosed with MS, I was determined not to let it
change my life. But the illness had other plans for me. No matter
what I did, how much I slept or what I ate, I woke up every
morning worse than I was the day before. As I cut back on all but
essential activities, my world outside the home began to shrink.
Losing my independence was bad enough, but I didn't want to
lose my contact with people. I was determined to live a life filled
with interesting people and fun activities. Here's how I've done it. >>>more>>> |
Bladder and Bowel Problems
It's a topic that's embarrassing and difficult to talk about. Yet for
many people living with multiple sclerosis, it's a subject that
comes up all too often. I share entries from my diary about this
very personal subject in hopes that it empowers others with MS to
face these problems and rise above them. >>>more>>> |
Positive Parenting |
A Mother's Story
Before I had MS, my life moved at a frantic pace. I often over-
extended myself, short changing my family along the way. The
illness forced me to make choices about where I was putting my
time and energy. MS gave me an opportunity for personal growth
and a chance to see more clearly the important role I play in the
lives of my children. >>>more>>> |
