Multiple Sclerosis an Enigma ~
a Book Review
This book, Multiple Sclerosis an Enigma by Terry Crawford Palardy, is a true story about a woman who was diagnosed with MS at an older age.
Receiving a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis is never easy, but imagine being diagnosed later in life, when you thought you had already figured out your health and future. That’s exactly what happened to Terry Crawford Palardy, a retired schoolteacher who had spent 30 years in the classroom, shaping young minds and planning for a long career.
Most people are diagnosed with MS in their 20s or 30s, sometimes even as children or teenagers. But Terry’s diagnosis came much later, throwing her into a world of uncertainty, frustration, and unexpected change. Her book, Multiple Sclerosis: An Enigma, is a raw, honest account of what it’s like to face MS later in life. It explains how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster and ultimately find ways to live well despite the disease.
If you’ve ever struggled with accepting an MS diagnosis, questioning whether your symptoms really mean MS, or wondering how to adjust your lifestyle to manage the disease, Terry’s story is one that will resonate deeply.
Let’s explore her journey—the shock of diagnosis, the emotional toll, and the lifestyle changes that helped her regain control and purpose in her life.
The Emotional Journey of Receiving a Diagnosis Later in Life
For Terry, the early signs of MS were subtle but disruptive. She began experiencing fatigue, cognitive issues, and depression—symptoms that many people with MS know all too well.
At first, she thought it was just stress or aging, but as the symptoms worsened, she realized something was seriously wrong.
1. The Struggle to Accept the Diagnosis
Unlike younger patients who are diagnosed early in life, Terry had already built a career, a routine, and a vision for her future. MS wasn’t part of that plan.
She struggled with denial, wondering if she really had MS or if it was something else. Her father had suffered from Parkinson’s disease, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that her symptoms resembled his more than they did multiple sclerosis.
Even after extensive testing, she found it hard to accept that she had MS. The diagnosis felt like a betrayal, forcing her to rethink everything—her career, her independence, and her ability to continue doing what she loved.
2. The Impact on Her Career
Teaching had always been her passion, but MS made it increasingly difficult to do her job.
- Fatigue made it hard to get out of bed in the mornings.
- Cognitive issues made it difficult to remember students’ names.
- Depression drained her motivation, making it hard to focus.
She started missing too many days, something she never would have accepted before. Eventually, she had to make the heartbreaking decision to retire much earlier than planned.
For someone who had dedicated her life to education, stepping away from the classroom made her feel like she was losing a part of herself.
How Terry’s Lifestyle Changes Helped Her Manage MS
After the initial shock and grief, Terry realized she only had two choices:
- Let MS control her life, or
- Find ways to manage it and keep moving forward.
She chose the second option, making intentional lifestyle changes to help slow disease progression and improve her quality of life.
1. Becoming Vegetarian
One of the first changes she made was switching to a vegetarian diet.
Research suggests that diet plays a role in inflammation, and many people with MS find that reducing processed foods, dairy, and meat can help to ease these symptoms.
For Terry, this change helped her:
- Improve energy levels
- Reduce inflammation
- Feel more in control of her health
2. Losing Weight
Weight management can be challenging with MS, especially when fatigue and mobility issues make exercise difficult.
Terry focused on healthy eating and gentle movement, finding ways to stay active without overexerting herself.
Losing weight helped her:
- Reduce strain on her joints and muscles
- Improve mobility
- Boost confidence and mental well-being
3. Exploring Alternative Treatments
Like many people with MS, Terry tried prescribed treatments but ultimately decided to discontinue them due to the problematic side effects.
Instead, she explored alternative therapies, including:
- Mindfulness and meditation to manage stress
- Gentle exercise to maintain mobility
- Holistic approaches to support overall health
While MS has no cure, Terry found that small, intentional changes helped her feel stronger and more in control.
Finding Strength in the Face of MS
Terry’s story is a powerful reminder that MS is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on living well.
Her journey—from denial and frustration to acceptance and proactive management—is one that many people with MS can relate to.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your diagnosis, unsure of how to move forward, or frustrated by the limitations MS brings, Terry’s book offers hope and perspective.
She reminds us that while MS may change our plans, it doesn’t have to take away our ability to adapt, grow, and find joy in day-to-day living.
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At the end of Multiple Sclerosis an Enigma, Terry writes these words about MS: |
"Receiving a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis is not an easy story to tell. There are no villains or heroes in this story, other than the heroic caretakers who give so much of themselves to each of us. It is not a condition that results from poor choices or harmful behaviors. Because there is no known single cause, there is no cure. There is a series, for most patients, of lulls and rising tides... being and feeling well, then being stricken with symptoms serious enough to require steroid intervention, either at home or at a hospital or clinic, and then recovering and feeling well." |
purchase Multiple Sclerosis an Enigma
Video Interview with Terry about
Multiple Sclerosis an Enigma
You can find terry here:
- Wooden Toys and Gifts - Along with her husband
- On Facebook
- Terry Crawford Palardy - Her Author Page on Amazon (more of her books!)
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