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Your Career and MS

Multiple sclerosis usually strikes between ages 20 and 40, right when most of us are really getting our careers into full swing, or when we are defining who we are in the field of work. The diagnosis may come at a time when the pressure is really on to perform in our chosen career and finding out about MS may lead us to believe that our future is somehow diminished by the disease. For many, work is not just about the money and the security, but the identity...it defines who we are. The fear then becomes, am I less for having MS?

The diagnosis need not put you into a tailspin, if you can somehow slow down the thought process enough to try to deal with the diagnosis, get a full picture of where you are physically and what your treatment plan is going to entail. You may find out that your symptoms are mild at first and that not much about your present life will change quite yet. MS is a progressive disease but a slow one. This will allow you the time you need to adjust to the disease and how it will impact your work life as well as your home life. You won't need to rush into any decisions. Do not let others rush you into making decisions that you are not ready to make. Take your time, get the advise of your doctor and any other individuals that you value their opinions. Employers should be able to understand about allowances that may need to be made.

There are laws that employers need to follow in regard to individuals with disabilities and employment issues. Inform your employer of your diagnosis but also take the time to educate him/her regarding your abilities to perform your tasks and that MS is a slow to progress disease. Many individuals continue to add value in their place of employment and there are many agencies that are there to help individuals to adjust to working while medically challenged. You cannot be discriminated against in an employment situation because of your illness. Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments for you to continue to work at your present employment.

Reasonable adjustments may include changing your work hours, allowing for longer or more frequent breaks, or moving work stations so that your desk and other office equipment is more accessible to you. You should be able to work as long as you are physically capable of doing so and feel comfortable working.