Life can change in an instant. This is an ageless truth that bears its fruit to everyone at some point in time. For Stephen Knapp, his diagnosis of MS (Multiple Sclerosis) was the catalyst for the instant change in his life. His book "Don't Ask Me How I Feel- I Have MS," which was originally published in 2008, is a riveting and compelling chronicle of his experiences facing and dealing with his diagnosis and its effects on his life in ways that will give anyone a deep introspection of their own.
"I felt that it was very cathartic to write about the strange feelings I was having. Each day new things were happening and I put down on paper as I was having them."
Stephen effectively conveys his catharsis by evoking a level of vulnerability and determination that is rarely seen or expressed, which has the benefit of providing its readers with a relatable, genuine, and personal experience that even people without MS can relate and sympathize with.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease that primarily targets the nervous system. It damages the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing a gradual disruption of normal everyday capacities. More than 2.3 million people worldwide have a diagnosis of MS, and in the United States alone, it is estimated that nearly 1 million people live with a diagnosis of MS. As of now, there is no cure for MS. Experiencing a life-changing diagnosis of this magnitude is no trifling matter and the journey towards accepting and living with the diagnosis, compounded with the typical trials and tribulations of life, is an expectedly challenging and strenuous affair.
"The book was intended at first to just try to describe what I was feeling after my diagnosis; however, it later became a memoire due to the fact that I realized after two years of writing I was born with MS and had subtle physical side-effects in my youth as well as in later times."
The words of his neurologist on the day he was diagnosed with MS stuck to Stephen's mind like a fly in a spider web "You have multiple sclerosis, and looking at your MRI, you are a walking time bomb. You may not have symptoms today, but it's just a matter of time." Stephen went through a dark and depressing period for the five years after his initial diagnosis. However, this gave him enough time to reflect and write about the physical and mental experiences which would eventually become "Don't Ask Me How I Feel- I Have MS." Stephen's book shows that life moves on regardless and that there are some good things that can emerge out of a bad experience.
Stephen is now 72. He describes his life as being a rather unique and varied one. Despite feeling the worsening symptoms of the disease he's been afflicted with for nearly two decades, his resolve and enthusiastic approach in life continue unabated. Read and experience Stephen's journey for yourself by reading the book, which is now available for purchase on Amazon in the paperback version for 19.99 USD. Those interested can find this book
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