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"I may have M.S. . . . but, M.S. does NOT have me!"
Talking With Alan Osmond - © 1999, Osmond Network LLC
"There is life... even with Multiple Sclerosis" Alan Osmond's websites, http://osmond.com/alan , http://osmondms.com , and http://theway.ms . . . an in depth look at Alan's life, experiences, family, challenges and successes, and how he has been able to endure . . . even with his struggles of Multiple Sclerosis.
Dr. Beth: What were your first symptoms?
Alan: I was touring with my brothers and noticed that when I played my trumpet, I could not move my fingers as fast as I usually could. I also found myself tripping up with my right foot when I walked. I would be embarrassed and pretend there was something on the floor that caught my foot. It was determined that my muscles in my right foot were not working full capacity causing what the doctors called "foot drop".
Dr. Beth: Were you scared when you found out it was MS and what do you do to help those symptoms?
Alan: After a few years of monitoring these symptoms, seeing several doctors, and going through every kind of test you can imagine, it was determined that it "could be multiple sclerosis". Before I had it, I really didn't know what MS was. In fact, when they first told me I had M.S. . . . I thought it stood for "Many Sons"! (I have eight sons, ya know.) Suzanne and I were scared at first but relieved that it was not a tumor! We learned that it's a crippler, and most of the time not life threatening. We didn't know what MS was but we both felt that what ever it was, we could live with it. Notice that I said "we"? MS may hit the one but affects the entire family. The greatest strength in dealing with this nuisance was in knowing that my partner and wife was more than behind me . . . she was by my side all the way! “In Sickness and Health!”
When I was first told I had MS, all that the doctors could say was I'm sorry . . . come back in 6 months. I was also told that, "There is no cure for MS at the present time". I read everything I could about it and started to be extremely careful with what I ate. I have always been healthy and there is NO history of MS in my family. I have always been very active, exercised and have eaten good foods. I didn't smoke, drink alcohol, coffee, tea, caffeine drinks or use any stimulants. Good nutrition has been a part of our family's eating style but now, I was going to really focus on good foods. I increased supplemental vitamins and minerals, took B- 12 shots, took antioxidants, juiced, ate fresh and raw foods and tried many natural products. I cut out most milk, dairy and meat (especially red meat). At first, I was told not to over exercise as it might irritate and bring upon worse symptoms. In my own particular case, I didn't totally agree with this and pushed myself as far as I thought I should because I didn't want my muscles to fail from being atrophied. I felt success with water aerobics, avoided hot showers and baths and got extra rest which helped.
Dr. Beth: Have you tried medicines or alternatives that you have found helpful? Magnets, chiropractors, aromatherapy, acupuncture, diet, exercise, etc.?
Alan: Yes, yes, yes, yes, Ö..I have probably tried everything ... as long as it didn't have a side effect attached. I want to state very clearly to each reader or victim of MS that reads this, that MS can be different for each person. What works or is good for one may or may not be good for another! Even the symptoms are unique to each individual. We are all different and MS affects everyone differently. In my case, the medicines that were and are now available according to my various doctors do not fit my profile. I know that some doctors say that early usage of some of the new medicines helps reduce the exacerbation's and frequency of occurrences. I followed my doctors and even tried some of the medical treatments. One in particular had very adverse affects! I am very cautious now about what treatments I will consider. I do believe that it is important to listen to your doctor/neurologist, get a second opinion and check things out, but also, don't forget to listen to your own body. It knows what it needs. Pray and ponder and do what feels right for you. I did and continue to do so with positive effects.
Dr Beth: How did others around you feel when they learned you had MS?
Alan: At first I was embarrassed. I didn't want anyone to know. Even my family. After a while, I couldn't tie my own shoes, button my sleeve, or pick up a penny. I loved being a cub master and being involved with scouting. When I couldn't make my fingers do the boy scout sign, I stopped. Finally, I shared the news. Their reactions? My parents: Like Suzanne's reaction, "It's something WE can live and deal with. Positive Mental Attitude! " (Notice the word "WE"?) My brothers and sister: "We’re behind you, brother." "You're not alone." They said, “We're NOT going on stage without you." I couldn't do some of the choreography . . . so they changed it! My business associates: They couldn't believe it. They said that they never could tell I had a problem. The Fans: An outpouring of prayers and best wishes. (It's truly amazing how many people really care!)
Dr. Beth: What made you finally go public with it?
Alan: I found out that a magazine was planning an article about me with a sensational headline. It wasn't true or fair to my public and gave the impression that I was going to die. I didn't want them scared for me. I called Annette Funacello seeking advice as she had made her MS public. She said, "Alan, the best thing you can do is to go public with it. You'll feel so much better!" So, I did. I called a friend, Mary Hart with Entertainment Tonight, and Bob Goen flew up to my cabin in Utah and interviewed me. It was tough to share. But I was glad that I did. I went on Good Morning America with Joan London and told my story. People Magazine also did a feature. After that, I was relieved. I did feel better. No more explaining why I tripped on "something" on the floor. Part of an Interview with People Magazine . . . reprinted with permission. 'WITH FAITH TO CARRY ON' A musician turns to God and family as he fights MS. By: Alan Osmond "I dream about the disease," says Osmond "My mind is constantly trying to beat it down." "MS has changed my life," says Osmond. "I've had so many blessings, . . . maybe this will pull me back to the center." "There is more love in our relationship than ever before," says Osmond of wife Suzanne.
Dr. Beth: Have you ever been embarrassed by your limitations?
Alan: I was embarrassed by my limitations and was afraid the fans would be disappointed and wouldn't come and see us anymore. But it's only occasionally somebody will ask if I've been in an accident of if I hurt my leg. I just tell them I have MS and that's all. But other things have become more difficult. I can't hold a fork very well with my right hand, and it's hard to shake hands. I can’t play all of the musical instruments I play any more.
Dr. Beth: Have you ever asked "Why Me"?
Alan: I never really asked, "Why me?" As a Mormon, I believe life is everlasting and I don't fear the future, not even death. Despite everything, I still feel I've really been blessed.
Dr. Beth:
Alan: What does your family think? My kids aren't down about my disease, they tease me and laugh and say, "Come on, father, don't be a drag." Marie calls when she hears of some new remedy, and Donny, who networks on computers quite a bit, does the same. And, Suzanne, my wife, is an incredibly strong woman. There haven't been many tears on her part. A lot of marriages end up on the rocks with MS because one partner needs constant attention. Not Suzanne and me. This has brought us closer.
Dr. Beth: What have you learned from your family?
Alan: I also learned a lot from my brothers, Virl and Tom, both of whom have been hearing impaired since birth. They accepted their problems as a challenge and moved on. It was no big deal. Like them, I'm not going to let my disability keep me down.
Dr. Beth: Some challenges and how you dealt with them?
Alan: No sympathy please! I tell my kids that if I start complaining or dragging . . . for them to "Kick my backside!" I talk about it and joke about it with my family. Keep it light. "Father's a drag." I arm wrestle my little kids and lose. But I tell them, I'm OK. One thing that really bothers me while I try to keep positive is when the families of other MS victims tell me the worst things about their family member. Ouch! No negative thoughts please. I know they mean well, and I also know what challenges I might face in the future but I don't care to hear people share negative stories about someone they love and pitying or feeling sorry for me. The power of suggestion has it's impact. Has anyone ever come up to you and said, "Are you okay?" Pretty soon you find yourself looking in the mirror and not feeling so well. Recently, on Good Morning America, I heard: "Scientific study is proving that the power of suggestion is just as strong as any medicine. The mind produces real effects! Doctors dealing with pain have proven that 50% of the time, placebo is just as effective as pain medicine. Believing is powerful!" Modern scriptures say, "As a man thinketh, so is he." In my business of entertainment, I know that people buy tickets to be entertained and to forget their troubles and have a good time. They do not need to see or hear about your troubles and become even more depressed. So, I keep it positive!
Dr. Beth: How does one cope with M.S.?
Alan: "One" doesn't cope very well. "One, needs family and friends for support. One especially needs his Heavenly Father/his God. Then, "one" can make it. There is a beautiful song I love called: "You're Not Alone". When "one" gets MS, it affects his wife, kids, and family. So, you're not alone!
Dr. Beth: What have you learned from this disease?
Alan: I’ve learned that a strong positive approach builds courage and gives strength. I don't take it sitting down. A "You can do it" attitude and an "Endure To The End" desire helps keep me focused. Get over the embarrassment of having MS and the "pride" of being affected and singled out. The Natural and Nutritional approach does and can only help. Physical Therapy and activity doesn't hurt but helps one to sustain. Aqua-aerobics are really good for MS. Have "Peace within". Get resolve and spiritual answers to life and find out: "Who I am?", "Who's in charge?" and develop a better relationship with God. One of the best things I have found that really works is prayer and faith. I know that it seems too simple but it works. Prayer is powerful. I don't believe you can put prayer in a test tube but, out of 200 studies, results showed that there was a 75% improvement when using prayer. Religious practice is good for your health! Have hope! "It's not the disease that defeats . . it's the lack of hope!" I have faith that doctors are getting close to some real answers, too! I trust my feelings. My body knows what to do. Love your body and pay attention to it. I needed to be still and listen more. The need for family support. My wife loves me. Knowing that, I can keep going! She has pulled me through some of the most difficult times.
Dr. Beth: What can you share with others that might help them?
Alan: Accept the fact that "Nature plays no favorites." The "Why Me" questions drag you down. Rather, you should be asking, "What now?" Say to yourself: "I want to learn from this experience! If I have to make the journey . . . I'm going to enjoy the ride! Become better . . . not Bitter!" Deal with it! Be "T.U.F.F." (Target, Understand, Focus, Fight - You will learn more what this means from my book. Endure!) This life is a Test. Like going to school . . . the first thing they give you is a TEST! Recognize the spirit self as the "boss". I believe that the body houses an eternal and very important "real you" spirit person. Get religion. A well respected doctor told me that, "Statistically, we are finding that our patients that our researchers call "highly religious" and have a spiritual background are doing much better than those who don't have religion and are non-believing." You see, doctors don't heal the body. They may provide medicines that assist and promote healing but, it is the body that performs it's God given miracles of healing driven by spiritual powers. Mounting scientific evidence indicates that virtually every illness may be influenced for good or bad by our emotions and attitudes that include factors such as faith, hope and service. "The Spirit can drive the flesh beyond where the body first agrees to go." I really believe that we are Not Human beings having spiritual experiences . . . but, we are Spiritual beings having human experiences. Have Hope! 1st Peter (3:15) in the Bible says: "[be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you. . . That is why I am publishing this. Remember: We are all faced with challenges . . . but, we must not get discouraged! "Trouble should have no connection with discouragement." Because we can't do everything, doesn't mean we shut down and don't do anything! "Anything is better than nothing!" Lose yourself in others. Do some charity work. And what if someone doesn't have the family or spiritual belief system for support? Then find one. He (God) will lead you! I have great hope in the future. I have been very blessed. I didn't think that it was possible . . . but, I can truly say, "I enjoy life now, more than ever before!" And, I will continue to say: "I may have M.S. . . . but, M.S. does NOT have me!"
This article MAY be printed out for PERSONAL USE ONLY. You may NOT reprint, copy, or publish without permission. Web sites should not transfer this article to their sites but we encourage them to provide links to http://osmondms.com. Copyright © 1999 The Family Connection and Osmond Network LLC all rights reserved. Please do not copy without permission.
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