Thriving in the Face of Adversity | Stephanie Buxhoeveden | TEDxHerndon

Summary

Denise RQ shares her journey with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic neurological disease with no known cure. At 25, she was diagnosed while pursuing her dream career as a nurse anesthetist. Despite the challenges, she transformed her experience into advocacy, becoming a certified MS nurse and creating a website to educate and empower others with MS. Denise's story is one of resilience, redefining her path, and contributing to research, aiming to make a difference in the lives of millions affected by MS.

Takeaways

• 💉 The speaker was a 25-year-old intensive care nurse studying to be a nurse anesthetist when she began experiencing symptoms of numbness in her legs.
• 🏥 Despite her symptoms, she continued working and eventually lost feeling in her legs and right arm, as well as vision problems, leading to her hospitalization.
• 🔍 After extensive testing, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), an incurable autoimmune disease affecting the brain and spinal cord.
• 🌐 MS affects 2.3 million people worldwide and is the most common neurological disease in young adults, often striking in their prime years.
• 🛡 MS occurs when the immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath around nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms and potential disability.
• 💊 The speaker underwent rigorous treatment including spinal taps, MRI scans, IV infusions, and painful tests to manage her condition.
• 📈 She chose to thrive by not giving up on her ambitions, becoming a board-certified MS nurse and later a nurse practitioner, focusing on helping others with MS.
• 🌐 She started a website to educate and empower MS patients, addressing common questions and concerns about the disease.
• 🔬 The speaker actively participates in research and advocacy, working towards a future where MS can be cured.
• 🌟 Her diagnosis led to a more purposeful life, turning her personal struggle into a mission to help others and contribute to finding a cure for MS.
• 📚 The script concludes with a call to action, encouraging individuals to thrive in the face of adversity and to find purpose in their challenges.

Q & A

What was the speaker's occupation before being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?

The speaker was a neurological intensive care nurse and was enrolled in a competitive graduate program to become a nurse anesthetist.

How did the speaker initially react to the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

She initially brushed off the symptoms, hoping it was just a sports injury, and continued her breakneck pace of work and study.

What was the turning point that made the speaker realize she had a serious medical condition?

The turning point was when she lost feeling in her right arm, the ability to move her right hand, and her vision became a blur of bright fluorescent lights while preparing to give anesthesia for the first time.

What is multiple sclerosis (MS) and how does it affect the body?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the brain and spinal cord where the immune system attacks the myelin insulation around nerves, leading to a variety of symptoms such as numbness, tingling, paralysis, and loss of vision.

What is the most common form of MS and how does it differ from other forms?

The most common form of MS is relapsing-remitting MS, which involves periods of sudden attacks followed by periods of remission. Other forms, known as progressive forms, accumulate disability in a linear fashion without remission.

How has the speaker managed her MS and its symptoms?

The speaker manages her MS through hundreds of injections, thousands of pills, and monthly IV infusions that suppress her immune system and help control her symptoms.

What career change did the speaker make after her diagnosis?

The speaker decided to become a board-certified MS nurse and later changed her focus to become a nurse practitioner, working with people who have MS.

What is the purpose of the website the speaker started?

The purpose of the website is to educate and empower MS patients by providing them with information and resources to better understand their disease and be active participants in their own care.

How does the speaker contribute to MS research and awareness?

The speaker contributes to MS research by participating in clinical studies, meeting with US representatives to discuss legislation and funding, and being part of a pioneering research initiative. She also spreads awareness through her website and publications.

What is the main message the speaker wants to convey to others facing adversity?

The speaker encourages others to thrive in the face of adversity, find purpose in their challenges, and use their experiences to make the world a better place.

What is the significance of the speaker's story for those living with chronic diseases?

The speaker's story is significant as it shows that despite a chronic disease, one can continue to pursue their ambitions, contribute to society, and lead a purposeful life.