illness

8 years

/ Nicole Cherise / 8 Comments

Hi all!! Today is my 8th wedding anniversary. I’m extremely blessed and thankful to continue this journey with my bestfriend 😁♥️😁.

When I was first diagnosed with MS (4/13/2010) and learned about the debilitating disease, we were 24 years old. In my head, I thought the chance of having a fulfilled relationship was no more. Who would want to marry me when I’m sick? With the progression of the disease, my body would never be the same, who has the patience for that? I was preparing myself to no longer be with my high school sweetheart because I didn’t want to hold him back. As I shared the news it was devastating to us all, a lot of anger, tears, frustration but one thing stuck out. My then boyfriend said “I’m going to take care of you, I got you”. At the end of that year he asked me to marry him (12/25/2010) and we married 8/9/2012.

To all my dear friends and loved ones who battle illnesses, love and support goes a long way. Please don’t give up on the hope that you can have a meaningful relationship or marriage. Don’t let the disease take that away from you. You are worth MORE than these doctor reports. Thanks for reading! Have a great day!

Nicole Cherise ♥️

Nicole Cherise’s MS Chronicles: what I dislike most

/ Nicole Cherise / Leave a comment

Hey guys! Happy Friday 🙌🏾🙌🏾

One of the things I planned to do more in this blog is to spread Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and my journey battling it. I’m an open book in regards to this because I want to make sure people who are affected by the disease understand that they are not alone, and that also includes caregivers.

What I dislike most besides the diagnosis and symptoms, is the UNPREDICTABILITY of MS.

This is a challenge because earlier in the day I could be great, then all of a sudden my left leg will get weak and I start to limp or drag it. Making plans truly sucks because I can have something planned out a month prior and then the week of or even the DAY of, my legs decide not to work or I’m in a lot of pain. Pleeeeeeeease don’t even let me start about the weather. If the humidity is high, I feel drained. If it’s raining or freezing cold, it literally hurts me.

This gets me bummed out because I do not drive during these times, sometimes I need assistance walking, I do not get to exercise as much as I’d like to and I don’t always have the energy to run after my son. I do cry about this, I do get angry, but I try to remember that I’m still blessed. Many fellow MS Warriors are in wheelchairs, need walking aids Everyday and I’m sure they would trade places with me any day.

To put me in a “better place” mentally, I think of my “Why?”. I think of my family and friends, whom are my support system. I need them just like they need me so I can’t give up! So, to anyone who battles a chronic disease, and caregivers, please hold on. Do not give up. I can’t promise you that life will be “great” but I can promise that you have a pal in me if you ever need that extra support.

Thank you all for reading a part of my MS Chronicles

Nicole Cherise ♥️

World MS Day🧡🧡🧡

/ Nicole Cherise / 3 Comments

May 30th, World MS Day! It may just be a day for some but this is a battle for others and myself everyday. What is it? MS is a disease that affects the Central Nervous System. Lesions can be founds on the brain and spinal cord due to the myelin being damaged for reasons we don’t know. This causes symptoms such as numbness, nerve pain, dizziness, the inability to walk, slurred speech, fatigue, blurred vision, double vision, memory loss, and more. No two people with MS are alike because it’s very complexed. MS is also considered an invisible disease because like myself, in the first stages, you can do your best to disguise it. However, it does progress and many of our warriors can need walking assistance devices or could be wheel chair bound. Unfortunately, in the Last stage, like many other brain diseases, the brain can be so damaged that eating, caring for yourself and speaking, slowly diminish away 😔 I’m praying for a Cure so that no one else has to endure this horrible disease…. so if you know someone battling the disease please give them a high five or a hug 🧡 I stand proud as a Warrior and we will continue to Fight!! M S.. made Strong! 🧡🧡🧡

Nicole Cherise

Confession

/ Nicole Cherise / 15 Comments

Hi great people!

As a person who battles a chronic illness (Multiple Sclerosis), I am doing my best to remain strong. I do KNOW that my strength comes from the Lord 💪🏾 therefore, giving up can never an option.

I would be a liar if I said I wasn’t scared. I don’t let these feelings consume me everyday because I’m trying to enjoy every moment of life. To help me with this is that I look to my loved ones as my “why” and Purpose. 

What about my other warriors out there? Those who battle illness, has this been you? 

Thanks for reading friends!

Nicole Cherise ❤

Giving up is too easy

/ Nicole Cherise / 3 Comments

It’s not easy to give trust but when it comes to the Lord, I have to! God is a healer and I have faith that I will be healed. 

I hope you warriors and caregivers remember that. You are bigger and stronger. I’m here friends.

Nicole Cherise ❤

Staying strong with an illness

/ Nicole Cherise / Leave a comment


I see you. I feel for you. I am you. 

Battling Multiple Sclerosis, is very trying at times. I want to scream, I want to cry, I want to punch a wall! The symptoms are too much at times. So what is it that I do to stay strong? 
I take a deep breath first. I allow myself to calm down. Our symptoms will not go away or subside while we are still in panic mode, so this is very important. 

The next thing I do is find a distraction. For myself, it’s praying, watching a movie, listening to music, spending quality time with my family and writing. Find something that brings happiness to you. If you find a positive distraction, you can cope better through the symptoms. 
I’m often asked how do I stay strong and these are just a few things that I do. 
What do you do to cope through symptoms of an illness? 
If anyone needs help with this, please feel free to email me at iamnicolecherise@gmail.com 
Thank you for reading! 

Today..

/ Nicole Cherise / 2 Comments

  
Today has been one of those days. As a MS Warrior, I often deal with chronic pain, fatigue and weakness. However, I know that joy comes in the morning and I’ll be ok. 

Keep that in mind friends. Your illness doesnt not define you. You will be ok. 

Nicole Cherise 

Feel good Friday’s: when one of your loved ones are battling an illness

/ Nicole Cherise / Leave a comment

Illness, one thing we don’t want to discuss, see or have to deal with. It’s rough to go through an illness and it’s even harder when someone you love is sick. It’s hard for a caregiver and loved ones because they would give anything to take the pain away or get angry that there is Nothing they can do. But there is something you can do.

If they have a rare disease, educate yourself. Even if you have heard of it, gain knowledge of the disease so that you can try to understand what’s happening to his or her body. 

Be supportive to your loved one. They will feel isolated, angry, sad and more. If they need help, do so. Many people (like myself) have pride and won’t ask for help but reassure him or her that you will come over and help even if it’s to do the dishes. You would be surprised how happy your generosity can help. 

Be strong but realize they are strong too. You should be sensitive to them and their needs. Many times someone battling a disease will push their limits but if he or she says that they can do something believe them and let them get their rest. As a person who fights against Multiple Sclerosis, I do push myself and “appear” fine when in reality, I’m not. The strength of my husband and parents are what keeps me going. My family and friends are wonderful as well. They all understand that when I need rest or I’m not feeling well, I can’t always jump and be on the go like I used to. 

I pray they find a cure to the diseases that our loved ones are battling and for our loved ones who have passed away. Until then, cherish your loved ones and just let them remember how much they mean to you because you truly mean the most to them, trust me 🙂

Thanks for reading

Nicole Cherise