“This has been a year I won’t forget” – Jordan looks back at 2022
Jordan reflects on an eventful year and shares his plans and hopes for 2023.
If you could describe 2022 in three words, what would they be and why?
This year has been exciting for me because so much has happened and so many plans have been made. When I was diagnosed, I thought everything was going to change. I was worried I’d be looked at differently and, physically, I’d be different. But I love the person I’ve become.
I’ve accomplished a lot this year. I’ve hit targets and done things I thought I couldn’t do after diagnosis. Around four months ago I couldn’t even talk about my condition, let alone say ‘multiple sclerosis’. But today I’m not just fully comfortable saying ‘multiple sclerosis’, I’m also able to talk about my condition while helping others! I’ve talked on two panels and this is my second blog for the MS Society. Hopefully this is just the start – I’m excited to do more!
This year’s also been challenging, but in a positive way. Every day I’m faced with new challenges and a new voice in my head saying “you can’t do this because you have a disability now”. Or “remember you have MS. Are you sure you can do this?” But I’ve put this voice to the back of my mind and completed whatever task I’m faced with, every time.
What did your MS journey look like this year?
I realised I needed to be more organised and healthy this year. I’ve definitely become more organised. For example, I started logging my relapses to know how frequently I’m having them and how long they last. But, if I’m being honest, I could definitely be healthier. I guess we all can, right?
Read more about managing relapses
This year showed me every day can truly be different. And new challenges I’m faced with can be conquered in a positive way. It’s also showed me that if you keep knocking, someone will open the door eventually.
What are your highlights from 2022?
One of my highlights was getting married to my wife. It’s crazy – I’m a whole husband now! We also had our house walk-through which was amazing, especially seeing it being built from the ground up. And I purposely left the best till last…my wife is pregnant! Again, this is crazy – I’m going to be a dad. This has been a year I won’t forget.
That being said, I can’t be the positive nice guy all the time. I do have days where I feel I’m just drowning in negativity. As I type this, I’m waiting to do a blood test because the doctors need to keep an eye on my white blood cells.
They were already low before I started the treatment I’m on now, which supresses them even more. Now I’m not scared of needles. But my veins like to play hide and seek a lot, which can make the process harder. And this results in me getting pricked a few times which is never good!
How will you be spending Christmas and New Year?
Everything at this point is new for me, from being married to expecting a child and buying a new house. So I’m spending this Christmas and New Year with family – the ones already here and the ones on their way.
How do you manage your MS during the festive season?
I manage my MS at all times by just taking each day as it comes and staying positive. Getting worked up and stressed isn’t going to do anything about my situation.
Have you got anything planned for 2023?
Next year is going to be a big one for me and I can’t wait! I’m going to be a parent and a homeowner. Holidays as a family are going to be a huge milestone for me. And as silly as it may sound, getting a cab from the airport to my own home is going to be really exciting!
Thinking about MS treatments, research support and care, do you have any hopes for 2023?
I hope treatments for MS will continue to develop. We only had steroids 30 years ago and we’ve come so far since then. I’m excited to see what else we can do!
