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In February 1984, my neurologist recommended that I go to the Sauerland-Clinic in Hachen where besides receiving treatment, I would learn how to better live with MS.
I was shocked to find so many patients in wheelchairs! Would this be my final destiny? How much time did I have before I would end up sitting in that wheelchair?
I was stationed in a building located away from the main complex and only housed MS patients who still walked and basically showed no obvious symptoms.
Most of these patients were diagnosed a long time ago. This fact and the positive prognosis I received from my physicians helped to calm me down and gave me hope.
During my stay at the clinic, I met a lot of “wheelchair drivers” and I was very surprised to find them in very good spirits. As a matter of fact, I was surprised at their sense of humour. They were able to laugh at their situation and often told jokes involving wheelchair drivers. I learned that they were “regular” people and taught me that sitting in a wheelchair is not the end of the world.
The treatments I received at the clinic and the “time out” helped me very much and I went home more relaxed and with a positive outlook. After my final examination I again received a positive prognosis.
Only later I realized that doctors make mistakes too and are only human and not all-knowing gods. At the time however, their excellent prognosis gave me confidence and allowed me to go home in good spirits.
I went back to Sauerland Clinic in two year intervals because the time away from my regular life simply made me feel good and allowed me to recuperate. I am convinced that the time I spent there slowed the progression of my MS quite a bit.