Interview with awarded with the title of Charismatic Woman Monika Tymińska on how the multiple sclerosis diagnosis changed her life, also for the better, what treatment methods she decided to undergo and how she reconciles her private and professional duties. She also mentions of what, or of whom, to be more precise, she is the most proud…
Monika, as a titled Charismatic Woman, you are bravely coping with the work at the reputable INDECO company, the role of a mother and… with multiple sclerosis. How do you manage?
The most difficult thing is to reconcile work with this chronic disease. When I wake up in the morning, I never know if my mood will suddenly change by 180 degrees, or whether my mind or body will refuse to obey me. The closer it is to Friday, the weaker I am. Fortunately, there are medications that help you stay strong as long as possible and keep going.
I am lucky that my son is now an adult, but the fact is that the diagnosis of MS dropped like a bomb and made him become independent quickly. Looking back, it turned out to be good for him, but I regret that I could not spoil him as much as I would have liked to.
What steps did you take when you found out about the disease?
I found out that I had multiple sclerosis in 2014. I had symptoms of this disease before, but doctors ignored them, suggesting that my body was simply overworked. In my case, this constant fatigue was one of the more noticeable signals, followed by back pain, limping and running problems, falling over on a straight road. If anyone walked by, trying to get my balance looked as if I was a drunk. I got used to it, but it was very embarrassing at first.
However, I was very lucky, because just in the right time, right people appeared on my way. First, I came across an internist who suggested more detailed tests, and, after seeing the results, immediately referred me to a neurologist. Thanks to my friend, I was quickly taken to the hospital, where I was immediately examined for MS and Lyme disease, symptoms of which are similar.
Examination has confirmed multiple sclerosis. It was a shock for me, I did not know what to do, where to look for help, I was afraid about the future. It was a very difficult time. Depression appeared and a struggle with it. Fortunately, I went to the CKR Konstancin neurology department for a month, where I was offered to participate in a research program on a new drug for MS. I agreed immediately, I knew it was the right choice. First of all, I was able to give something from myself to other patients, secondly, I knew that I was under the care of the best specialists and if something went wrong, I would get help right away. I have been in the program for six years now, and my disease has slowed down. I have no relapses, I can work, walk in the mountains, drive a car, and live my life to the fullest. I can’t run anymore and I watch at every pavement or protruding root, but you can live with it normally.
What disturbing symptoms should we look for if we suspect such a disease?
If you feel constantly overwhelmingly fatigued, keep forgetting something, start to have problems with organization, lose your balance for no reason, start to have trouble speaking or suddenly lose your eyesight, it could be a symptom of M. But it can also be the result of another neurological disease, so it’s good to see a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier it is to control it and minimize the damage it causes to our body, mind and life in general.
When I wake up in the morning, I never know
if my mood will suddenly change by 180 degrees,
or whether my mind or body will refuse
to obey me – says Monika Tymińska.
What are the next steps? Where to apply?
First, you have see an internist, do the tests he or she orders, and then go to a specialist whom he or she will suggest.
Can this disease be stopped and its effects minimized?
I’ve heard stories of miraculous healings and getting rid of disease, but I don’t believe them to be true. However, I know that this disease can be slowed down by taking appropriate medications, and introducing a special diet. According to nutritionists specializing in diets for people with MS, the best will be the one that does not contain red meat. But it is worth to resign of all kinds of meat, including white. In addition, do not drink too much, remember to move, exercise memory, in a word, behave as a textbook case of an ideal patient. Many people perceive introducing such changes as impossible, some scoff at introducing them in their lives, do not believe in their legitimacy. I can say that all these recommendations suit me; I have never liked meat and I have withdrawn it from my diet a long time ago, I try to be active in many fields. I do not give up, and this gives me specific results in my fight against MS and the possibility of benefiting from life.
In what organization do you work for people with multiple sclerosis and what are its activities and your role related to?
I collaborated with the magazine “Hope” published by the Polish Multiple Sclerosis Society (PTSR). I interviewed its members and wrote thematic articles. I tried to be helpful in PTSR in various matters, whenever I was needed and I could help.
Unfortunately, the last two years turned everything upside down. The coronavirus made contacts difficult.It was also not an easy time in my private life and I had to withdraw from social activity, but I hope that 2022 will be more favorable and I will start acting again.
What do you do in your spare time, how do you charge your batteries?
Hahaha… when I don’t have to do anything, I have free time and I can do a reset, first I go to sleep, when I wake up, I like to bask in the sun while sitting by the water, I also like hiking in the mountains. I love reading and listening to jazz. I do not rush. In a word, by spoiling myself with simple pleasures. I charge my batteries so that I can be active at work and outside of it. I do recommend this method!
What are you most proud of?
I am definitely the most proud of my son, a wonderful young man, independent, talented and very sensitive, whom I can always count on.
I am proud of myself that despite my serious condition, I am still working, I finished another field of study this year, I am still active and I have not succumbed not only to MS, but also to destructive depression. For sure, it was possible to achieve all this thanks to the fact that helpful people and good doctors appeared on my way.
And what are your plans for the nearest future, including Christmas and the New Year?
First of all, I am glad that my son, who has spent the last 6 months in Japan, is coming home a few days before Christmas, so I’m going to have a very happy time. At the moment, it is really the only I think about it, because I miss him a lot. Our Christmas is a bit different from the traditional Polish ones. We are not believers, so we like to eat our favorite foods and then relax, watching a movie together or going somewhere, sometimes someone comes to visit us. I do not plan anything specific, the only thing that is certain is that we will spend it in Warsaw.
When it comes to further plans, I cannot reveal most of them, but what I can say is that they are ambitious and related to my passions. The upcoming year appears to be very active and I am extremely happy about it.
Would you like to add something?
It is important to me to say that “nothing happens without a reason”. I believe that every situation, even the one that seems bad at first, brings changes and often turns out to be the one that opens up new, often interesting, opportunities and challenges. In the end, it turns out to be a not-so-bad change in our lives. Let’s allow us to trust ourselves, science and doctors.
Beata Sekuła
