David Mirolo – Dublin | MS Journeys
For David Mirolo from Dublin, living with multiple sclerosis means managing a condition that can be uncomfortable and challenging, while continuing to stay positive, active and independent.
“I look perfect on the outside but in bits inside.”
Describing life with MS in one sentence, David says it can be “uncomfortable and challenging sometimes.”
MS has changed how David approaches certain parts of life. He says he is still outgoing and chatty, but can now be afraid of things he once took in his stride.
His advice to someone newly diagnosed is practical and positive:
“Take what help you can get, don’t be afraid to ask, you may have to change the way you do a few things. Be positive and don’t let it rule you.”
Support from the MS community has been important to David. He says being able to meet others in a group, have a cup of coffee and talk about life and how people cope is very helpful.
MS Ireland has also played a role in David’s journey, particularly when he was first diagnosed. He says MS Ireland was a great help in explaining how to get into the system and who to see.
For David, being part of the wider MS community brings comfort. It helps to know that someone can understand and is there to help.
One of the things that has surprised David most about living with MS is his own resilience.
“I never thought I could cope as well as I do.”
Among the biggest challenges he faces are the everyday difficulties that others may not see.
David says getting up in the morning and going to work can be difficult, especially when his muscles are in spasm or he cannot feel his hands.
He also highlights the frustration of small tasks becoming difficult, such as fastening buttons, taking change from his pocket, picking something up from the floor or being thought of as clumsy when he trips over his feet.
To manage his MS physically and emotionally, David focuses on good food and vitamins, going to bed early, not drinking too much and taking regular exercise.
David is proud of many things he has achieved while living with MS, including driving his car across Europe, becoming a grandfather, keeping in touch with friends, building his model railway, which he describes as great therapy, and running a successful business and employing people.
He is keen to challenge misconceptions about MS, particularly how people perceive the condition.
He says people may assume someone with MS is going to die shortly or would not be able to climb a flight of stairs, while also assuming that because he does not look sick, he is not sick.
His message to others living with MS is:
“Try anything, keep taking the drugs, they really help. Plan ahead, make dates for events and you will have something to look forward to. Don’t let it define you.”
For David, World MS Day is important because it helps get the message out and lets others know that people living with MS are “normal people wanting to do normal things” and do not want pity.
He also believes World MS Day is an opportunity to recognise the carers, husbands, wives, siblings and grandparents who work hard to care for people living with MS.
David says these carers save the State a fortune by providing care and should be recognised and supported for the endless care they give.
David’s story is one of resilience, positivity and determination, showing that life with MS can still be active, fulfilling and full of purpose.