Thriving in the Face of Adversity

I watched an empowering TED talk titled, “Thriving in the Face of Adversity | Stephanie Buxhoeveden | TEDxHerndon.” The video described Stephanie’s experience with multiple sclerosis (MS), along with her interpretation on life challenges, overcoming adversity, and choosing strength over denial. Stephanie also discussed various symptoms of MS, along with relapsing-remitting MS. After listening to Stephanie’s story, I researched and learned about the different types of MS. Also, I compared Stephanie’s symptoms and prognosis with online research studies to recognize variability. 

At the beginning of the Ted talk, Stephanie presented three different pathways to choose between, when faced with a difficult situation; deny, cope, or thrive. Stephanie chose to thrive because she understood that some things in life can be challenging. At some point, life might give you something unfair, take something from you, or interfere with your plans. After watching this video, I understand that no matter what one’s challenge is, one can choose to thrive and find purpose in the challenge. Moreover, a challenge that might seem difficult at first, could be used as a gift to help make the world a better place. 

Stephanie was diagnosed with MS at the age of 25. She was a neurosurgical intensive care nurse and a graduate student. In her free time, she loved to workout. One day when she was working out, her right foot fell asleep and never woke back up. Within the next week, the numbness that began in her foot, began to travel up her legs. At first, she thought that it was a sports injury and disregarded the symptoms. Soon after, the day arrived that she was to put her student skills to the test and administer anesthesia to a patient. She was getting dressed in the hospital locker room and fumbled, while putting on surgical scrubs. At this point, Stephanie knew that her legs were numb, she had no feeling from the waist down or her right arm, and her vision was a blur of bright florescent lights. Next, she called her teacher, who instructed her to go to the ER. Stephanie quickly realized that she couldn’t even make it to the elevator. Upon arrival to the ER, she had spinal taps, MRI scans, and IV infusions. Stephanie was then diagnosed with MS; she was one of 2.3 million people living with MS. At my surprise, I learned that MS most commonly begins to effect people 20-30 years of age. 

After watching this Ted talk, I learned that there is no cure for MS and the cause is unknown. I learned about the variety of symptoms that include vision and hearing problems, cognitive decline, tremors, pain, bowel and bladder problems, numbness and tingling, and difficulty walking. Furthermore, I learned that there are some treatments for MS, but they are not guaranteed to work and could come along with serious, sometimes deadly, side effects. MS is an autoimmune disease of the brain and spinal cord; one’s immune system attacks the nerves. During the Ted talk, I thought that Stephanie did a great job of comparing a TV wire to the human nerve fiber. A TV wire needs insulation to conduct electricity, and nerves need insulation in order to conduct signals in the human body. For nerves, the insulation is called myelin. In reference to the TV wire, if it is damaged or cut, the HD picture would become unreliable. Likewise, immune cells target and destroy the myelin around nerves, leaving the inner wiring of the nerve exposed and causing the nerves to be unreliable. Overtime, scar tissue forms around these nerves, creating permanent lesions that can be seen on MRI scans. 

Stephanie specifically discussed her diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS: periods of sudden attacks or new lesions formed, followed by dormancy. Relapsing-remitting MS is the most common form of MS, and it is the only type that is somewhat treatable. Progressive forms of MS do not have a treatment, and those with relapsing-remitting MS can move to progressive MS at any time. Stephanie said that she has had hundreds of injections, thousands of pills, and monthly IV infusions for MS. These treatments help suppress her immune system and keep her symptoms somewhat controlled. 

Something that really stood out to me is that Stephanie’s doctor wrote, “Advise patient to pursue new career options, prognosis poor.” As a future occupational therapist, I understand that nothing is impossible with determination and perseverance. I am inspired by Stephanie’s idea to create a website for those who have questions about MS. On this website, Stephanie helps people understand MS and promotes active participation in their own care. Stephanie used her determination and became a board-certified MS nurse, just six months after being diagnosed with MS. Also, Stephanie took an active role in research and participated in clinical studies to further understanding of MS. I chose this TED talk as part of my assignment because I am inspired that Stephanie did not allow her challenge to halt her ambitions. Moreover, Stephanie stated that her experience made her a better nurse, a better person, and gave her a better purpose for life. Also, I chose this TED talk because I was interested in learning more about MS, and I thought that Stephanie’s story was an empowering and educational opportunity to learn more about it. 

I think that Stephanie’s experience was a great example of overcoming barriers in life to reach one's full potential. After watching this video, I am even more motivated to practice empathy, encouragement, and comfort when interacting with clients. This assignment and video helped me understand that no two people are alike with the diagnosis of MS. Each person is unique and deserves respect and understanding. Overall, I recommend this video to anyone who would like to learn more about MS and gain insight from someone with this disease. 

TED. (2015, April 3). Thriving in the Face of Adversity | Stephanie Buxhoeveden | TEDxHerndon. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuLOT6GsAxw