I live with a disease that worsens with stress. I 'lean out' when I can, but I can't avoid it all.

The author lives with multiple sclerosis, a disease in which symptoms can worsen with stress. She describes how both acute and persistent stress have undeniable effects on her body, often exacerbating symptoms that had been at bay for months. While she tries to avoid stress, she notes that it is impossible to eliminate altogether. She recounts a specific incident in 2019 when her son's preschool director called to say he needed to go to the ER, and her physical reaction made it difficult to function.

Read More