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Multiple Sclerosis,an Enigma
The true story of a middle-aged woman being unexpectedly diagnosed with a young person's disease: multiple sclerosis. The journey to diagnosis and the reality of the treatment brought a premature end to her career as a public school teacher. Life in "the sandwich generation" of adults caring for both their elder parents and their children, while balancing full time employment, is discussed with gentle empathy. The difficult economics and the changes in family responsibilities are also a part of this story. The consistent, caring support of family and friends and a mutual respect between patient and doctors is essential in living with a chronic condition such as Multiple Sclerosis.
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2011
110 people want to read
About the author
Terry Crawford Palardy
9 books27 followersRetired public school teacher, now a self-publishing author. Visit my webstore or Amazon.com to purchase books. https://www.terrycrawfordpalardy.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2012
Wow, this was an amazing book...
At this moment, I'm sitting here stunned.
Stunned because I've finally received answers I've needed for the longest time.
Stunned because I've connected to another soul with many of the strange, uncommon symptoms I've experienced, some since childhood.
Stunned because
I no longer feel alone with the monster known as MS...
This lady's story could be mine, or one of many others. She has successfully put into words, the things we wish we could say about the struggles associated with MS, but oftentimes, cannot express through mere words.
Mrs. Palardy has written an honest, painful, at times heartbreaking account of her journey through life, MS, and the assortment of medical testing and treatments. She has faced the issues in her life head on with courage, strength and personal fortitude. Terry is by no means a victim, but a slayer of this dragon. Her husband, a true knight in shining armor, stands strong by her side, supporting her, facing everything this ugly disease can throw at them.
This is an honest, important, inspiring, empowering book, which will help any one with MS, and will bring knowledge and a deeper understanding to the loved ones and friends of those with the disease.
Thank you Terry for this gift you have given. Your story and courage has made a difference in my life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for purposes of review. (Thank you Terry Palardy for the opportunity to read your book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
At this moment, I'm sitting here stunned.
Stunned because I've finally received answers I've needed for the longest time.
Stunned because I've connected to another soul with many of the strange, uncommon symptoms I've experienced, some since childhood.
Stunned because
I no longer feel alone with the monster known as MS...
This lady's story could be mine, or one of many others. She has successfully put into words, the things we wish we could say about the struggles associated with MS, but oftentimes, cannot express through mere words.
Mrs. Palardy has written an honest, painful, at times heartbreaking account of her journey through life, MS, and the assortment of medical testing and treatments. She has faced the issues in her life head on with courage, strength and personal fortitude. Terry is by no means a victim, but a slayer of this dragon. Her husband, a true knight in shining armor, stands strong by her side, supporting her, facing everything this ugly disease can throw at them.
This is an honest, important, inspiring, empowering book, which will help any one with MS, and will bring knowledge and a deeper understanding to the loved ones and friends of those with the disease.
Thank you Terry for this gift you have given. Your story and courage has made a difference in my life.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for purposes of review. (Thank you Terry Palardy for the opportunity to read your book). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 29, 2013
In "MS: An Enigma," author Terry Palardy takes a reader along with her through the process of her MS diagnosis. This book, however, is not just for MS patients and their families, and it’s not just a list of medical tests. Readers will relate to many of the author’s experiences: childhood memories, combining work days with family and illness responsibilities, and caring for aging parents. Terry’s writing style is easy to follow, and the book is well-edited. I read the ebook edition, and was happy to find the pages well-formatted.
From the first chapter of the book, Terry is completely transparent with her readers, inviting them to share the emotion and frustration of the moment. She also shares the support she receives from her husband, Rick. The author does not separate descriptions of the illness and treatment from her daily life, and instead tells a story.
In this book, it’s clear that a diagnosis is not an event with a date that can be marked on the calendar, but rather a series of moments that begin early in life. Terry begins with moments in her childhood, and her writing is engaging as she creates in herself and her family complete characters for us to follow. Rather than simply list medical tests she was subjected to, she tells the story of how the test impacted her work day and how the constant interruptions affected her emotions. A careful description of her MRI experience will encourage anyone about to go through the same test.
Terry ends her story with a treatment experiment, and I hope she revises the book at some point to include her results. As the author is about the same age as my own mom, I was also looking for her experiences telling grown-up kids about her diagnosis and their reactions—but perhaps that is a story for them to write.
True to her academic roots, Terry ends the book with a section of reliable resources readers can turn to for information about multiple sclerosis, along with a list of online forums readers can go to for a community of encouragement.
From the first chapter of the book, Terry is completely transparent with her readers, inviting them to share the emotion and frustration of the moment. She also shares the support she receives from her husband, Rick. The author does not separate descriptions of the illness and treatment from her daily life, and instead tells a story.
In this book, it’s clear that a diagnosis is not an event with a date that can be marked on the calendar, but rather a series of moments that begin early in life. Terry begins with moments in her childhood, and her writing is engaging as she creates in herself and her family complete characters for us to follow. Rather than simply list medical tests she was subjected to, she tells the story of how the test impacted her work day and how the constant interruptions affected her emotions. A careful description of her MRI experience will encourage anyone about to go through the same test.
Terry ends her story with a treatment experiment, and I hope she revises the book at some point to include her results. As the author is about the same age as my own mom, I was also looking for her experiences telling grown-up kids about her diagnosis and their reactions—but perhaps that is a story for them to write.
True to her academic roots, Terry ends the book with a section of reliable resources readers can turn to for information about multiple sclerosis, along with a list of online forums readers can go to for a community of encouragement.
September 20, 2012
I just finished Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma by Terry Crawford Palardy and am sitting at my desk in a fog. This heart-felt memoir of a person diagnosed with MS and her battle to live a “normal” life has me re-thinking my own life.
The courage displayed, along with the confusion as to why, was portrayed brilliantly. As I read it, I felt like I was sitting with the author at a table or on a front porch, sharing a beverage, as she told me her story.
There were times I laughed and cried while in the pages of this book. It also took me back to the days when my grandparents were in the same situation … a different disease, but the same situations.
The author says, “Water doesn't try to choose a direction ... it just follows the water before it, rushing over the same rocks that were submerged in high water and exposed in drought last year, and ten years ago, and maybe fifty years ago. Nature is content to follow its established route. Only when man intervenes does the direction of the water have to change, finding and following new paths. Sometimes, the stream is strong enough to return to its own, natural path, to the dismay of those who had built in its original path.”
I take this to mean that nobody knows what is in store for them in this thing we call life. We can try to change the course of events by medicine or other things that the “professionals” prescribe, but the best things we can do is accept what fate delivers and deal with it in our own special way.
This book can help those diagnosed with diseases they don’t understand by letting them know they’re not alone. But at the same time, it can help those who are healthy by letting them into the “secret” life others may be in.
I am so glad I read this book.
The courage displayed, along with the confusion as to why, was portrayed brilliantly. As I read it, I felt like I was sitting with the author at a table or on a front porch, sharing a beverage, as she told me her story.
There were times I laughed and cried while in the pages of this book. It also took me back to the days when my grandparents were in the same situation … a different disease, but the same situations.
The author says, “Water doesn't try to choose a direction ... it just follows the water before it, rushing over the same rocks that were submerged in high water and exposed in drought last year, and ten years ago, and maybe fifty years ago. Nature is content to follow its established route. Only when man intervenes does the direction of the water have to change, finding and following new paths. Sometimes, the stream is strong enough to return to its own, natural path, to the dismay of those who had built in its original path.”
I take this to mean that nobody knows what is in store for them in this thing we call life. We can try to change the course of events by medicine or other things that the “professionals” prescribe, but the best things we can do is accept what fate delivers and deal with it in our own special way.
This book can help those diagnosed with diseases they don’t understand by letting them know they’re not alone. But at the same time, it can help those who are healthy by letting them into the “secret” life others may be in.
I am so glad I read this book.
December 11, 2011
This book is a clear account of the author's own experiences. Terry takes us through each step of her journey in a detailed and straightforward way, without the 'pity me' overtones that such books so often contain. During the course of reading this book I felt that I really came to know Terry in quite a personal way, and that I like her for her strength and no nonsense attitude to her experience. She describes in plain detail each step on her journey through diagnosis and treatment and you cannot help but feel her frustration alongside her as she deals with each new crisis as she fights to find a way of coping that feels comfortable for her.
Anyone going through their own journey with MS will find an immediate connection with Terry. Her story can only serve to help others going through similar experiences who may be lost and anxious and frustrated at the lack of empathy displayed by the medical fraternity. Those who have loved ones with MS will find this book a valuable resource in helping them towards a closer understanding of those they live with and look after.
Anyone going through their own journey with MS will find an immediate connection with Terry. Her story can only serve to help others going through similar experiences who may be lost and anxious and frustrated at the lack of empathy displayed by the medical fraternity. Those who have loved ones with MS will find this book a valuable resource in helping them towards a closer understanding of those they live with and look after.
January 13, 2012
Read your book and I have so many mixed emotions at the moment. Tears came to my eyes more than once. Terry you are such a courageous woman. All the trials and tribulations that were endured by both you and your husband are unbelievable. You stayed true to yourself throughout and never ever gave up. Never once did you forget about your students and the obligation you had to them as their teacher.This is excellent account of how MS can control one's life if you let it but once you begin to understand it's invasion adjustments may become acceptable. Wish I could have given a much higher rating, it deserves much more. For those whom have MS (Or knows someone with MS),I urge you to purchase this book.
March 26, 2012
I entered this contest for my aunt. It took her a while to read it because of her condition but she finally emailed me to tell me what she thought. She wanted me to thank the author for allowing me to win this and that although she is in really bad shape, she said it gives her hope. I believe that she is going to be trying some of the steps that Terry took and will run some by her doctor as well. And she said she is going to start a journal to occupy her mind. Tv is getting old she said. All those channels and nothing to watch. LOL Her words Not mine. Sorry it took so long Terry. And thanks for the book. It put a smile on my aunts face and gave her some hope.
March 28, 2012
Bookended by the challenging generational demands of growing children and seriously ill elderly parents, dedicated educator Terry Crawford Palardy put everyone else's needs before her own for years--even as she experienced perplexing neurological symptoms.
Fluid dialogue and vivid descriptions reveal the author's protracted, diagnostic odyssey. Readers share alongside Terry the physical and emotional toll of getting to and through physician consultations, diagnostic procedures, tests, and treatments. The escalating frustration, confusion, and fear she feels when she interacts with certain medical, pharmaceutical, and insurance company staffers may be familiar to others who have a chronic illness or their caregivers.
Finally, Terry connects with doctors she trusts. A once elusive MS diagnosis becomes definitive. Throughout her ordeal, Terry resolves to preserve her dignity. She is bolstered both by her religious faith and by her husband's consistently calm, reassuring presence. His devotion to her is the embodiment of unconditional love. Despite losses and lingering unanswered questions, Terry remains true to her conviction to decide treatment options for herself.
When I finished the last chapter, I applauded Terry's determination to deal with multiple sclerosis on her own terms. It was a rousing ovation I hoped somehow she could hear.
Fluid dialogue and vivid descriptions reveal the author's protracted, diagnostic odyssey. Readers share alongside Terry the physical and emotional toll of getting to and through physician consultations, diagnostic procedures, tests, and treatments. The escalating frustration, confusion, and fear she feels when she interacts with certain medical, pharmaceutical, and insurance company staffers may be familiar to others who have a chronic illness or their caregivers.
Finally, Terry connects with doctors she trusts. A once elusive MS diagnosis becomes definitive. Throughout her ordeal, Terry resolves to preserve her dignity. She is bolstered both by her religious faith and by her husband's consistently calm, reassuring presence. His devotion to her is the embodiment of unconditional love. Despite losses and lingering unanswered questions, Terry remains true to her conviction to decide treatment options for herself.
When I finished the last chapter, I applauded Terry's determination to deal with multiple sclerosis on her own terms. It was a rousing ovation I hoped somehow she could hear.
July 4, 2012
This story is a honest look inside the world of a multiple sclerosis patient and woman trying to adjust to the MonSter.It is a good beginner's guide about plotting through the world of auto immune diseases. She is honest and refreshing sharing her thoughts with the readers and tells the pros and cons of this vague disease. She has a strong support system and knows how to advocate to the physicians for the treatment all ill individuals deserved. I like the upbeat positive attitude she is developing along her journey to transform her life from a Type A personality to a mellow lady with I do not care attitude and lives for each day.
She was brave enough to put in the Almighty's hands and release herself from Western medication and looking for an better approach to deal with the symptoms of loss muscle and cognitive capabilities. She explains how it affects her and her husband and the adjustments they made to learn how to dance and not be furious with a personal storm some of us experience everyday. Kudos for sharing your experiences and trials with others who might of just received the news "You have MS". This is a good book to start to comes to terms with the diagnosis of any autoimmune condition.
She was brave enough to put in the Almighty's hands and release herself from Western medication and looking for an better approach to deal with the symptoms of loss muscle and cognitive capabilities. She explains how it affects her and her husband and the adjustments they made to learn how to dance and not be furious with a personal storm some of us experience everyday. Kudos for sharing your experiences and trials with others who might of just received the news "You have MS". This is a good book to start to comes to terms with the diagnosis of any autoimmune condition.
February 7, 2012
I wrote this book as a discovery draft, finding a focus gradually as I added chapter to chapter. I would describe it as part biography, part family/relationships, and part medical narrative. It evolved on a writers' shared workshop site known as FanStory.com, where writers post their work and are critiqued by other writers, who in turn read and review each other.
This is my story, a story of a middle aged school teacher / wife / mother/ daughter / sister ... all roles involving caring and a fair amount of energy. It is the story of an unexpected diagnosis and a treatment that exceeded my professional skills. As I explain in the book, I am not a nurse nor a doctor, but I am a professional teacher with skills and goals.
This is not your typical "I have MS but MS doesn't have me" story; I found it difficult to celebrate the modern treatments for this diagnosis. I'll leave it to you to decide how you might have chosen if faced with the same.
This is my story, a story of a middle aged school teacher / wife / mother/ daughter / sister ... all roles involving caring and a fair amount of energy. It is the story of an unexpected diagnosis and a treatment that exceeded my professional skills. As I explain in the book, I am not a nurse nor a doctor, but I am a professional teacher with skills and goals.
This is not your typical "I have MS but MS doesn't have me" story; I found it difficult to celebrate the modern treatments for this diagnosis. I'll leave it to you to decide how you might have chosen if faced with the same.
June 12, 2013
Terry Palardy has written a heartfelt, honest account of her struggles with MS, giving readers insight into the frustration of having a disease without a cure. She articulately conveys the physical changes she endured as the disease progressed, as well as the emotional toll it took on herself and loved ones. This is an insightful read for anyone facing MS or similar debilitating disease, as well as those close to someone in that position.
August 3, 2023
I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 52 years old 4 years ago. The Bafiertam did very little to help me. The medical team did even less. My decline was rapid and devastating. It was muscle weakness at first, then my hands and tremors. Last year, a family friend told us about Natural Herbs Centre and their successful MS Ayurveda TREATMENT, we visited their website natural herbs centre. com and ordered their Multiple Sclerosis Ayurveda protocol, i am happy to report the treatment effectively treated and reversed my Multiple Sclerosis, most of my symptoms stopped, I’m able to walk and my writing is becoming great, sleep well and exercise regularly. I’m active now, I can personally vouch for these remedy but you would probably need to decide what works best for you🧡.
July 19, 2015
This book is much more than a narrative of the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis. Terry has the courage to reveal her deepest emotions, doubts, grief, frustrations, and challenges. I personally related to her (and her husband's) experience with ailing and dying parents and all the difficult choices they presented. As a reader, I walked through her early years with her as she was raised in a large and loving family. But the real heroes of the book are husband, Rick, and the author herself. At the end I applauded her decisions regarding doctors and treatment--or lack of same. This book is a celebration of life, and as such is highly recommended.
July 25, 2013
I am the author of Multiple Sclerosis, Melanoma and More. This book is written in response to the call for a sequel to my earlier book, Multiple Sclerosis, an Enigma.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews