Thriving with Multiple Sclerosis | Rob Cridge | TEDxKinjarling

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  • čas přidán 27. 04. 2023
  • Making small changes in your life can and will lead to positive outcomes in the future. Becoming more engaged in life and not sweating the small stuff. To have the courage to step through the doors life presents and then maybe to go on a journey you never imagined. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1995, Rob has taken on the challenge of a TEDx talk the way he deals with pretty much everything.
    His achievements to date include:
    • Carrying the Olympic Torch in Albany 2000
    • UWA Pat Fox Memorial Winner for the Positive contribution towards study 2008
    • MS person of the year 2012
    • 2014 Competed for Australia in International Federation of Sailing World Titles to try to get qualification for the Rio Paralympics. He didn’t make it to Rio, but apparently, “had a great time trying!”
    • Being named City of Albany Sports Person of the Year with a Disability 2014
    • President of the MS Great Southern Outreach Group 1998-2012
    Rob has been a practicing Hospital Social Worker for the past eight years and while he had to give up his passion for playing golf a few years ago, sails regularly, plays bowls with his mates and likes to win board games. A lot. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Komentáře • 89

  • @NYNC88
    @NYNC88 Před rokem +35

    I don't want people to ask what's wrong with me. I want them to see me and treat me as a person, not a disabled person.

  • @cassiecarter8740
    @cassiecarter8740 Před rokem +33

    When I was diagnosed with advanced case of MS at 34 years old. Was sure it was a tumor, I saw my MRI scan and said My God, I’ve never seen MS that bad- my brain looked like cauliflower. I kept laughing and my neurologist asked me if I was ok, I tried to stop laughing, I squeaked out through my watering eyes, “It’s not a tuma!” Worse impression of the kindergarten cop ever done! I left my abusive husband the next morning, moved back in with my parents and was surrounded by love and faith. I still haven’t stopped laughing, and now it is my goal to speak to every stranger I know, try and make them laugh, and I’ll share my story if it feels right!!! I love this speach!!!!!

    • @merlelybird2726
      @merlelybird2726 Před 8 měsíci

      ❤ keep laughing😂

    • @fadedillusions867
      @fadedillusions867 Před 4 měsíci

      At least it wasn't a tumor; so, there's that. Thought mine was as well.
      Keep laughing.

    • @fadedillusions867
      @fadedillusions867 Před 4 měsíci

      Have moderate cervical (and possibly spinal, check on that part next week) stenosis along with it, and my corpus collosum has gone buggy due to damage.

    • @arcticwolf4707
      @arcticwolf4707 Před měsícem +1

      New study shows that laughing and less stress will actually help slow down the disease activity ... stress is MS fuel according to the Ohio Doctor .. so keep laughing!

  • @geniyantz2495
    @geniyantz2495 Před rokem +67

    Newly diagnosed and struggling due to cognitive, walking, and sight issues and i needed to see this today! Thank you!

    • @MatttMan
      @MatttMan Před rokem +2

      im with ya! peace ❤️

    • @alexandertolmatskiy1
      @alexandertolmatskiy1 Před rokem +2

      It a very beautiful thing to see myself healthy again after using remedy from Dr Ake on CZcams, I finally got cured of my
      Multiple Sclerosis with his herbs med and I can tell how great my health has turned out so far.
      Thank you 🙏 ❤️

    • @michel3691
      @michel3691 Před 10 měsíci +1

      Bless your heart. ✌️💚

    • @kaylahall1219
      @kaylahall1219 Před 10 měsíci +2

      I was Dx in 2020. We are all brothers and sisters in this fight against this disease.

    • @oliazaides9192
      @oliazaides9192 Před 10 měsíci

      Me too

  • @LB-zb4ub
    @LB-zb4ub Před 9 měsíci +17

    MS since 1991…I wish I could rewind and have the attitude you have. I guess I can always change the end of my story. Thank you for your talk. God bless!

  • @stephanyjane
    @stephanyjane Před rokem +22

    31 yrs old, "officially" FINALLY diagnosed with ms at 26 - walking cane amd yourw finish wprds Rob "i can't imagime a life without MS" speaks loudly. Were warriors, we can chose to succum or thrive. To anyonw watching: CHOOSE TO THRIVE and not merely survive.
    Thank you for your talk Rob! Keep on thriving ❤

  • @__Wanderer
    @__Wanderer Před rokem +30

    Diagnosed less than a year ago, also male and in my late 20s. First relapse left me blind in my left eye :/ Amazing how positive you are, glad you are doing so well :)

    • @alexandertolmatskiy1
      @alexandertolmatskiy1 Před rokem

      It a very beautiful thing to see myself healthy again after using remedy from Dr Ake on CZcams, I finally got cured of my
      Multiple Sclerosis with his herbs med and I can tell how great my health has turned out so far.
      Thank you 🙏 ❤️

    • @kaylahall1219
      @kaylahall1219 Před 10 měsíci

      I was Dx in 2020. Good luck brother ❤️

    • @__Wanderer
      @__Wanderer Před 10 měsíci

      ​@@kaylahall1219 I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you, I hope you are also doing well :)

  • @leftcoaster67
    @leftcoaster67 Před rokem +18

    You're a natural speaker Rob. Well done.

  • @LukeMaynard
    @LukeMaynard Před rokem +14

    I"m a late arrival, diagnosed last year at age 40 (though I've probably had it a while). At my worst last year, I couldn't see, couldn't walk too straight, couldn't do up my own pants because my left arm didn't work. Probably those are the big things that will come back in the future because that's where the earliest damage is. But I'm exercising three times a week, got my driver's licence back, and I'm slowly getting my life back through treatment.
    We're no different from most people: What everybody in the world should know is that eventually, we all age, lose our ability to run and walk, suffer a decline, and eventually die. That's not MS. That's true for everybody, from the sickest patient to the healthiest athlete. We are just super-powered in our life because we have an illness that reminds us of that every day, and influences how we use our time as a result.
    The other thing I'll say is that when I was diagnosed last year, it was 28 years, more than a quarter century, after Rob's diagnosis. There was no Tysabri at the time of his diagnosis (approved in 2004, re-released in 2009-10). There was no Kesimpta, the drug I'm on (approved for MS in 2020-2021). If you are recently diagnosed, like me, be aware that the treatments today are more sophisticated and effectve than the things they had a quarter century ago.
    Is there a cure for MS? No, not yet. Studies are now apparently linking MS susceptibility to the Epstein-Barr virus (the one that causes mono in teenagers, but often goes completely undetected in younger kids). There is some hope that if we develop an Epstein-Barr vaccine (certain kinds of cancer research are really pushing that direction), it'll take away the main risk factor that makes MS so common. For the rest of us, the disease may not be curable, but it is absolutely treatable. For most of us coming on board now, the odds are very good that we'll hang onto a higher quality of life for a long time-hopefully until something else takes us out, because nobody is immortal after all.
    I find Rob's positivity inspiring, in part because when he was diagnosed, the treatment just wasn't there yet. He's had an uphill battle, and showing positivity and courage in the face of that is a rare and powerful thing. For me, and for people like me, positivity and courage aren't hard to find. If you've been recently diagnosed, like me, just know that you're facing better odds for a rich and fulfilling life than anybody who's ever had this disease in the past. They haven't figured out how to "cure" it. They can't give us a future without MS. But medicine is giving us a real future *WITH* MS now, and for my money that's just as good.

  • @kfiggitt
    @kfiggitt Před měsícem +2

    Thank you Rob for sharing your story & sharing inspiration. I was dx with ms 5 yrs ago & finding open people who share their story with a positive mindset are few and far between. I'm on a mission to surround myself with like minded ms'ers who share my positive outlook. Would love 2 connect. Karen x

  • @Jibijohn-79
    @Jibijohn-79 Před 11 měsíci +8

    Diagnosed in 2007 but in 2019 is when I could not walk well goin thru severe depression I needed to listen to u spk ur strong words!! Appreciate u greatly 😢

  • @Jerusalem_Warrior
    @Jerusalem_Warrior Před rokem +9

    Thanks for the inspiration. Best blessings from a fellow MS Warrior from Jerusalem! 🙌

  • @blakelandis2434
    @blakelandis2434 Před rokem +5

    beautiful example of finding the silver lining in everything will always make for a more positive time on this earth

  • @lyntattersall7300
    @lyntattersall7300 Před 27 dny +1

    Hey Rob, My 38yo daughter was diagnosed in December with advanced MS - 6 lesions in brain and one on spinal cord-so many symptoms over the last 10 years were blown off and missed! She has been struggling with it all as well as homelessness and a non understanding workplace. Thanks for your video. I sent it to her. She is now inspired and feeling more hopeful. She wants to futureproof hers and her daughter's futures. She wants to study in community services eventually. She now understands one step at a time so securing suitable futureproof housing is first.
    Thanks for being such an encourager and inspiration to so many people. See you up on the hill sometime I am up there!...Lyn x

  • @gjh7295
    @gjh7295 Před rokem +15

    hi i am now 57 but i got ms when i was 18 i am married wth 2 children cannot walk since i was 46 and now haveing problems with hands but still happy and still waiting for a cure

  • @dM_gH
    @dM_gH Před 10 měsíci +3

    We you pulled out the catheter, I cried... tears of gratefulness. Thank you. You've inspired me. ❤

  • @Sbannmarie
    @Sbannmarie Před 11 měsíci +7

    Highly recommend folks to see where your past unresolved trauma is lurking from sight. It often holds the seeds of MS

    • @derpnerpwerp
      @derpnerpwerp Před 4 měsíci +4

      Huh.. I thought it was your immune system demyelinating the neurons in your brain and spinal cord.. but you can't put that on a fortune cookie... so I guess "unresolved trauma" works too..

    • @Shocker12333
      @Shocker12333 Před 19 dny +2

      @@derpnerpwerpnope it's been proven with modern studies that childhood abuse and trauma can cause autoimmune disease. That's how I got mine 👍🏼

  • @chronosome
    @chronosome Před 11 měsíci +6

    Great stuff, Rob. With you 100%.

  • @famasmaster2000
    @famasmaster2000 Před 4 měsíci +2

    God bless you !! I am with ms now and this really helped me as i am quite disabled and am staying positive as can be . Very good talk

  • @elizabethalexis907
    @elizabethalexis907 Před 9 měsíci +3

    You are such a wonderful human being. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • @tamalaridge7947
    @tamalaridge7947 Před rokem +5

    Rob you are an inspiration to all - such an honour to meet you, hear your story and share the stage with you 🙏🏻

  • @brendaconradie7162
    @brendaconradie7162 Před měsícem +1

    My dad got diagnosed 2 months ago..... Unfortunately he had MS for years and we didnt know. He cant walk anymore and is in a care facility. For me it feels like it was picked up too late. And our finances is also a problem. I don't know but for me personally its the terriblest thing ever.... Like a slow death...... Its hard to stay positive for hiss MS was already so far progressed when we found out.

  • @darrinburnette6916
    @darrinburnette6916 Před 10 měsíci +7

    I was diagnosed in 1995 with my high school graduation gift. Now I'm in a wheelchair and I can't do anything that I wanna do anymore Like live off the GRID and build a shipping container home. Ride a mountain bike again and go on a ten mile ride

    • @shawnmcanthony5724
      @shawnmcanthony5724 Před 5 měsíci +1

      You're awesome. You're ALIVE❤❤

    • @catherinewilke5583
      @catherinewilke5583 Před 5 měsíci +1

      Do whatever you can man. I was diagnosed in 2022, previously I was able to backpack the Wonderland Trail. I’m hoping to get back to backpacking this summer. Would love to live in a shipping container off grid 💪🏻

  • @lauralethbridge3661
    @lauralethbridge3661 Před 9 měsíci +7

    🎉Amazing man, amazing story. I needed to see this today. I have Primary Progresive MS and not having a good day. Thankyou for inspiring me to push through it xx

  • @stupud818
    @stupud818 Před 6 měsíci +2

    I really needed this. Thankyou

  • @ingridphillips6012
    @ingridphillips6012 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Diagnosed with PPMS in 2015, have walking issues with a foot drop on the right side and use a walker to get around and cope with bad balance issues. I hope to have his outlook about MS someday.

  • @feliciabivens2572
    @feliciabivens2572 Před 7 měsíci +1

    I appreciate this video. I'm inspired by this so much! I will keep pressing forward with self care and happiness!

  • @livingwithms
    @livingwithms Před 10 měsíci +2

    Great video! Glad I found the channel 😊 thanks for sharing!

  • @hydelake224
    @hydelake224 Před 7 měsíci +5

    Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass,
    It is about learning to dance in the rain.

    • @shawnmcanthony5724
      @shawnmcanthony5724 Před 5 měsíci +2

      Words of wisdom

    • @rafaelperez-hernandez1994
      @rafaelperez-hernandez1994 Před 4 měsíci

      I love this quote! Can I borrow it from you to share? I was recently diagnosed with MS btw 😢

    • @hydelake224
      @hydelake224 Před 4 měsíci

      I am glad these words bring you some comfort. Please feel free to use the quote as you wish@@rafaelperez-hernandez1994

  • @kitkat8814
    @kitkat8814 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Thank you for this video some days I just feel so defeated by this monster. I fight the best as I can I've always lived by the motto "Keep Moving Forward" -walt Disney. You have done some amazing things. Prayers for all. It's not a easy battle.

  • @suesmith1562
    @suesmith1562 Před 2 měsíci +1

    Well said good talker god bless you

  • @Boonaddy
    @Boonaddy Před rokem +4

    Rob, you are amazing and its great to know you.

  • @grinch4567
    @grinch4567 Před 10 měsíci +2

    That took me right back to my lumbar puncture 😖
    ….and MRI - the CD player was broken!! 😂
    The, “Don’t sweat the small stuff” comment really resonated with me: I’ve had similar thoughts, just in different words. Certainly MS seems to have bred a kind of fearlessness in me. Not total, of course, but far, far more than before.
    Thank you for posting this. I agree, whatever hand you’re dealt, make the most of it, and do what you can to minimise symptoms and disease progression 🙂🙏

  • @andyf369
    @andyf369 Před 2 měsíci

    12 months ago at the age of 37, I got diagnosed with ppms After a long five years, but I am grateful and glad to hear your story. It’s a hear about somebody else that stays positive because people can’t believe when they asked me about my MS or they’ll say I’m so sorry about that. I just say it’s fine. I’m not worried so you don’t need to worry either because I don’t worry about things that I can’t do anything about and my walking is a struggle and I got left right all over the place and if they wanna look at me, I’ll say anything. I just smile. Just tell him I found a way to get my steps in but everyone stay positive face a little challenge every day that it comes but don’t worry, there’s always away.

  • @Amallz
    @Amallz Před 11 měsíci +4

    Diagnosed with MS in 2020

  • @ReignMid
    @ReignMid Před měsícem

    just been diagnosed with MS 1 month ago. it was hard but now I just say "it is what it is" either dwell on this for the rest of my like or try to live it to the best I can.

  • @alrightwithms845
    @alrightwithms845 Před měsícem

    Great chat Rob. Hope to see you soon ❤

  • @nakedpeach658
    @nakedpeach658 Před 8 měsíci +3

    My MS symptoms started at 24 with cognitive issues and numbness in legs... dismissed by doctors in 3 different states. Finally got diagnosis of rrms last year at 28 thanks to Mayo clinic. Seeing my first MRI with 80+ lesions was the scariest moment in my life but such a relief after being misdiagnosed for years 😢 Starting a DMT, and staying optimistic saved my life.

  • @clairebeever3038
    @clairebeever3038 Před 5 měsíci +4

    My sister who has ms certainly does not thrive she has the worst type cannot walk move her arms properly and she is in a lot of pain and she is one of the most positive people I know …. I just don’t want MS suffers to think I should be doing better some people with certain types it just isn’t as bad , hers is cruel and her quality of life is very poor .

  • @samkitty5894
    @samkitty5894 Před 6 měsíci +1

    I am curious if you tried any medications over the years as the symptoms worsened.
    Also, did you try physical therapy? Best of luck to you and your family.

  • @thigmotrope
    @thigmotrope Před 10 měsíci +2

    never grumped? you know, i get it but seems unrealistic for certain folks struggling with depression. I'm not sure what to take away, stop grumping or just be yourself who grumps from time to time. MS sucks that much i know. the best thing that ever happened to me? not yet, but I'm glad it was for the speaker

  • @Rose77745
    @Rose77745 Před 9 měsíci

    ❤❤❤

  • @jasonc5289
    @jasonc5289 Před rokem +1

    It's weird that we're stilling do this. It's 2023.

  • @garygreenwald8257
    @garygreenwald8257 Před rokem +1

    What is the next big adventure Rob? Have you ever thought about singing 😂😂😂

  • @loriboles8382
    @loriboles8382 Před 7 měsíci +2

    No one “thrives” with MS!

    • @laurencestephenson1093
      @laurencestephenson1093 Před 3 měsíci

      ‘Thriving’ is a choice. Thriving can be done in every stage of MS, it just looks different for everyone. Despite my disabilities, I am grateful for the abilities I have still. Good days, bad days - still ‘choose’ to stay optimistic. Certainly didn’t develop this attitude right away, or even in the first many years after my diagnosis

    • @tracyzimmerman7912
      @tracyzimmerman7912 Před 2 měsíci

      I feel you. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago with MS.

    • @user-pn2qp7gg8p
      @user-pn2qp7gg8p Před měsícem

      I am as I have MS, MS does not have me

  • @51colibri
    @51colibri Před 10 měsíci +2

    The best think that ever happened to him? What a bunch of bs.😂
    Minimizing MS?
    We already have enough with most people thinking we are faking, oh just walk it out,what you need is exercise, oh she want attention , for those who don’t have MS.
    Glad for you that you think you are thriving like you saying n your own words, but you are not doing any favorito the rest of us.

    • @shawnmcanthony5724
      @shawnmcanthony5724 Před 7 měsíci +1

      With that diseases you need to be positive. Or would you rather ALS😮

  • @ginawho4224
    @ginawho4224 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Love the positive spin!!!! That's how I see my diagnosis, but it did take a long time to realize I could change the way I choose to see it. 🫶