Thriving with Multiple Sclerosis | Rob Cridge | TEDxKinjarling

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

[@NYNC88]

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.

[@Test-ml9vs]

Agreed 💯💯💯💯💯

[@cassiecarter8740]

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]

❤ keep laughing😂

[@fadedillusions867]

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

[@fadedillusions867]

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]

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!

[@stephanyjane]

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 ❤

[@shawnmcanthony5724]

❤

[@merlelybird2726]

❤❤❤

[@geniyantz2495]

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

[@MatttMan]

im with ya! peace ❤️

[@alexandertolmatskiy1]

It a very beautiful thing to see myself healthy again after using remedy from Dr Ake on KZbin, 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]

Bless your heart. ✌️💚

[@kaylahall1219]

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

[@oliazaides9192]

Me too

[@__Wanderer]

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]

It a very beautiful thing to see myself healthy again after using remedy from Dr Ake on KZbin, 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]

I was Dx in 2020. Good luck brother ❤️

[@__Wanderer]

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

[@leftcoaster67]

You're a natural speaker Rob. Well done.

[@LukeMaynard]

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.

[@shawnmcanthony5724]

You so right wqe all age grow old an

[@mary-vy3mo]

MS disability is worse than ageing...

[@user-sv9nf5jb3m]

I've been diagnosed with MS when I was 17. I'm 22 now and in 3rd year college. I'm thankful for your speech as currently, I'm at a phase where I want to quit since I've been feeling a lot more headaches. my mental health is a total wreck. my peers have done a lot more than me. I don't know what to do. So I want to thank you for giving me a more positive outlook in life.

[@LB-zb4ub]

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!

[@Jerusalem_Warrior]

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

[@blakelandis2434]

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

[@Jibijohn-79]

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 😢

[@merlelybird2726]

❤❤❤❤

[@famasmaster2000]

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]

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

[@dM_gH]

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

[@chronosome]

Great stuff, Rob. With you 100%.

[@Sbannmarie]

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

[@derpnerpwerp]

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]

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

[@stupud818]

I really needed this. Thankyou

[@lyntattersall7300]

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

[@feliciabivens2572]

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

[@lauralethbridge3661]

🎉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

[@gjh7295]

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

[@shawnmcanthony5724]

My neurologist told me exercise is the key.Amazing

[@darrinburnette6916]

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]

You're awesome. You're ALIVE❤❤

[@catherinewilke5583]

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 💪🏻

[@grinch4567]

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 🙂🙏

[@kfiggitt]

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

[@hydelake224]

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

[@shawnmcanthony5724]

Words of wisdom

[@rafaelperez-hernandez1994]

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

[@hydelake224]

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

[@livingwithms]

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

[@kitkat8814]

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.

[@Frith85]

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.

[@taraarcher4300]

Thank you, thank you, thank you , the positivity really helps with my MS

[@ingridphillips6012]

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.

[@clairebeever3038]

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 .

[@tamalaridge7947]

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

[@suesmith1562]

Well said good talker god bless you

[@Boonaddy]

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

[@Test-ml9vs]

Almost 3 years with MS a lot changed, yes life became More difficult but i feel special to be chosen in this battle

[@Amallz]

Diagnosed with MS in 2020

[@cheriindriks3224]

Brilliant. Thank you xo

[@ReignMid]

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.

[@cracksofdawn]

I highly recommend the book “Overcoming MS” by Dr. George Jelinek. It was enormously helpful, & I’ve managed to keep my MS symptoms at bay for the past 17 years. Diet & lifestyle modifications make a huge difference. I wish you the best! 😊

[@Jackie-hp8xh]

❤God bless you

[@Sarafoxynpink]

At 39 was misdiagnosed 4 years as a Stroke. Few weeks ago MS like I thought. vison, walking, memory, tremors.... list goes on... Trying to find happiness through it.

[@alrightwithms845]

Great chat Rob. Hope to see you soon ❤

[@brendaconradie7162]

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.

[@R-skl]

hi.I have problems with speech and appearance, but also with coordination.and when I say that I have a disease, no one believes me.I think that's why I look normal

[@thigmotrope]

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

[@brucespinks5169]

Rob is there a chat room maybe where I can go to share with others about our MS experiences,I have MS and mostly bed bound and wheel chaired and not traveling without help,but able to use smart phone so looking for sources MS related to educate and pass the time,i was diagnosed with MS in 2007 and went from cane to walker to wheelchair and now mainly bed bound ,thanks for your story and words of encouragement❤️🙏👍

[@RobertCridge-o6o]

I do not know of a chat site but I am linked with the local MS group. Thanks for you words

[@cmattis1977]

I have Ms it starting get a little worse . My left said weaker .

[@jasonc5289]

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

[@samkitty5894]

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.

[@JackieRaughter]

this is exactly what happened to me

[@Rose77745]

❤❤❤

[@garygreenwald8257]

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

[@CherryDreamer96]

Im so scared. My doctor thinks I have MS...

[@loriboles8382]

No one “thrives” with MS!

[@laurencestephenson1093]

‘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]

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

[@DanPeterson-l2r]

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

[@Gisela_aka_gies]

Why not? I can imagine if you have the worst kind of MS it maybe hard or seem to be impossible but people can prob thrive in something even if it is little.

[@51colibri]

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]

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

[@reneethomas5548]

Listen to him. He saw people in worse shape than him so he was grateful! You could probably be in worse shape.

[@ginawho4224]

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. 🫶

[@reneethomas5548]

That is the way too be! I've had MS since 14. I am now 58. I have had to be in a motorized wheelchair to go to work. Had both hips replaced due to steroids. Lost a baby. BUT bought a home. Have a wonderful smart son and married to the same man for 35 years. I worked over 26 years for the same employer. I am now retired and can garden full time. I could list the bad but choose not. Anyone with negative comments regarding my MS symptoms is no longer in my circle. You choose how you deal with it... You do you. God bless you.

[@EvaSingh-n3l]

❤❤❤❤❤