While vacationing in Hawaii, Madeline Oberting occasionally noticed herself bumping into walls and being unable to see short distances down hallways. When she returned to California, Madeline visited a neurologist who tested for a brain tumor or stroke. On May 11, 1981, eleven days short of her 36th birthday, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Madeline was left with mixed emotions. “I was relieved that we put a name to it, but scared what the future would bring. My daughter was 11 years old, energetic and active, and here I was slowing down. I worried about my husband too. MS can affect the whole family.”
Madeline began attending chapter-sponsored support group meetings in Chula Vista. In addition to the support groups, Madeline enjoys being an active part of the annual Bike MS Tour. “I like going up to Carlsbad to support the riders and thank them for their fundraising efforts. Being a greeter and Champion at the Bike Tour and Walk MS is a great time.”
Madeline’s favorite event is the MS Dinner Auction. “It’s always fun to attend. We get dressed up for a special evening out and spend some money on the silent auction. I like dressing up and always have an enjoyable evening out with my husband. I am thankful for people working so hard raising money for MS and having a fun time doing it.”
Over the years, Madeline has experienced constant change in her symptoms. “Accepting my limitations was a big deal for me,” recalls Madeline. “I had to accept the help from my husband and daughter, and giving up control was hard for me.” Madeline is no longer able to walk or drive. “I have spasticity of the legs which causes me to almost bounce out of my wheelchair but is controlled with medicine. My speech is slurred and my cognitive memory has been affected, as has my bladder control. I tire very easily and use a wheelchair for mobility,” says Madeline.
Madeline’s husband, Bob, is her caregiver. Twice a week they go to Loma Verde Pool in Chula Vista for Madeline’s MS swim classes. For the past few years, Bob has been relieved from caring for Madeline for 20 hours each month through the chapter’s respite care program. “My husband, the caregiver, is expected to be upbeat all the time, even though I have good and bad days.”
Despite the struggles of living with MS, Madeline finds joy in getting out in her wheelchair “especially to the Imperial Beach pier,” traveling, going to Laughlin and visiting her daughter and grandson in Bullhead City. “This disease has taught to live in the present and not to worry about the past or the future. I am trying to smell the roses each day, but this is a hard lesson. Now that my husband Bob is retired, we travel a lot. We have been married over 40 years. I am still dealing with MS everyday; I guess I see myself as a survivor after all these years.”
Written by volunteer Leslie Christofferson
Though the cause of multiple sclerosis is not known, it is a disease of the central nervous system typically diagnosed in the prime-of-life years, ages 20-50. At least two to three times more women than men are living with MS, the most common neurological disease leading to disability in young adults. To learn more about MS, Madeline, chapter programs and services, fundraising events, sponsorship/underwriting chapter activities, or to donate, email stories@MSpacific.org, visit www.MSpacific.org or call 1-800-486-6762.