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When You Can Name the Monster: How MS Helped Me Write My Way Back to Life
My name is Dr. Álvaro Vázquez Xibillé. I am a dentist, an author, and a patient living with multiple sclerosis.
When I was first diagnosed, life as I knew it unraveled. I faced not only the physical and cognitive challenges of MS, but also deep emotional wounds — betrayal, grief, and an overwhelming sense of isolation.
As both a healthcare professional and a patient, I quickly learned that no medical degree prepares you for the inner battle that comes with a chronic, progressive disease. My identity crumbled, and my spirit followed.
But I refused to remain silent. Writing became my way back to life.
When you can name the monster, you stop running from it.
Through my trilogy Pieces of Me (Pedazos de mí), I gave MS a name, a face — and in doing so, I reclaimed my power. Writing helped me confront the darkest corners of my experience: the fear, the anger, the grief. It transformed my story from one of helplessness to one of resilience.
MS taught me this: when your body betrays you, your voice must not. Now, through my books and public speaking, I connect with others facing similar battles. We share not only symptoms, but strength.
I’ve learned that connection is strength. Sharing our stories helps break down the walls of stigma and isolation. It offers hope to others walking this uncertain path — and reminds us that we are never truly alone.
Today, I write, I speak, and I advocate — not as a doctor, not just as a patient, but as a human being who rebuilt himself, one word at a time.
If my story reaches even one soul who needs it, every page has been worth it.
Dr. Álvaro Vázquez Xibillé
Author of Pieces of Me trilogy
Dentist, patient, advocate
#MultipleSclerosis #piecesofme #mswarrior #lifewithms
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