An insightful and very honest interview with musician
David Osmond, on life, family, career and living with MS.
David Osmond, on life, family, career and living with MS.
May 28, 2015:
Stuart: David, thank you for speaking with us and
all you do. Before we begin, I want you to know that both Jill and I both have MS as do many of our board members.
all you do. Before we begin, I want you to know that both Jill and I both have MS as do many of our board members.
David: And how are you feeling Stuart?
Stuart: I am feeling great, doing many programs, I
forget I even have MS! How are you feeling?
forget I even have MS! How are you feeling?
David: Good Stuart, You look great!
Stuart : So while we are speaking about our
MS , tell me what you felt, prior to being diagnosed, what were your first symptoms
of MS, what do you remember prior to being diagnosed?
MS , tell me what you felt, prior to being diagnosed, what were your first symptoms
of MS, what do you remember prior to being diagnosed?
David: It initially started with eye sight
and shortly after that, pain, this burning pain started in my toes and started
to move up my whole body, but the eye sight was the very first. In fact I was
golfing with my uncle, and the ball was right in front of me, and I couldn’t
even see it. It was like static television, it was like I had stared at the sun
too long. I just remember it (the ball)
was right in front of me and I kept asking him where it was and he was like,
“it’s right there”!
and shortly after that, pain, this burning pain started in my toes and started
to move up my whole body, but the eye sight was the very first. In fact I was
golfing with my uncle, and the ball was right in front of me, and I couldn’t
even see it. It was like static television, it was like I had stared at the sun
too long. I just remember it (the ball)
was right in front of me and I kept asking him where it was and he was like,
“it’s right there”!
David continues: And then it was a few weeks later on Christmas Eve
2005, I did a show that night and when I went home, I took my shoes off and it
was about 2 in the morning, and I turned to Valerie , my wife, my then
girlfriend and I remember telling her, I said, “something is wrong”. It was like
my feet were being crushed by a steamroller. I had this massive pain that I
couldn’t quite explain. It was almost like a Charley horse, like when your foot
falls asleep, it was like this combination that wouldn’t go away. I thought, ya
know what, I am so tired , I hadn’t had any sleep, I am going to ride this out. And the next few
months that pain started traveling up to my legs and moved all the way up to my
chest, and then I started tripping and falling and went into a wheelchair shortly
after. And the eye sight challenge that I had was more consistent, almost all
the time. And the last thing I was thinking was that it was MS, believe it or
not! Still.
2005, I did a show that night and when I went home, I took my shoes off and it
was about 2 in the morning, and I turned to Valerie , my wife, my then
girlfriend and I remember telling her, I said, “something is wrong”. It was like
my feet were being crushed by a steamroller. I had this massive pain that I
couldn’t quite explain. It was almost like a Charley horse, like when your foot
falls asleep, it was like this combination that wouldn’t go away. I thought, ya
know what, I am so tired , I hadn’t had any sleep, I am going to ride this out. And the next few
months that pain started traveling up to my legs and moved all the way up to my
chest, and then I started tripping and falling and went into a wheelchair shortly
after. And the eye sight challenge that I had was more consistent, almost all
the time. And the last thing I was thinking was that it was MS, believe it or
not! Still.
Stuart: Do you think it was because of your
Dad?
Dad?
David: My Dad didn’t have any symptoms like
this! He has a different form of MS, I have relapsing, he has primary
progressive, but he didn’t have any pain. He didn’t have any cognitive
challenges, or any issues with his eye sight either. It was strictly his right
side, so I just figured it was lack of movement, the fact that I had all these
other things, I didn’t even consider it (MS). In fact I thought it was
mechanical, I thought I had pinched nerves, I went to a chiropractor, and was
doing exercises to help with pinched nerves. I was barking up the wrong tree!
this! He has a different form of MS, I have relapsing, he has primary
progressive, but he didn’t have any pain. He didn’t have any cognitive
challenges, or any issues with his eye sight either. It was strictly his right
side, so I just figured it was lack of movement, the fact that I had all these
other things, I didn’t even consider it (MS). In fact I thought it was
mechanical, I thought I had pinched nerves, I went to a chiropractor, and was
doing exercises to help with pinched nerves. I was barking up the wrong tree!
Stuart: Was the pain that you had constant?
Do you still live with that pain today?
Do you still live with that pain today?
David: The pain was constant, I still live
with the pain, but not to the degree of what it was.
with the pain, but not to the degree of what it was.
Stuart: With all of these symptoms what led
you to a diagnosis?
you to a diagnosis?
David: After being in a wheelchair for
several months, and after many tests, so many things came back negative, when I
finally went to have the lumbar
puncture, the spinal tap, the MRI and all those things, they came back and said, I remember being there
with the radiologist, and him going through the film for the first time. I could see stuff and I didn’t know what I
was looking at, but I knew something was there. He was looking at them, and I
could see his face and he looks over slowly me, and he goes. “son, you’ve been
through the war”. He said, “it is all over, you have it in your brain, through
the spine, there are lesions and it looks like it’s MS.”
several months, and after many tests, so many things came back negative, when I
finally went to have the lumbar
puncture, the spinal tap, the MRI and all those things, they came back and said, I remember being there
with the radiologist, and him going through the film for the first time. I could see stuff and I didn’t know what I
was looking at, but I knew something was there. He was looking at them, and I
could see his face and he looks over slowly me, and he goes. “son, you’ve been
through the war”. He said, “it is all over, you have it in your brain, through
the spine, there are lesions and it looks like it’s MS.”
Stuart: How old were you at that time?
David: I was 25 when it all began, and 26
diagnosed.
diagnosed.
Stuart: And how old are you now?
David: 35
Stuart: How has MS affected your family?
What goes on at home these days, what kind of assistance do you receive at
home? Do you need assistance?
What goes on at home these days, what kind of assistance do you receive at
home? Do you need assistance?
David: Thank God I am able to function and
do things for myself again, because during that first time, it was pre-engagement, my now wife was taking care of me. If I was alone in a room and I
had to go to the restroom, I had to literally fall on the floor and drag
myself, or manipulate my legs while holding on to things . And to be able to
function now on my own is amazing. I still remember what that feels like, to
not be able to do anything. I do not take
a single step for granted ever. I am able to function extremely well. Often my
closest friends will say, Oh my gosh, David I totally forgot that you have MS,
because the fact that I am doing so well is remarkable. I know that I am so
blessed.
do things for myself again, because during that first time, it was pre-engagement, my now wife was taking care of me. If I was alone in a room and I
had to go to the restroom, I had to literally fall on the floor and drag
myself, or manipulate my legs while holding on to things . And to be able to
function now on my own is amazing. I still remember what that feels like, to
not be able to do anything. I do not take
a single step for granted ever. I am able to function extremely well. Often my
closest friends will say, Oh my gosh, David I totally forgot that you have MS,
because the fact that I am doing so well is remarkable. I know that I am so
blessed.
Having bounced back this far, and even though I
still deal with stuff, I still have crushing pain, it’s not quite as strong as
it was, I am having it wright now! It feels like I am being pressed and it is
numb. My eyesight is fantastic is great! My hand is moving again, my voice is
back, I’m able to do my music.
still deal with stuff, I still have crushing pain, it’s not quite as strong as
it was, I am having it wright now! It feels like I am being pressed and it is
numb. My eyesight is fantastic is great! My hand is moving again, my voice is
back, I’m able to do my music.
My bladder is that of a 98 year old guy! (laughs) it
is what is, so I learned to pace myself, if I go onstage for an hour and a
half, I better not be drinking too much water, even my stamina, to be able to push myself, if I’m even cleaning the garage, or I’m doing yard work at home, I can tell. Or if I’m trying to do sports,
which I’m not as good as I used to be, I can tell when my body starts to, not
shut down, but just it fatigues quickly and if I push sometime too far, I start
to look funny walking, I start to look like robocop, it becomes mechanical,
because all of a sudden I have 200 lb. weights on my legs. It is shutting down,
so if I am on stage, and I start to feel bad, I learn to pace my show, I may
sit down with a guitar for a song or two and get back up and them I am good to
go for awhile. So I am learning to deal with what I have.
is what is, so I learned to pace myself, if I go onstage for an hour and a
half, I better not be drinking too much water, even my stamina, to be able to push myself, if I’m even cleaning the garage, or I’m doing yard work at home, I can tell. Or if I’m trying to do sports,
which I’m not as good as I used to be, I can tell when my body starts to, not
shut down, but just it fatigues quickly and if I push sometime too far, I start
to look funny walking, I start to look like robocop, it becomes mechanical,
because all of a sudden I have 200 lb. weights on my legs. It is shutting down,
so if I am on stage, and I start to feel bad, I learn to pace my show, I may
sit down with a guitar for a song or two and get back up and them I am good to
go for awhile. So I am learning to deal with what I have.
Stuart: When you are on stage, is the Adrenalin so high that you are really not feeling any symptoms? I know you talk about your leg pain now, but
when you are on stage and you are preforming, do you still feel it?
when you are on stage and you are preforming, do you still feel it?
David: Yes, I do. My balance can be off. I
have to be very careful as far as where stairs are, where the edge of the stage
is, because if I trip and fall, and I have before, I play it off pretty good,
but I have had to learn where my parameters are and not go past that, for
safety sake.
have to be very careful as far as where stairs are, where the edge of the stage
is, because if I trip and fall, and I have before, I play it off pretty good,
but I have had to learn where my parameters are and not go past that, for
safety sake.
And you asked how life at home was: Life at home is
fantastic. I’m able to play with my kids. They don’t quite understand what it
is, they don’t of course understand the science they are so young, 6 and 4, two
girls, and then we have our newborn who’s 2 ½ weeks!
fantastic. I’m able to play with my kids. They don’t quite understand what it
is, they don’t of course understand the science they are so young, 6 and 4, two
girls, and then we have our newborn who’s 2 ½ weeks!
Stuart: Congratulations!
David: Thank you, we got our boy! They know
that MS is there, we even have some books about MS, and without fail every
single night when we have our prayers, my daughter Safron, says, “ and please bless
Daddy, and help him with his MS” every single time.
that MS is there, we even have some books about MS, and without fail every
single night when we have our prayers, my daughter Safron, says, “ and please bless
Daddy, and help him with his MS” every single time.
Stuart: Could you please tell us what you
find most challenging every day?
find most challenging every day?
David: I would love to do things the way I
used to, ya know, I don’t remember what it’s like to do a layup in basketball.
I used to be very athletic, and to be able to do simple things that I used to
do, It’s just not there anymore. Things like the bladder, that certainly
something I have to deal with every second, throughout the night, my sleep
patterns aren’t very good because of that. So I learn to deal with that.
used to, ya know, I don’t remember what it’s like to do a layup in basketball.
I used to be very athletic, and to be able to do simple things that I used to
do, It’s just not there anymore. Things like the bladder, that certainly
something I have to deal with every second, throughout the night, my sleep
patterns aren’t very good because of that. So I learn to deal with that.
Stuart : So moderation is a key issue, that
one should know about.
one should know about.
David: Ya, I think so. Trying to balance,
and find the activities that work for me now that bring me that same joy. Like,
I love to golf, I will do that, and snowboard as much as I can, Not the way
that I used to , ya know, I have to stop two or three times down he hill, and
just sit down sometimes. And then I say, OK , I’m back , let’s go. But I’m
finding as I push myself to that limit , I think I’m improving as I try to get
as much core strength. Finding those exercise programs that work for me.
and find the activities that work for me now that bring me that same joy. Like,
I love to golf, I will do that, and snowboard as much as I can, Not the way
that I used to , ya know, I have to stop two or three times down he hill, and
just sit down sometimes. And then I say, OK , I’m back , let’s go. But I’m
finding as I push myself to that limit , I think I’m improving as I try to get
as much core strength. Finding those exercise programs that work for me.
John Schneider is a buddy of mine, and we started
doing some basic yoga stuff last year and I’m just not keeping up at all, and
it’s embarrassing and humiliating, because I know what I have been through, and
he does too. But I think there is this stubbornness in me, I’m a competitor , I
want to achieve things and when I can’t , THAT gets frustrating.
doing some basic yoga stuff last year and I’m just not keeping up at all, and
it’s embarrassing and humiliating, because I know what I have been through, and
he does too. But I think there is this stubbornness in me, I’m a competitor , I
want to achieve things and when I can’t , THAT gets frustrating.
Even when it’s the simplest little things, but it
humbles me as well. And I have to just accept it and realize, this is what I
can do, and what I can do I am going to be the best at that. So even if it is
just stretches, little tiny exercises, not the way I used to work out, but as I
find that core strength it does help my balance. It helps me do my
performances, to be able to be at home and help my wife out. Every day is kind
of a new discovery to discover what you can still do.
humbles me as well. And I have to just accept it and realize, this is what I
can do, and what I can do I am going to be the best at that. So even if it is
just stretches, little tiny exercises, not the way I used to work out, but as I
find that core strength it does help my balance. It helps me do my
performances, to be able to be at home and help my wife out. Every day is kind
of a new discovery to discover what you can still do.
Then I also find times when I just need to shut it
if off and sit, and I will go to my wife and say, “I have to lay down”, I am so
sorry, and fatigue will just hit me and I will just crash and it will happen
every now again, so you gave to find that time for yourself.
if off and sit, and I will go to my wife and say, “I have to lay down”, I am so
sorry, and fatigue will just hit me and I will just crash and it will happen
every now again, so you gave to find that time for yourself.
Stuart: What does your average work day look like,
how many hours a day?
how many hours a day?
David: It depends on what project I am
working on. Sometimes I do not sleep as much, if I am working with different
artists in the studio, and if I have a deadline I have to get done. So I find
times when I say, this week, or this next 3 days, I’m going to shut the phone
off , I’m not going to go online, and I’m just going to be Daddy. In fact
during this pregnancy every time I was home, I was Mr. Mom, I was running the
carpool, taking my kids to school, going to the soccer games.
working on. Sometimes I do not sleep as much, if I am working with different
artists in the studio, and if I have a deadline I have to get done. So I find
times when I say, this week, or this next 3 days, I’m going to shut the phone
off , I’m not going to go online, and I’m just going to be Daddy. In fact
during this pregnancy every time I was home, I was Mr. Mom, I was running the
carpool, taking my kids to school, going to the soccer games.
Stuart: That is enough to make anyone
fatigued! How do you differentiate between normal fatigue from being a dad and
MS fatigue?
fatigued! How do you differentiate between normal fatigue from being a dad and
MS fatigue?
David: That’s a good question, I can
certainly recognize the MS fatigue, this weight of tiredness, it does not hit
me all the time , I usually can go and go , but every now and again, I need to
take a break, even a 5 minute power nap. I grew up on the road, I’ve learned to
sleep In the most bizarre places, I can bounce back pretty fast.
certainly recognize the MS fatigue, this weight of tiredness, it does not hit
me all the time , I usually can go and go , but every now and again, I need to
take a break, even a 5 minute power nap. I grew up on the road, I’ve learned to
sleep In the most bizarre places, I can bounce back pretty fast.
Stuart: A 12 minute power nap in the
afternoons is what I need, once a month, if it happens.
afternoons is what I need, once a month, if it happens.
David: I feel like this community from the
non-profits like yourself Stuart, to the Pharma, everyone, there is a heart to
this unlike anything I have ever seen, and I feel like we drive each other and
feed off of each other and it certainly motivates me to keep going and give
back as much as I can, because this community has given to me something that I can
never repay. Having relapsing MS is one of the best things that has ever
happened to me. It’s bizarre to say that , I never thought I would say that in the beginning,
but it has totally changed my perspective on life, I can still sing , write and
play, and thank God, and I will do that as long as I can and to the best of my
abilities.
non-profits like yourself Stuart, to the Pharma, everyone, there is a heart to
this unlike anything I have ever seen, and I feel like we drive each other and
feed off of each other and it certainly motivates me to keep going and give
back as much as I can, because this community has given to me something that I can
never repay. Having relapsing MS is one of the best things that has ever
happened to me. It’s bizarre to say that , I never thought I would say that in the beginning,
but it has totally changed my perspective on life, I can still sing , write and
play, and thank God, and I will do that as long as I can and to the best of my
abilities.
Stuart : Exactly
David: I feel like teaming up with my
friends here at Novartis is the least I can do, and try to encourage other
people, and that’s why I am writing the song, “I Can Do This”. And sharing my
story, I have learned that it blesses my life , because I meet people like you
Stuart, people who share their stories and I learn what people are dealing with
and I realize quickly the cards that I’m dealt; man, I’m gonna play this hand
the best that I can. We all have stuff MS or not; but I realize that I can do
this, I mean it sounds like a catch phrase, but it’s my Mantra.
friends here at Novartis is the least I can do, and try to encourage other
people, and that’s why I am writing the song, “I Can Do This”. And sharing my
story, I have learned that it blesses my life , because I meet people like you
Stuart, people who share their stories and I learn what people are dealing with
and I realize quickly the cards that I’m dealt; man, I’m gonna play this hand
the best that I can. We all have stuff MS or not; but I realize that I can do
this, I mean it sounds like a catch phrase, but it’s my Mantra.
Jill: You grew up as a child of a Dad with
MS, What is it like to have a Dad with MS, what are my kids feeling?
MS, What is it like to have a Dad with MS, what are my kids feeling?
David: That’s is a good question. My Dad was
diagnosed in the mid to late 80’s I was probably about 7. But I didn’t see it,
he was fine, he was still going on stage to perform and it took years of a slow
progression when he finally had to leave the stage. And I was a teenager when
he left the stage. I think because it
was a slow progression for him and I saw him always as this invincible guy,
this fighter, that never got down, never got depressed, and never got sad, to
date I have never once seen my Dad complain about having MS. He put the bar so
high, it’s been amazing to watch him and to have a Dad like him has been such
a blessing.
diagnosed in the mid to late 80’s I was probably about 7. But I didn’t see it,
he was fine, he was still going on stage to perform and it took years of a slow
progression when he finally had to leave the stage. And I was a teenager when
he left the stage. I think because it
was a slow progression for him and I saw him always as this invincible guy,
this fighter, that never got down, never got depressed, and never got sad, to
date I have never once seen my Dad complain about having MS. He put the bar so
high, it’s been amazing to watch him and to have a Dad like him has been such
a blessing.
As a child, though I do remember as a kid I remember
saying prayers, (emotional) asking God if you can take this from my Dad and
give it to me. I forgot that I even did that until I got my diagnosis, and I am
actually really grateful that I share this with my Dad because I feel him in
very , I take and now I can recognize if
he is having a fatigue moment. Or if he is struggling, we share that bond, that
maybe my brothers (I have 7 brothers) might not fully understand. It is a
connection that is so much deeper now as a father and son, it’s just amazing. I
can just look at home a say (to him), “you’re feeling it , are you ok? And he
will say, “I’m good”, it’s hard to explain. My Dad always did it was such grace
and strength that he inspired me and he is one of my greatest heroes for that.
saying prayers, (emotional) asking God if you can take this from my Dad and
give it to me. I forgot that I even did that until I got my diagnosis, and I am
actually really grateful that I share this with my Dad because I feel him in
very , I take and now I can recognize if
he is having a fatigue moment. Or if he is struggling, we share that bond, that
maybe my brothers (I have 7 brothers) might not fully understand. It is a
connection that is so much deeper now as a father and son, it’s just amazing. I
can just look at home a say (to him), “you’re feeling it , are you ok? And he
will say, “I’m good”, it’s hard to explain. My Dad always did it was such grace
and strength that he inspired me and he is one of my greatest heroes for that.
Stuart: – Thank You for speaking with us David –
and YES, YOU CAN do This!
and YES, YOU CAN do This!
We want to thank David
Osmond and Novartis for making this interview possible.
Osmond and Novartis for making this interview possible.
Interview hosted by
Stuart Schlossman and Jill Molberger
Stuart Schlossman and Jill Molberger
Written by Jennifer Falk,
MSW, CPHM – 05.31.15
Our Voice In Song – A Campaign To Raise Awareness About
Relapsing MS
Music
artist, singer and songwriter David Osmond was diagnosed with relapsing
multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 26. Since that time, David has become a
vocal advocate for the MS community, sharing his experiences and his music, to
help raise awareness of this condition. Read David’s story at http://www.ourvoiceinsong.com/info/david-osmond.jsp
artist, singer and songwriter David Osmond was diagnosed with relapsing
multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 26. Since that time, David has become a
vocal advocate for the MS community, sharing his experiences and his music, to
help raise awareness of this condition. Read David’s story at http://www.ourvoiceinsong.com/info/david-osmond.jsp
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Visit our MS Learning Channel on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/msviewsandnews