A big topic for MSers who work is "to disclose or not disclose." That's because there is no clear answer - and there are repercussions either way you choose.
For me - in the "But you look so good" category of MSers - there was plenty of reason NOT to disclose. Why say anything at all? But an exacerbation just a few months into my current job left me shaky on my feet. I was out for a couple of weeks and returned to work using a cane for a few more weeks. My colleagues understandably expressed concern and asked what had happened. It just felt right to give them a straight answer, no matter how uncomfortable or self-conscious it initially made me.
My thinking was that I shouldn't be embarrassed and I shouldn't have to hide my illness. I can still do my job. And if people have feelings of pity for me or think I'm not quite up to snuff anymore, that's probably because the only people they know of with MS are those who are more severely impaired. And I've certainly gotten the stories from my colleagues about people they know, or relatives, or a TV show they watched, that showed them how terrible a disease this is. If they don't see an "average" person with MS - someone who has it but doesn't look it - then how would they ever know what an average person with MS is?
So I've planted my MS flag in the workplace, so to speak. I walk and talk and get projects done very efficiently. Maybe next time my colleagues hear of someone else with MS, they'll think of me and realize that we come in all forms and abilities.
It also takes the pressure off. At times, I don't walk a straight line. Sometimes I get up from a chair only to plop quickly back down again as my legs give out. I don't worry about people seeing me get into my handicapped parking spot, which enables me to park right next to my building instead of a block away. When a group from work wants to walk a few blocks to have lunch together, I'm free to mention that I'll be driving or to invite someone to walk slowly with me (depending on the day) while the rest of the group goes ahead.
For those who are thinking about whether disclosure is right for you, I should mention the other side of the coin.
In my previous job, I also was open about my illness. Big mistake. I could practically read their minds: "How are we going to get rid of her?" I was given unpleasant assignments. They followed the letter of the law while making me miserable. They were successful in getting rid of me within six months of my disclosure when I sought out and took another job. Later, I ran into a former colleague of mine from that dreadful workplace - he had severe diabetes which led to several hospitalizations. They made him miserable as well. Neither of us was fired; we both ended up seeking and finding other jobs because the workplace became so unpleasant.
Those workplaces exist - and if I had needed to keep that particular job, I would be deeply regretting my decision to disclose.
So it's all very subjective. It depends on your workplace. It depends on your personality.
