From The Bookshelf

FROM THE BOOKSHELF Mending Nerves . . . An Empathetic Journey With Multiple Sclerosis

Local author and physiotherapist, Robert Cusinato has composed a non-fictional account of his journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), first as a practitioner, and second as a patient.

“I’m glad you have MS because you get it,” a client once said to him as a tear began to well up in the corner of his eye.

The client followed up, “That’s not what I meant. I’m sorry. I just feel like I can talk to you.”

“You don’t have to apologize. I understand,” Cusinato responded with a smile.

Mending Nerves evolved from therapeutic journalling to the short novel that it is. It was inspired not only by the esoteric relationship Cusinato had with his clients, but also by the intimate relationship he had with MS.

“I was placed in a unique situation whereby I could relate to the patients that I was helping to rehabilitate,” he explains. “I was, and still am, dealing with a relentless neuromuscular disease that challenges me every moment, whether awake or asleep. As a physiotherapist with almost 25 years experience, I know that everyone should be compelled to move and exercise within their own tolerable limits. Being a ‘patient’ has only fortified this well-known doctrine. We all need to move!”

Cusinato’s story follows the journey of an individual suffering from a chronic disease who appreciates that there are so many who bolster him during his campaign, but ultimately how he travels and where his destination will be, comes down to his personal experiences and choices. He can forge ahead only if he accepts that MS is his life-long travelling companion and he learns to coexist. Acceptance will serve as the starting point to a new reality. He will only be able to help others if he can first help himself.

With much experience, Cusinato has come to the following epiphany: “I have seen all too often that those who have unrealistic goals will fall short as they rehabilitate. Every diagnosis can carry with it a myriad of physical impairments, but there is most often a strong mental and emotional component as well. If this is not properly addressed, then the individual may never succeed. I am no different. I must practice what I preach.”

A hard copy (also paperback) of his book can be purchased directly from Amazon.ca or the FriesenPress bookstore by searching “Mending Nerves” on: Books.FriesenPress.com. You can also find an eBook format through Amazon Kindle Store, Google Play or Apple Books.

The author notes that some of the proceeds from the sale of his book will be donated to Multiple Sclerosis causes and charities.

If you would like to contact Cusinato, he can be reached by his email address: MS.empathizer@gmail.com.

Robert Cusinato is a physiotherapist, born, raised and working in Windsor. His book, Mending Nerves, was released in May 2021. It is relatable to all individuals who are dealing with the physical, mental and emotional effects of a chronic disease such as MS, their caregivers, family, friends and the healthcare practitioners who treat these individuals. Photo courtesy of the author.