Amanda Dixon: Living Beyond MS Limits

Amanda Dixon's journey is nothing short of inspiring as she takes us through her transition from tax professional to marketing expert after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Amanda faced the initial signs of MS with a nerve pain twinge in her shoulder, which led to her diagnosis in 2020, a pivotal moment that transformed her life. Her unwavering commitment to self-advocacy and listening to her body serves as a beacon of strength and empowerment, especially for women navigating healthcare systems. Amanda's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to set boundaries and prioritize self-care while living with a chronic condition.Navigating the medical maze to secure her MS diagnosis, Amanda recounts the challenges of numerous tests and consultations before finding a specialist who confirmed her condition. Her proactive approach led her to choose Okravis, a chemotherapy drug that has effectively halted her disease progression. Amanda shares how adjusting her work life to a part-time, remote setup has provided her with the balance she needed, highlighting the significance of supportive relationships and a positive mindset on this journey. Her experience underscores the importance of advocating for oneself, particularly in the face of dismissive healthcare professionals, and embracing each day with awareness and acceptance.Guest Bio:Amanda Dixon began her career as a tax professional, preparing all types of returns, from 1040s to 990s. In 2020, amidst the global pandemic, her life changed when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After taking the time to get used to her new life with her disease, she began working from home. In 2023, she earned her Enrolled Agent designation, but began to feel an interest in the marketing function at her firm. Seeing an opportunity, she made the switch that same year to a marketing role. She now uses her previous experience and knowledge to break down the complex world of accounting to effectively communicate what her firm’s clients need to know. Today, she advocates for the disabled community and encourages others to advocate for themselves to ensure they get the best possible medical care they can. Amanda considers herself an open book, and is always happy to answer questions about her MS, her diagnosis process, the symptoms she experiences, and how others can better understand and help those in the disabled community. When she’s not at work, you can find Amanda playing Dungeons and Dragons with her friends, dressing up her 12 foot skeleton, watching a spooky movie, and spending time with her husband Adam and their adorable pets.Connect with Amanda:LinkedIn Connect with Theresa and Ivana:Theresa, True Strategy Consultants: tsc-consultants.com LinkedIn @treeconti, Insta @tscconsultants Ivana, Courageous Being: courageousbeing.com LinkedIn @ivipol, Insta @courbeingSITP team, Step Into The Pivot: stepintothepivot.com LinkedIn @step-into-the-pivot, YouTube @StepIntoThePivot