The courage to make friends with multiple sclerosis An integrative moral foray/ Curajul de a te împrieteni cu scleroza multiplă în plăci/ 110-132

Abstract

This paper advances a normative interpretation of subjective moral experiences, in particular the experience of diagnosis integration and the relationship between patient and neurologist. We performed this analysis using an interview afforded by Maria, a female patient diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We used the concepts of autonomy, dignity, and well-being to explain the patient's moral decisions and the dynamics of her relationship with the doctor. Taking into account the fact that multiple sclerosis is an incurable neurodegenerative disease and that the patient is greatly committed to her independence, a strict framing within the existing models centered on patient-therapist relationships (models that resulted from the conflict between the concepts of autonomy and well-being) was not possible. This is why, in its early stages, we interpret this relationship as a form of partnership, based on the symbiotic interest of the parties involved, while in the final stage, we suggest that the friendship between Maria and therapist could provide her with the necessary amount of courage so that she can also befriend tenderness.