Damian Cremisio was only 35 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999. He was immediately worried about his future as a musician.
“My idea of MS at that time was, you’re heading straight to a wheelchair, to [then being] completely debilitated,” Damian, now 65, said.
Losing mobility would affect his ability to play his saxophone and perform, impacting both his livelihood and greatest passions. Damian opened up about this to a doctor who was not very sympathetic, telling Damian: “You’re young enough, you’ll learn something.”
“I have a much better doctor now,” chuckles Damian, speaking about his current neurologist, Dr. Mary Ann Picone. A fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Picone has been the Medical Director of the MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center since 1993.
Damian became concerned about his health when he started walking with a limp. He’d had a large, benign tumor removed from his hip in his late 20s, so he thought that perhaps some scar tissue had developed. He also noticed that he began to feel dizzy when he was hot, either from being out in the sun or performing under strong stage lights. His primary care physician sent him to an ear, nose, and throat doctor who suspected a brain tumor and referred him to a neurologist. A spinal tap confirmed that what was actually causing him symptoms was MS.
Damian has been seeing Dr. Picone since he moved to New Jersey over 15 years ago. He’s lived in various parts of the country and seen multiple doctors in the years since his diagnosis, but he hasn’t had the same level of trust with any other physician. Previous neurologists didn’t appear to have the same level of concern and care that Damian appreciates about Dr. Picone.
“I know I can email her at any moment and I’ll get a reply that day, if not within the hour,” Damian said. That open line of communication alleviates some of the stress that can come with managing MS. He also appreciates the kindness he receives from everyone he encounters at Holy Name.
“I’m a patient, but they don’t treat me like I’m infirm,” Damian said. This level of care is what makes the long drive from where he lives in Asbury Park, New Jersey to Holy Name worth it.
In the 30 years since his diagnosis, Damian hasn’t seen much progression in his symptoms, despite his diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS. He needs to be careful not to overheat and his limp is worse when he’s tired, but he is grateful that he has never lost anything beyond his ability to run due to MS. He’s still able to do the things he loves the most, like performing and traveling with his wife. Damian even wrote a song called “Believe” about living with MS, which he performs with his band, Damian and the DCQ. Believing, he said, is what has helped him live a full life with MS.
“Here I am at 60 years old, still working as a musician,” Damian said. “I have my bad days and my good days, but [MS] hasn’t stopped me from doing anything.”
To book a consultation or appointment with Dr. Mary Ann Picone please call (201) 837-0727.
