An MS life isn’t so simple
Most people don’t have to think about the things they are doing in life like answering the door when an unexpected visitor arrives until something like multiple sclerosis comes along and messes with our ability to do those things. Sure, we have to juggle things around in order to fit the sudden changes into our day and most of the time those shifts are not so simple to make. It’s that way with just about everything I do.
I’ve never been a big fan of running errands. Who would have thought the mundane chores of grocery shopping, going to the bank or the post office, and even picking up lunch could be so daunting. For me, in order to run errands, the timing has to be planned perfectly to ensure I have the energy for the remainder of my day. Not planning can end in disaster…meaning, can end in me vegging on the couch for hours just to regain enough strength to help me cope with the rest of my day. Some errands can set me back days…not just hours.
I have to think about doing things more than people should. For example, take the act of walking. That may seem like a strange thing to have to think about, but when I stand up to try and walk, I have to make sure I have the proper supports around me to keep from falling down. Then I have to concentrate on each step, movement, leg shift and foot lift. It takes GREAT effort and tremendous thought to do something as simple as walking and sometimes I don’t have the strength to do it. My muscles turn to jelly and won’t allow it.
If I need something in the kitchen, I can’t just jump up and get it. If I drop something on the floor, many times that item will remain where it landed until I have the strength to reach down and pick it up. By the way, that can mean it will remain on the floor for days. If someone comes to the front door, it takes so much energy to transfer to my wheelchair and make my way to the door only to find out it’s a solicitor wanting me to try their restaurant take-out service, that’s why most of the time I just don’t answer it.
When MS comes into our lives, the things most people take for granted become something we are grateful to still be able to do. We know that one day everything will change, the unexpected will happen, life will shift and simple will no longer be simple. No amount of planning prepares someone mentally for those kinds of changes.
If you find yourself frustrated because you need to fill up your gas tank on your way to work today or because you need to pick up some cheese for tomorrow’s spaghetti dinner, stop and remind yourself that you are still able to do those things…and be grateful for the little things no matter the inconvenience.
Don’t take anything you are still able to do for granted. Those things may take extra time to work through or you may have to get creative in the way you do them, but you will have accomplished something greater than great when you do complete it. You will have done something some people are no longer able to do.
Don’t give up, don’t give in and keep going while you can. That’s what makes you an MS Warrior. Plan B, C, D, and sometimes even Z, ZZ, and ZZZ have become a part of my everyday life and I’m okay with that. I will keep trying, keep going, and shift with the changes until I no longer can.
1. Simplify your life.
EXACTLY outlines my life with MS to the second! And now, it seems even that is starting to deteriorate if for no other reason than the normal loss due to aging.
I’m so sorry to hear that Juli. You got this!!! Sending you big hugs today. xoxo
Oh my heart goes out to you Penelope 🙂 I’m so sorry this happens to you, I still have one of my children living in the house and she is a neat freak!! I know what you mean about having energy thou I take my showers in the evening and go straight to bed… I wish my family understood about my problems with my head cause it’s so frustrating!!! 🙂
I can just picture you managing with a neat freak. haha. I do showers in the evening as well when I can. Don’t get too frustrated with you family though. Most people just don’t get that problems with your head are real since it can’t be seen. I’m sure they are a great family regardless. Hugs to you. xoxo
Amazing blog yet again!! I want to send this to EVERYONE!!! It still surprises me how much we all have in common no matter our level of disability.
Thanks Anita xoxo
I love the strength of character you show in your story. It’s valuable to be able to simply see/read this blog and Penelope I really appreciate what you’re putting out there for the world to see thanks again!
Thank you so much. hugs