I can be so quiet about my struggle that people around me can forget they I’m hurting. This doesn’t mean I’m not having difficulties, it simply means I don’t want to bother them and keep saying the same thing over and over again like a broken record.
Sometimes bizarre things happen with multiple sclerosis just because it exists. After all, we live with a strange, unpredictable disease. Some of the really strange things that happen need to be discussed more often so more people are aware of the challenges we face.
In a world where violence, injustice, and despair seem to be everywhere, it becomes easier to expect bad outcomes rather than good ones. But today I am choosing to find positive things to focus on and remain hopeful that better days are coming.
Many people don’t like talking about how much a person’s life changes when a diagnosis of MS comes along or how much their life is actually spinning out of control. It’s hard facing the MS monster at every waking moment
True friends are a rare thing for the chronically ill. It takes guts to stand with us. Thanks for having the guts to stay. Amazingly, you discover who your real friends are once a challenge arises. They will either stand by you and hold you up or they will walk away dropping you like a hot potato. If they choose to walk away, let them. You don’t need anyone pulling you down. MS is doing a good enough job of that already.
How can anyone keep a positive attitude while facing such hard times? Staying positive is not about hiding from the reality of what you are going through by trying to cover up the struggle in an attempt to keep the world from knowing it exists. MS exists. Hard times are real. Tears happen. No amount of covering it up is going to make it go away or lessen its troubles.
I can sit and watch it rain for hours. There’s something therapeutic about it. I also like watching fish swimming in a tank… all things that someone living with MS would greatly benefit from.
You cannot bargain with multiple sclerosis. No amount of self examination will alleviate the pain and destruction it is causing in your body. I tried at first and wound up feeling more defeated than victorious.
“Almosts” are part of everyone’s life but living with MS our almosts are a bit different. For example, there are times when we almost choke while swallowing food, air or saliva… yikes.
Multiple sclerosis has taken so much from me. Some things I don’t miss, but it is heartbreaking to discover that my ability to play the guitar is now one of them. I decided this week that I was going to get my guitar out to try and get my music going again. I was a really good guitarist playing for weddings and even played in a few concerts singing before thousands of people. I have missed it and was hoping I could get it going again.
1. Simplify your life.