Computer failures are a lot like multiple sclerosis

Have you ever had one of those days where everything seemed to start off going great but then things shifted and everything went wrong? Where the unexpected happened more than once and you hadn’t even gotten out of bed yet? Those days can be frustrating, irritating and make you want to scream. I’ve been there more times than I can count.

That’s kind of how I feel when my laptop starts acting up. It doesn’t happen often, but I have had times when my computer has failed me. I’m a fix-it-myself kind of person. A techie geek who thrives on having a well running computer. I will visit online forums reading from people who know more than me in order to resolve a problem.

One time I had a person reply to me on a message board, “Since you’re getting that error, you need to do this and this.” So, I did this and this, but it didn’t work. Then someone said, “No, you need to click that and change this.” So I clicked that and changed this but that didn’t work either.

I attempted suggestion after suggestion with still nothing fixing my problem so I ended up doing what we all do, I went to the experts. When I brought my computer in to get it checked out even their diagnostic programs were unable to pinpoint the problem. Their answer, “We need to replace the logic board.” (That’s just a fancy word for the board inside the computer that handles all the communication processes.)

Computer failures are a lot like multiple sclerosis. You may have difficulty with spasticity in your legs and someone will say, “You need to take potassium. That’s what I do and it worked great.” You buy some to try and you become disappointed because it doesn’t help for you.

Then someone says, “No, you need to change how you do this and do that instead.” So you do what they suggest and still no change. Then someone else comes along and says, “No, no, no, they are all wrong. You need to eat this and take this other thing.” So you do it…and again no change.

So many solutions for just one problem, yet because we are all unique and we all have a different internal wiring system, what works for one person may not work for another.

The biggest thing I would like for people to understand, both those who live with MS and those who don’t, is that every person’s internal “logic board” may connect all the same parts together, but somewhere deep inside where no one can see, there’s a malfunction in those of us living with MS that has disrupted the communication between our brain and our body.

Sometimes a simple tweak or adjustment here or there does the trick and we are up and at em’ going strong once again. But sometimes the “logic board” has failed to the point that no one, not even the experts, can pinpoint where the failure is taking place.

It would be amazing if we could simply replace our body’s internal “logic board,” but we only have one so we have to take care of the one we have as best we can. My response to the barrage of fixes and solutions people push my way…”Thank you for your suggestions, but I know my body and am doing what I believe is right for me.”

Everyone wants MS to be cured, especially those of us living with it day in and day out. How about instead of pushing the latest craze or fix, we chose to love each other and simply be there to support a persons decision in how they believe their MS should be managed. Giving someone a hug or holding their hand is so much more comforting than pushing internet solutions and unfounded cures or fixes at them.

When everything around you seems to be falling apart, know that you are not crazy or alone. There are others feeling the same way. Do what you believe is right for you to do and don’t get discouraged by all the nay sayers, experts and trendies. Always remember this one thing: Even though your body has failed you, you are not a failure. You are an amazing, strong and resilient MS warrior. You got this!