I spent many years in denial. I would pretend it was all good until I had a relapse, well at least that’s how I appeared to the outside world. Those closest to me knew me better. They were witnesses to the tears from the shots or those horrible flu-like symptoms I suffered for the first 12 years of my illness. Those shots were a constant reminder to me that I was sick. I was terrified of needles yet I learned…
I have many things in place that keep me safe from falls on a daily basis and I thought today I’d list each one: Hooveround MPV5 this is my everyday motorized wheelchair that I use all the time outside my condo and sometimes in my condo. Plus it is used always with my handicap vehicle. My drive rollator walker. I use this around the condo if I feel strong enough. 3. My Med Alert system. I wear my bracelet everyday….
It’s Saturday which means I don’t have my aid. I love my aid, I truly do. I’m so grateful for everything she does but I look forward to my weekends and my alone time. Is that bad? It is nice to get out of bed whenever I want and get dressed whenever I want. Sometimes I even stay in pajamas all day. My week is still busy enough to tire me out. It doesn’t take much. I like to watch…
It used to take me a long time to accept each stage of MS. Each relapse and each steroid treatment it would take time for my head to get on straight to get better. People use to tell me I was so brave but the truth is, I wasn’t, I was in denial. I tried to pretend it wasn’t happening to the outside world. To my immediate family, especially my mom, I cried and complained often. They heard it all….
Another good day with good news for me. My insurance is covering for a new Hooveround MPV5. I bought my original one used a few years ago and I loved it but it always had issues. First of all it doesn’t drive straight. The chair’s steering was always messed up and to get it to go straight meant I had to steer slightly to the right. Sometimes if I went to fast I zigzagged and ran over peoples feet. The…
I never thought at the age of 47 this would be my life yet I remember being scared when I was diagnosed of being in a wheelchair. I knew what multiple sclerosis could bring about and I feared that when I hit the 10 year mark everything would go downhill rapidly. That wasn’t the case because there were medication developed that helped to slow down the MS progression and more and more have been developed. My life took on a…
First time back in physical therapy today. I should get double activity points on my Fitbit from this and it registers as nothing. I was there for almost 90 minutes and it’s all exercise that it so difficult to do. I mean I’m struggling doing leg lifts with a 2lb weight on my ankle. My sit to stands needed assistance from the therapist so I could either get up from the chair or not fall over once I’m standing. Then…
There was no bad weather in NY that my vacation was cut short. However, today it is 5 degrees with a real feel temperature of negative 15. Yet I’m comfortable and was freezing in Mexico, what was that about? My trip was great but there was things that would have made things easier for me I guess I know now if there is ever a next time. One of my biggest obstacles was the bed. They gave me a step…
Those were the words this morning from my mom as she watched me swim in the pool. The pool which was so cold I might add. I was determined to do some laps this morning despite the near frigid temperature. I still swam for roughly a half hour. My mom, the sport she is, got in the frigid water with me so we could walk the pool. This particular pool gets shallow towards the middle and deeper towards the end….
It’s been less than 48 hours that I’ve been on vacation and my multiple sclerosis has not been easy. Half of my clothing I’ve worn so far has been washed due to bladder issues. Not a fun way to start. Really MS, you couldn’t keep that shit together for a few days? I’ve had countless people helping life me feet up small steps or onto golf carts from my family to hotel staff because my legs are far from cooperating….
