Multiple Sclerosis is one of many diseases that is often called an invisible illness. No one could look at me and know that I have MS. It is easily the most frustrating part of this disease. People really do say 'but you look so good' when they find out about my disease.
My most prominent MS symptoms:
-Fatigue: I am tired constantly. It's a full-body tired that never goes away no matter how much sleep I get, though naps help.
-Cognitive Fatigue: Often called brain fog. I can't always find the words I am looking for, sometimes I stutter. Learning new things is harder than it used to be. Some days I feel just stupid, but a little patience goes a long way!
-Numbness: It comes and goes in my fingers, toes, arms, legs.
-Vertigo
-Emotional Disturbances: I can be an emotional mess some days - which is sometimes helpful for a writer :) Crying for no reason, angry for no reason, laughing when nothing is funny.
-Headaches: I have one everyday, all day, have for the past three years. But, the severity changes. Most days it's just a dull hum, but every so often it demands my full attention.
-Fear: I always have the knowledge in the back of my mind that a new relapse can come on at any time. Or, that no one will want to marry someone with MS.
I have to say, even with these things, I still do most of what I want to do. I am excited about my future and I am not sad about MS. It is beyond frustrating when someone says 'why me'? Why not me? Everyone has their stuff that they deal with. MS is a lot about learning to accept a new kind of normal. Just like everyone else on earth I have good days and bad days. I just know my limits. My plans haven't changed much. I still want it all: marriage, kids, a full life. With BOOKS, lots of books :)
This is a great video about one man's journey with MS:
Wow, your post sure puts things into perspective. I think we all have our inner struggles that people don't usually see (mainly because we hide them), but a disease is just that much worse because it is ongoing.
ReplyDeleteStill, I think the human spirit is a natural survivalist, and putting your will and energy into your dreams is the best thing you could ever do, no matter what you're afflicted with.
Thank you Erin! And, you're absolutely right :)
DeleteBeen diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, and I was a woman of 50. They put me on Rebif which I took until 2017 and was switched to Copaxone. I had two relapses on Rebif, none so far on Copaxone. I do notice my balance was getting worse, and my memory, i had no choice to sick for other solution and I was introduce to multivitamincare .org which I purchase the MS herbal formula from the org, the herbal supplement has successfully get rid of my multiple sclerosis and reversed all symptoms after using the herbs as the Dr said , this is almost a miracle and do believe multivitamincare .org herbal cure will be recognize globally because am sure the world are yet to see their wonderful work ,call them (or SMS): +1 (956) 758-7882 to learn more about the new herbal cure for MS.
DeleteYou have an awesome attitude, and the other two people with MS that I know do too. I love your "different kind of normal" take on life, although I don't know how you deal with the headaches. Chronic pain drags a person down - kudos to you for not letting it!
ReplyDeleteOn another note, you're the first recommended-by-twitter that I've actually followed, mostly because I love your intro line: "I'm an obsessive writer, voracious reader, word addict, newbie quilter. I dream of seeing my novel on a shelf in the bookstore."
That's me, too, except maybe for the word addict. Substitute horses and ireland for words, although I'm learning more with a particular Words with Friends friend! And I love your Five Sentence Fiction. Looking forward to more great posts.
I'm glad you stopped by here and on Twitter :) Nice to meet you. Horses and Ireland are fantastic substitutes!!
DeleteLillie, thanks so much for sharing. I know a few people who have MS and they have the same attitude you do. I like the comment about it being your normal. My cousin was just diagnosed with Brain Cancer and she says the same thing. That its just her normal.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that with technology and research we find a cure.
Thank you Kelley! Good for your cousin; a good attitude can make all the difference.
DeleteLillie, I thank you for your bravery in writing about your disability. One of my dearest friends in the world battled with MS for over twenty-five years. I understand. And you have a wonderful attitude. You have my total respect. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Karen! That means so much!!
DeleteLillie, I know from very close what multiple sclerosis is like (just learning, though, but I think I've seen enough to know what it's like). I know what it is to feel powerless against the symptoms of something that cannot be explained and cannot be fought -- perhaps I know it less than you, but I still understand it. I have to agree with Jennifer: you have an amazing attitude towards it, and "a different kind of normal" is a superb way to put it. Whenever ms seems to be getting the best of you, just reread this post of yours and I'm sure it'll give you strength.
ReplyDeleteCheers and hugs from all the way over here. =)
/ Rain
Thank you Rain!!!
DeleteYou're most welcome, Lillie. By the way, don't think nobody will want to marry someone with ms. I fell in love with my current partner after learning they have ms. And, if you want a more famous example, just look at Jacqueline du Pré. Believe me, anyone who doesn't want to marry someone who has ms solely because of the ms is an idiot.
Delete/ Rain
Well anyone is so lucky to have someone like you willing to learn and understand! I agree with you! MS has definitely helped weed out some of the not so nice guys :)
DeleteLillie, I want to thank you for teaching us all about MS. You're an inspiration and a lovely lady. You'll have it ALL, I just know it :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for always being awesome and #wordmongering with me :)
DeleteAgrees with all of the above. Thanks for posting/writing a very informative article and letting people know. You are indeed an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you :) You're always there for me!
DeleteLillie, it takes a special person with a heart like yours to share such a personal journey. I don't know MS but the most important person in my life struggled with Lupus for almost 25 years. Chronic diseases are a very unique difficult struggle, battling down one symptom only to have another rise in its place OR never having the symptom completely disappear. The more that we can all learn about what MS is, can be and isn't, the better.
ReplyDeleteI am honoured to have met you through this writing/twitter life. You are, as Angie & Steven say, an inspiration. Many hugs, Jo-Anne
Lupus has so many similarities to MS. I'm so sorry to hear that! Thank you for the kind words and always being so fantastic :)
DeleteSo much could be learned from your powerful yet simple words - Ive found myself caught in the "why me" spiral and as frustrating as it is to hear, its equally frustrating to be in that thought process! Thankfully I have come out the other side and see things ore clearly but I do like your "new normal" I must remind myself of that!
ReplyDeleteBeen diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, and I was a woman of 50. They put me on Rebif which I took until 2017 and was switched to Copaxone. I had two relapses on Rebif, none so far on Copaxone. I do notice my balance was getting worse, and my memory, i had no choice to sick for other solution and I was introduce to multivitamincare .org which I purchase the MS herbal formula from the org, the herbal supplement has successfully get rid of my multiple sclerosis and reversed all symptoms after using the herbs as the Dr said , this is almost a miracle and do believe multivitamincare .org herbal cure will be recognize globally because am sure the world are yet to see their wonderful work ,call them (or SMS): +1 (956) 758-7882 to learn more about the new herbal cure for MS.
ReplyDelete