Has MS Changed You?

Has MS Changed You?

Here is a My Odd Sock oldie, but a goodie.  Please enjoy this repeat performance….. 

 

Looking at yourself.

 

It can be pretty obvious how multiple sclerosis changes us on the outside.

(How do you find the MSer in a police line-up?  Just look for the one with the mobility aid.)

The way we walk–the way we talk.  The way we see–the way we pee.

 

 

IMG_0635

But I’m interested in how MS has changed you…on the inside.

 

Has MS made you more giving?  More compassionate?

Or, has MS made you bitter?  Resentful of others who are free of disease?

 

IMG_0636

 

Has MS given you patience? 

An inner calm?

 

Or do yo find yourself sitting on the edge, ready to pounce at the drop of a cat-toy?

 

IMG_0637

Personally, I’ve gone through the full range of emotions since my dx back in 1996.

The first five years were complete denial.

I didn’t want to talk about it.  Couldn’t read about it.

Even the state of Mississippi, abbreviated MS, disgusted me!

 

IMG_0638

 

 

As MS began taking its toll on my physical self, I realized I had better shape-up, suck-it-up, and adapt.

 

 

IMG_0639

 

It has only been in the last three years that this Odd Sock has been somewhat accepting.

Maybe it’s because during that time, I have been on disability.

I seem more relaxed now that I’m not running 100 miles per hour.

 

 

IMG_0640

 

 

Have you found peace with MS?

Do we ever find peace with our situation?

How do you cope?

How do you manage?

 

 

IMG_0641

 

 

Why am I asking so many friggin questions?

Geez, give it a rest Odd Sock!

 

 

 

 

Short answer to this otherwise meager post…Has MS changed me?……Yup.

How do you respond?

sock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 Replies to “Has MS Changed You?”

  1. MS has made me more aware of myself. I was a perfectionist, that has changed. I no longer care if my kitchen floor is clean enough to eat off of. A sticky floor has it’s advantages for those of us with MS, you don’t slip on it as easily! I no longer sweat the small stuff, and I am a lot more mellow. I don’t know how much of that is from the MS, or the fact that I am getting to be an old lady.

    I cope by being mindful, not worrying about the future, or reminiscing about what I could do in the past. On bad days, I just tell myself, and believe, that things could be worse…so get on with it! Life is short, and this is the only life I have, so I’m not going to waste any of it, being angry or bitter.

  2. I went through every emotion you listed — sometimes in one day — one hour! Have I learned to be patient? I have no choice — it takes me forever to complete a task! I fear saying that I’ve reached acceptance because I know I haven’t — I’m still fighting it. I get by with a little help from my friends!
    Peace,
    Muff

  3. DX in 1995. First 10 years denial. Next few years, “I can manage this”. Last 3 years, “Why did the disease modifying drugs stop working.” Today, still waiting for a miracle to make life go back to like it used to be. I think I will go try to peel a banana with what I learned from your last post.

  4. Strange but true…I’m more at peace with life than before MS. Maybe I just have more time to think as I sit on my _ _ _ most of the time! My mind works slower but that actually works out OK. I’m dealing with the cards dealt me as this IS my life and I can choose to make the best of it or hide under a rock being depressed. I don’t care for rocks! My friendships are more solid because you learn who your real friends are. Many so-called “friends for life” abandoned me when I wasn’t fun anymore.
    Anyway, it is what it is.

  5. Though MS has me in a straightjacket, I am married to a funny man who makes me laugh every day. Laughter loosens the straps.

  6. Cindy,
    I agree. Maybe I am more at peace with myself because I have time to think–though that can be both good AND bad!

  7. I seek peace all the time…stress makes me shimmy and shake. Running to the bathroom makes me appreciate places with nice bathrooms…I am also aware of the fact that I am only on this Earth for a short time and the more real I get, the more I can truly bond with my loved ones. I am still in the “rat race” barely…I don’t look back, I can’t remember alot anyway. I can’t wear high heels? I notice people in wheelie carts, limps etc…
    Have a good one.
    Olivia

  8. I’m glad I knew God before I knew MS, so I knew who to run to for comfort. In Him I find rest. In Him I find peace. In Him I find value. It doesn’t mean I don’t still get frustrated, but because of Him I have much to look forward to.
    What’s most frustrating is having to wait to be with Him.