Am I freaking out over nothing
Way back when, in the days before the world changed. Before MS and COVID and all the bad things I've gone through in the last 4 years, I used to be quite active in the music scene as a photographer (not particularly good but I had fun and people supported me). I had friends whom I'd hang out with regularly and I would go out at least twice a week sometimes more. If there was a show or festival within a 50km distance I'd likely be there taking photos and having fun.
Then came the series of unfortunate events, the first was COVID, taking away concerts festivals and other events, and just as I was starting to get the hang of the new normal MS snuck up and did a number on me. I can't walk unassisted, relying on a wheelchair more than I'd like but on good days I can walk around 30m using my walking frame. I can't take photos anymore as I get severely motion-sick looking through the camera's viewfinder. I have less than 0% energy when it's hot outside.
When the series of events happened I kind of vanished off of social media. I was dealing with too much and didn't need all the drama that came from social media. Unfortunately, that means that I neglected my friends, partially because I didn't (and still don't) know how to let people know about my diagnosis and I don't want people to see me struggle and look weak. Some know, I've told my best friend that she can tell people if she thinks they need to know where I am.
About 2 months ago my best friend invited me to a music event, she has gone above and beyond to accommodate me. Reassuring me that I can cancel at any point without being judged or anything, she will stay close by to make sure I'm not overwhelmed and she'll go to the food and drink stalls so that I do t need to walk that often, she is even going to speak to the organisers to see if they can arrange some special benefits for me like quick access and maybe VIP parking so I don't need to walk as much.
Now to the point and the reason I'm freaking out. The event is this Saturday, I am pretty keen on going and trying to get back to what my life was like pre-MS, but I think I'm having a relapse. I'm having trouble walking and I have little strength in my arms. Preliminary weather forecasts show 32°C and super sunny. I'm going to try and get a couple of doses of Solu-medrol in before the weekend and hope for the best but I was hoping I wouldn't need my wheelchair on the day but the way things are looking now I'll be attending the event in the wheelchair.
I'm sorry it's a bit of a ramble and all over the place. Any advice would be really appreciate
@adventure_man Wow! Your best friend sounds completely amazing and is definitely a keeper! It sounds like you'll definitely benefit from using your wheelchair at the concert. It will give you piece of mind and also indicate to others clearly that you need some extra consideration. I made the mistake of going to the theatre once, without my stick. People just assumed that I'm fine at mobilising and pushed past me, didn't allow space for me etc. So wheelchair is definitely the way to go! I think it's great that your still trying to go to things you love! I'd go, see what it's like to go to a concert, see how you and you're MS react to it, etc. So it's a bit of a research/reconnaissance mission for yourself, so you get an idea of what it's like. That way, you'll be better placed in the future to make an informed decision regarding going to concerts. Am sure that you'll become a pro at this in no time!
Totally agree with above that your best friend sounds like they are super supportive. With their support I would say that if you can try. If needed you can always turn back. If you are feeling like you are relapsing, then maybe don’t try. There will always be other events 🤷♀️. All the best with your decision.