MS Conscript
My first post, so let me introduce myself, in case it helps someone who’s closer to the beginning of this difficult journey.
I’ve had RRMS for over 20 years and been on DMTs for around 15. I’m still walking and working, but get tired easily, and I still drive, just with a blue badge in the car. So, swings and roundabouts. It’s obviously still a pain in the arse, but I’ve not found it a reason to give up on life. Just don’t call me an MS Fighter or Warrior. As I always say, I was conscripted very reluctantly many years ago and would like my release papers now, thank you very much.
One thing I’ve found helps is writing down my thoughts on MS and what I’ve gone through (I also had two other major health problems not long after diagnosis). So I’ve blogged about MS, written for Shift, MS Society and MS Trust, and written the memoir Balls to MS - 20 Years of Discovering Your Body Hates You (details in my bio, if you’re interested).
I thought my writing was just to make me feel better, but the unforeseen benefit, judging by some of the messages I’ve received, is that my words have really seemed to help some fellow MSers feel less alone, particularly ones who haven’t been diagnosed long (as well as giving them a laugh). So in a funny way, MS gave me a purpose and some of my best experiences.
How’s that for finding some positives among all the crap MS throws at you? What positive spins can you find about your own MS experiences?