Strength

1 min read

I was diagnosed several years ago with the illness. It's funny because if you didn't know me you would think I'm the picture of health. Well, the funny thing is I'm not. People ask me all the time how I deal with having MS. How do you answer that? I try to explain as best that I can, but I know that people don't understand what it's like. I am afraid to leave my home because I feel safe here. I have to work myself up just to go somewhere. No one can truly understand what we are talking about because they would have to walk a mile in our shoes to understand it. I wouldn't wish my disease on anyone! I can't run, I can't dance, I can't even drive a car anymore! But somehow you have to have the strength to keep moving forward. Sometimes it's hard, I can't do summers because the heat is just awful for me. The fatigue is always there, but people just don't understand. Cool weather is better for me, I like the fall. The pain is horrible because every nerve will hurt as well as my bones. Plus I have to deal with having Crohn's Disease with a bag on my side. But I have a daughter and I will keep moving forward because if I give in, then I'm letting the disease win! I'm not going to do that. I have days where just getting out of bed is hard but I do it. The man who once told me "that he was in this for the long haul" has left. This man was my husband, I thought that he would be with me forever! Now I'm a single mom who will show my daughter what it's like to keep moving, never give up when your dealt a bad hand, just go around it! I have to use mobility aides to get around but so what, they help. It's not always easy but we try, and that's what's important...
Kathie

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Lisa Emrich Moderator & Contributor
Kathie, You have experienced many negative things that can be traced back to MS. But it sounds like you also have developed a great strength within and are doing an excellent job teaching your daughter about perseverance. Best, Lisa
Member
Thank you so very much Lisa! Your kind words mean a lot! ~Kathie
Member
Hi Kathie. Except for the chrons I would have thought I wrote your story. Everyday the MS becomes more of a struggle. No one knows what this is like unless you live it. I have known people in the medical field (docs rns NP's pas) for the 17 years I have had this and they don't know. When some have found out they ask how I am and I say I'm good. I will never tell you any different. Keep plugging along. I truly wish you all the best...because I know.
foohbear Member
Kathie, apparently your husband did not have the strength that you do. I applaud you for having the strength to soldier on despite the hand you were dealt. Know that you always have the MS community to support you. Most of us have shared some or all of the symptoms you are experiencing and we are here for you. You are setting a wonderful example for you daughter about handling adversity. She will be able to handle anything life throws at her.
jackiemack Member
Kathie, Yes this disease is dispicable. You are right people do not understand. It would be easy for me to say keep fighting with all you've got but that would mean I'm a hypocrit. Your daughter sees your fight. Don't be so tough to accept her help. She understands more than you know. Fight this battle together.
1. Member
 Thanks Jackie! you and everyone else have made me feel so good about my disease! those of us who have it know how hard it really is. my husband left me and our daughter because he said " This is to hard" I said to hard for you! Take a good look at my life! My daughter is going to know that she can do or be anything she wants to set her mind to. So if she knows that i can be strong no matter what, so can she! Kathie
jackiemack Member
Kathie, You are a real fighter. That is GREAT! About your ex, good riddance. You really wouldn't want that around you or your daughter during this fight. Might pose some negativity. MS does give us strength to fight adversity. I wish you well.
Member
Jackie, It is so great to talk with people who can understand what we go through! I do accept her help because there are days when I can't function. We have each other and that's what is important to me! I do feel bad at times that I have to take her help, but she said to me " mom your the strongest person I know" ! I started crying! I love her so much and I will move heaven and earth for her! You are right, Good Riddance to him! I don't need him to succeed in my journey. I will make it and so will all of us who have this disease! Life goes on for us and we will be strong!