Why not write a diary? Why not chat to friends? Why blog?
I have thought a lot about this since I started my blog last September. Why am I exposing my innermost thoughts to the world? Hmm. Long story short – when I was going through the MS diagnosis period, I read everything possible about MS. I read the factual sites, I read the blogs, I read the chat rooms.
All of them offered me great support, with a special mention to the MS Society forums. Yet, I still felt there was something missing. Where was the humour? I went through hell during my diagnosis. I got drunk, fell over, bored my friends to death. But I came out the other side, stronger and ready to take on the world.
I wanted to show people that yes, MS is crap. It can ruin your life. Dreams are destroyed and your life plan is altered forever. MS shatters families. But when the worst has happened, surely the only way is up?
I think I have incorporated MS into my life. I hope so. And it’s pretty grim a lot of the time, but other times it makes me laugh out loud. I am used to the dodgy walking, the foot drop, the random jerking and general oddness. The fatigue is just part of my life now. I do as much as I can, when I can.
To begin with, I kept my blog a secret from my friends and family. I wasn’t ashamed, I just felt exposed. But now, even though I know there are people reading my blog who I would prefer not to, I just think, ‘and?’.
This is life with MS. It ain’t always pretty, but it’s the truth. The comments I have received keep me going. So often, I have thought, I can’t blog any more. Then I get a lovely comment and it makes it all worthwhile. So, I’m going to keep blogging, keep telling the crazy truth about life with MS. And all feedback is always gratefully received…
Definitely keep on blogging!
Your blogs are great to read ~ I too put humour at the top of my list of priorities where my MS is concerned. If I didn’t have a giggle about my gimpy leg (cute wiggle) then I would have surely gone insane months a go.
I now have a stick called Stella, she helps me to walk, I was measured for her on New Years Eve. When I told family & friends that physio could do no more & I had been measured for a ‘walking aide’ their faces dropped, and I got a lot of “poor you” responses….I don’t need or want that. So I told them Stella was going to be bejazzled and I would happily start prodding people with it, if they got in my way when out and about in town ~ I told them to turn their frowns upside down 🙂
I am less-abled now,no getting away from that, and if I need something to help me get around with confidence and in comfort then I’m going to smile and use it.
Karina
Hi Karina!
Thank you so much for your lovely comments, means a lot to me. You’ve got to laugh, haven’t you?!
I LOVE the idea of a bejazzled Stella, lol. I’m close-ish to the point where I should be packing a fold-up stick and putting it in my handbag, just in case and will truly enjoy prodding people on my travels!
X
Keep blogging my friend it’s become part of my daily ritual.
I need a little titter in a morning
Tony
Thank you so much Tony! It’s good to laugh, what’s the alternative?!
X
Dont stop blogging!
Im always ready to read your posts!
I usually read your blog in the morning, but if I forget it I feel happy at night when I realize I havent do it yet, because I its so enjoyable!!!
Wow! That is such an amazing thing to say! I really appreciate all the lovely feedback.
I’m currently making the most of my last four hours of peace and quiet before The Teenager arrives back from London. Then it’ll be chaos as usual, lol.
X
Please don’t stop blogging!
It is a daily highlight 🙂
I visit the MS Society and it has been invaluable in helping me through the diagnostic process so far.
Your blog is something I can really relate to, you make me really laugh because of that.
I’ve had a bad day today and reading your blog really helps everyday but days like today especially.
I would like to thank you!
Sam xx
Thank you so much Sam! The MS Society forums were absolutely brilliant for me before my diagnosis – kept me sane. I had soooo many questions and there was always someone who answered them, no matter how daft. They are fab.
I really hope you get through the process ok and it doesn’t drag on too long (like mine!). MSers are great at supporting each other, so please do stay in touch.
X
Yes, I have got to say your blog is well written, amusing, informative, witty and any other good thing you can think of!
I enjoy reading it enormously it makes me feel less lonely in my “strangeness”.
MS is such a very odd thing I feel wrong in so many ways but your blog helps a lot I can assure you. Please keep blogging!
Crazy MS indeed!
Sue x
Hi Sue!
What a lovely thing to say – I have had such incredible comments today,it’s been amazing.
I remember one of the first ’emotional symptoms’ I had regarding MS was the sheer, appalling loneliness of the situation – and it was actually the topic of my first ever blog post. It was something I just had to go through on my own, and I hated it. I think that’s why the MS community can be so useful. You can ask a fellow MSer- ‘does your knee jerk randomly when you lie down?’ and they will get what you mean straight away.
They joys of MS, eh??
x
All of the above.
Stumbling in Flats refreshes the parts other blogs cannot reach.
Please keep on going, your musings are brilliant!
Honeysuckle x
Hey Honeysuckle,
Gee, am blushing now!
X