Connections
Funny thing when you meet someone who has something in common with you. You automatically connect. We're always trying to find that common link between us. It could be that you were born in the same town, you like the same band, you used to work at the same place - even that you have the same disease. Whatever it is, it allows us to feel connected to the other person.
I've met quite a few people with multiple sclerosis. And, I automatically feel like we have something very important in common. We have shared some important experiences: feeling the scary symptoms, going through the often difficult diagnosis, coming to grips with having a chronic illness, learning about the disease, examining treatment options, etc. For those who have it, MS is a big part of their life.
At first, I didn't want to meet anyone with multiple sclerosis. I thought it would be too hard and I was in denial about having the disease. I didn't want to be part of that "scene" - as if it's a club of misfits. I got over that line of thinking and accepted that I was part of that "scene." Just like everyone else who has it, I neither chose nor should I be ashamed to be part of it.
Now, I enjoy meeting others with MS. It's nice when I talk to someone with whom I have so much in common.
I think there should be a better way for all of us to connect. I hope this website is a small step towards that goal. The internet is a great tool for making connections - it is the best way to reach a very specific group of people who happen to be spread out all over the world.
I've met quite a few people with multiple sclerosis. And, I automatically feel like we have something very important in common. We have shared some important experiences: feeling the scary symptoms, going through the often difficult diagnosis, coming to grips with having a chronic illness, learning about the disease, examining treatment options, etc. For those who have it, MS is a big part of their life.
At first, I didn't want to meet anyone with multiple sclerosis. I thought it would be too hard and I was in denial about having the disease. I didn't want to be part of that "scene" - as if it's a club of misfits. I got over that line of thinking and accepted that I was part of that "scene." Just like everyone else who has it, I neither chose nor should I be ashamed to be part of it.
Now, I enjoy meeting others with MS. It's nice when I talk to someone with whom I have so much in common.
I think there should be a better way for all of us to connect. I hope this website is a small step towards that goal. The internet is a great tool for making connections - it is the best way to reach a very specific group of people who happen to be spread out all over the world.
Comments
I've met a few people with MS and sadly, I could not tolerate the non-stop pity party. This was at a support group and everyone was competing for attention and sympathy. I lasted 2 meetings. Talk about an echo-chamber! There are a handful of people in my family that have MS and sadly, I do much better with them. Go figure.
Now for those who I 'meet' on line ... yes, much more satisfying. It seems that people with blogs are much more intent on making their lives meaningful. Present company included.
Posted by: mdmhvonpa | January 18, 2007 01:09 PM
Since 1967, when I either didn't know I had MS, but I did, or, after I had my first bad exacerbation in 1984, (ACTH was the latest experimental treatment back then and it was worse than the disease as far as I was concerned,) I focused on forgetting about it, and getting as healthy as possible.
I spent about four months recovering and a year doing the newsletter for the Ottawa Chapter on the MS Society of Ontario, Canada. Then I got onto other things, like building up my career.
I was immersed in the 'sicko' culture of MSers back then, and I didn't like it one bit.
There is no sense of hope or of fun in doing fund-raisers with people who's entire mission is to scare the crap of the norms in the hopes of getting them to part with their sheckles.
I resolutely left them to it and got on with my life.
Since 1997, when I had my second bad relapse, I have had no choice but to come to grips with having MS. I now walk, slowly, with a cane.
But I am not wallowing in self-pity, nor am I going back onto the fund-raiser merry-go-round.
I have a podcast to keep me occupied (like I have a lot of free time from my job? :-) and as a platform to raise our spirits, not with humble homilies, boring bromides and tear-jerking tales, but by showing some signs of life.
Posted by: Charles | January 25, 2007 08:02 PM
I have a question. Can a lumbar puncture detect Multiple Sclerosis if you are in remission or not having a flare up?
Posted by: Anonymous | March 11, 2008 12:05 AM