Time
Time is our worst enemy. The only difference between a 99 year old man on his death bed and a beautiful newly born child is time. Time is absolutely brutal. Just look at what it did to that 99 year old man's body.
Time is also very much an issue with multiple sclerosis. The longer you have the disease, the more likely you are to have problems. It's scary, but it's true. Every day counts.
Knowing that time is not our friend can have some positive effects.
First, research has shown that, for some, early treatment with one of the disease-modifying drugs can slow the disease. The sooner one begins to tackle the disease, the more likely the results will be positive. There is no cure...only disease-modifying treatments aimed to slow the disease down. So, it makes sense that earlier intervention would yield the best results.
Secondly, keeping time in mind is a good general practice in life. I'm not talking about obsessing over it; rather, keeping it in mind to try to maintain perspective and get the most out of the limited number of days we have.
Lastly, knowing time is an enemy can help light a fire in someone to get up and do something. It could be something as simple as raising money for research. For me, it just felt good to feel like I was contributing.
It can be depressing to think that in one hundred years, we all most likely be gone. But, it's that much more incentive for me to do everything I can while I'm here to make a difference. It's wise to get started soon - I have one less day today than I did yesterday.
Comments
PPl ask me why I do not take the elevator at work. Why do I struggle to haul myself up the 3 flights of stairs instead of taking the mechanical easy way out with them. Because, some day, I will not be able to take the stairs ... and I'll wish I could.
Posted by: mdmhvonpa | June 18, 2007 02:13 PM
To think of something you have zero control over, such as time, as your enemy could only have detrimental consequences to your health. Perhaps it's wiser to realize as each day passes by you are wiser for it, you are sharing your experiences with others but more importantly you are helping future generations cope with and even solve the mysteries of MS.
Great blog and I appreciate your openness and commitment in sharing your experience.
Posted by: Phraimea | June 21, 2007 12:06 AM