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What I Learned in 2007
Just thought I'd share a piece I wrote for a blog I have...
As this year is winding down, I find myself looking back at what 2007 has meant to me. This has been quite the interesting year, filled with losses, additions, and many mediocre "whatevers" in between.
Though I didn't know it at that time, I began having symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis at the end of January. Well, at least this is when they became apparent enough to start causing some distress. March brought my daughter's 10th birthday, but not before we had to put one of our family cats, Neo, to sleep (why do they call it that, anyway?) a few days before the big event.
Months of physical therapy brought me to the end of June, when numbness in my fingertips and arm made me realize something was going really awry within my body. Multiple tests, starting with a negative nerve conduction study and ending with an MRI that proved positive for lesions, started me on my journey called "What in the hell is Multiple Sclerosis and what does it have to do with me?"
Did I mention that this MRI took place one day after my 30th birthday and eighteen days before my wedding?
Yet another test, a lumbar puncture, done at the beginning of September, offered the doctors more ammo to shoot my way when it came to that fateful day (sounds so ominous, huh?) on November 9th when I received an official diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
Fast forward to today when I put my second cat of the year to sleep. As I said, there were many other things in between all of those big events. I call them mediocre "whatevers" because, keeping in perspective of all the others, they just don't seem as big. A third cat ran away (we got him back), my car broke down (I got a new one), I fell down some stairs at work (I got 6 staples in my head...oh, wait, that wasn't a positive!).
So what have I learned from this year? Good question. Well, I've learned that you shouldn't plan too far ahead because crazy things like MS just might rear its ugly head in your life. I've learned that an identity is an ever-changing thing. I've learned to hold the handrail while walking down the stairs, especially if they are cement! :)
I've still got a lot to learn from this year, and it may take most or all of 2008 to learn it. A lot has happened to throw me for a loop, and I'm slowly regaining my balance (no MS joke here either).
What I knew prior to 2007 is that I am strong. Though this seems like a massive amount of life-altering events to take in (and it is), I am confident that I will find ways to come to terms with all that 2007, and life in general, has brought upon me....it just may take a bit longer than usual. Happy 2007 and may 2008 be a little calmer!
angela5674
As this year is winding down, I find myself looking back at what 2007 has meant to me. This has been quite the interesting year, filled with losses, additions, and many mediocre "whatevers" in between.
Though I didn't know it at that time, I began having symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis at the end of January. Well, at least this is when they became apparent enough to start causing some distress. March brought my daughter's 10th birthday, but not before we had to put one of our family cats, Neo, to sleep (why do they call it that, anyway?) a few days before the big event.
Months of physical therapy brought me to the end of June, when numbness in my fingertips and arm made me realize something was going really awry within my body. Multiple tests, starting with a negative nerve conduction study and ending with an MRI that proved positive for lesions, started me on my journey called "What in the hell is Multiple Sclerosis and what does it have to do with me?"
Did I mention that this MRI took place one day after my 30th birthday and eighteen days before my wedding?
Yet another test, a lumbar puncture, done at the beginning of September, offered the doctors more ammo to shoot my way when it came to that fateful day (sounds so ominous, huh?) on November 9th when I received an official diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
Fast forward to today when I put my second cat of the year to sleep. As I said, there were many other things in between all of those big events. I call them mediocre "whatevers" because, keeping in perspective of all the others, they just don't seem as big. A third cat ran away (we got him back), my car broke down (I got a new one), I fell down some stairs at work (I got 6 staples in my head...oh, wait, that wasn't a positive!).
So what have I learned from this year? Good question. Well, I've learned that you shouldn't plan too far ahead because crazy things like MS just might rear its ugly head in your life. I've learned that an identity is an ever-changing thing. I've learned to hold the handrail while walking down the stairs, especially if they are cement! :)
I've still got a lot to learn from this year, and it may take most or all of 2008 to learn it. A lot has happened to throw me for a loop, and I'm slowly regaining my balance (no MS joke here either).
What I knew prior to 2007 is that I am strong. Though this seems like a massive amount of life-altering events to take in (and it is), I am confident that I will find ways to come to terms with all that 2007, and life in general, has brought upon me....it just may take a bit longer than usual. Happy 2007 and may 2008 be a little calmer!
angela5674
You are all such wonderful people. Reading your posts and chatting with you is like a little bit of heaven or church each day. Because I see God's goodness and the strength and understanding and compassion and love of life that he has given you each and every day. You are like scripture in action.
Although dotted throughout with anger, hurt, fear, and despair, and worry there are many, and I mean just 'so many' words of inspiration, encouragement, strength, cheerfulnesss, empathy, sympathy, and love and understanding for each other. We may have MS or another illness, but God gave us all the strength to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and be alive and kicking for ourselves, our family, and each other. Isn't that what love and unity is all about? Though we are diverse in our backgrounds, religious beliefs, our geographical locations, education, and upbringing we are all united and strengthed by our bonds of increasing knowledge, our cyber friendship and understanding...our growth of inner-peace. We are a special and unique family.
Yes, this was the year that many of us were introduced to MS...or another disease...and to each other. And disease or no disease, I am ever so glad that I found and joined this forum of wonderful, wonderful people. Thank you for giving me a special ending to 2007 and a circle of companionship and understanding, my friends, in 2008 and beyond...
May you all be blessed in the coming year and the years to come.
Happy New Year's and Auld Lang Syne and all that jazz! How about a toast of Irish coffee for the New Year's morn?!!
Hugs and Kisses,
Torey
Although dotted throughout with anger, hurt, fear, and despair, and worry there are many, and I mean just 'so many' words of inspiration, encouragement, strength, cheerfulnesss, empathy, sympathy, and love and understanding for each other. We may have MS or another illness, but God gave us all the strength to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and be alive and kicking for ourselves, our family, and each other. Isn't that what love and unity is all about? Though we are diverse in our backgrounds, religious beliefs, our geographical locations, education, and upbringing we are all united and strengthed by our bonds of increasing knowledge, our cyber friendship and understanding...our growth of inner-peace. We are a special and unique family.
Yes, this was the year that many of us were introduced to MS...or another disease...and to each other. And disease or no disease, I am ever so glad that I found and joined this forum of wonderful, wonderful people. Thank you for giving me a special ending to 2007 and a circle of companionship and understanding, my friends, in 2008 and beyond...
May you all be blessed in the coming year and the years to come.
Happy New Year's and Auld Lang Syne and all that jazz! How about a toast of Irish coffee for the New Year's morn?!!
Hugs and Kisses,
Torey
Thanks for your words of hope and encouragement. I know that I will get through all of this. I am an extremely strong person, I just don't feel that way (physically and mentally) lately. Adversity is nothing new to me. I'd been a single mom for the first 9 years of my daughter's 11 year existence. I spent 7 1/2 long years going to college, finally working myself up to a Master's degree in Social Work. I got my daughter and I from low-income housing and food stamps during this time, to living in our first house. I laugh in the face of adversity...well, except this one. I'm trying to learn to laugh again. It's extremely difficult for me to go to work each day, but I do it because I still can. And I have 14 adolescent girls at my the treatment center I work for that need therapy! I need the therapy they give me through helping them. This MS business is all new to me. Like everyone, I have good days and bad days. Currently the best ones are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (the days I don't take the Rebif). I appreciate coming to this forum and hearing the stories of others, and knowing that if I need support that I will get it.
Zulma- thanks for being by my side, even in cyberspace
Granny- you're so funny! Even with your own setbacks, you always come on here and lift everyone else's spirits. I just realized---I guess it's similar to me going to help the girls at work everyday. Only 2 of them even know about my MS, and, although I'm sure I'm not as "vibrant" as some remember me to be at one time, I make sure my "issues" don't get in the way of working on theirs.
Jazzy- I'll drink that coffee with ya! Cheers
Thanks to all...Angela
Zulma- thanks for being by my side, even in cyberspace
Granny- you're so funny! Even with your own setbacks, you always come on here and lift everyone else's spirits. I just realized---I guess it's similar to me going to help the girls at work everyday. Only 2 of them even know about my MS, and, although I'm sure I'm not as "vibrant" as some remember me to be at one time, I make sure my "issues" don't get in the way of working on theirs.
Jazzy- I'll drink that coffee with ya! Cheers
Thanks to all...Angela
You know what 2007 also taught me that when you think you are at your worst moment, there is someone who at that precise moment is dying on his/her own because nobody cares for him/her. I learned that we are very lucky, we have family, friends and because of this forum we have ciberfriends that we know they really care for us. We have to count our blessings even when we have to deal with the monster.
You may find other stray cats, and I can tell that you will take as good care to them as you did to the others. People who take good care of animals are great people. So you see 2007 have taught all of us so many lessons that we have not seen them, but once someone points them, the sun shines a little bit brighter.
Happy new year, and I hope that 2008 is a very good teacher to all of us.
Zulma (Gooddays)
You may find other stray cats, and I can tell that you will take as good care to them as you did to the others. People who take good care of animals are great people. So you see 2007 have taught all of us so many lessons that we have not seen them, but once someone points them, the sun shines a little bit brighter.
Happy new year, and I hope that 2008 is a very good teacher to all of us.
Zulma (Gooddays)
That was beautiful. I've never heard it all put exactly in those words but I don't think anybody could have said it any better than you just did.
I'll be praying,
Carol
PS. By the way, I did get to take my son to the amusement park and the attendents helped me on and off every ride there. It was amazing. My chair stayed right next to the attendents.
I'll be praying,
Carol
PS. By the way, I did get to take my son to the amusement park and the attendents helped me on and off every ride there. It was amazing. My chair stayed right next to the attendents.
What a great post. LOL Carol, I am glad you two already got that straightened out for us, yeah!
Great one Angela about the handrail. Handrails are a mighty good thing. And the identity- those are words to live by. (thumbs up)
I've learned that you never know when or where you might fall, so try to think about it anytime you are walking! hehe thought you might like that one.
I've learned that a scooter or wheelchair might actually be considered a good thing, and allow me to do things I haven't been able to for quite awhile, like take my kids to the amusement park or museum!
I learned to do things when you can. The times that you can go, hit it running and dont' glance back for that monster behind you (lol ok not literally running we know of course). If it kicks your butt for awhile, ride it out until you can hit it again. If you can't hit it running, park your chair in the middle of the action!
So there maybe periods of time your not accomplishing anything, but thats ok, they are just rest stops, enjoy the coffee.
Treasure the supportive friends and family- they are truly an amazing gift.
Hugs all
Jazzy fizzle
Great one Angela about the handrail. Handrails are a mighty good thing. And the identity- those are words to live by. (thumbs up)
I've learned that you never know when or where you might fall, so try to think about it anytime you are walking! hehe thought you might like that one.
I've learned that a scooter or wheelchair might actually be considered a good thing, and allow me to do things I haven't been able to for quite awhile, like take my kids to the amusement park or museum!
I learned to do things when you can. The times that you can go, hit it running and dont' glance back for that monster behind you (lol ok not literally running we know of course). If it kicks your butt for awhile, ride it out until you can hit it again. If you can't hit it running, park your chair in the middle of the action!
So there maybe periods of time your not accomplishing anything, but thats ok, they are just rest stops, enjoy the coffee.
Treasure the supportive friends and family- they are truly an amazing gift.
Hugs all
Jazzy fizzle
Zulma, I have also found that my new leg braces and cane are now part of me. I don't have that little sexy hip movement I once did but who the h### cares, at least I can walk. Hang in there together we can limp through it.
Angela, that was absolutely beautiful what you wrote. I think we all feel the same way. We have learned a lot of hard lessons in the year 2007, and I'm sure we have many more to learn. All in all 2007 could have been a lot worse. We could be in a hole in the ground. Right? See there is a bright side to every thing.lol
Sorry about the joke. I guess that's just the way I feel about 2007. I am certain that the good Lord above is going to make 2008 a much better year for us all. In fact, I'm counting on it. We (the Lord and me) have already had a little chat about it. I promised to do my part in kicking the **** out of this disease if he would do his part and that's let me ride through the year in his arms. I'm pretty sure he will.
I'll be praying,
Carol
Angela, that was absolutely beautiful what you wrote. I think we all feel the same way. We have learned a lot of hard lessons in the year 2007, and I'm sure we have many more to learn. All in all 2007 could have been a lot worse. We could be in a hole in the ground. Right? See there is a bright side to every thing.lol
Sorry about the joke. I guess that's just the way I feel about 2007. I am certain that the good Lord above is going to make 2008 a much better year for us all. In fact, I'm counting on it. We (the Lord and me) have already had a little chat about it. I promised to do my part in kicking the **** out of this disease if he would do his part and that's let me ride through the year in his arms. I'm pretty sure he will.
I'll be praying,
Carol
Even with an MS dx you cannot but move forward. Remember MS is not a death sentense, it is just one big detour on the road!!!!
Like I tell everyone on this forum and those who I talk to around me, do a lot of research, there are plenty of books, websites which can help you understand and cope with your condition. Your best bet is to handle your condition with your best disposition and not with bitterness, it is not your fault that you developed it, but also is it not the world either.
I have been dealing with MS for the past 14 years and all these years have been like a roller coaster. After 6 Neuros I was finally dxd in 2003 and I am on Avonex now. Not one person faces MS the same way the another does. I am now facing with double vision in my left eye (I have to wear an eye patch for at least 18 hours a day for a period of 6 months to a year) and I was just fitted for leg braces for both my legs. My doctor said that my braces and my cane will be my companions for the rest of my life.
Like I say to everyone, we may Have MS, but MS does not have us.
Count on me if you need.
Your friend,
Zulma
Like I tell everyone on this forum and those who I talk to around me, do a lot of research, there are plenty of books, websites which can help you understand and cope with your condition. Your best bet is to handle your condition with your best disposition and not with bitterness, it is not your fault that you developed it, but also is it not the world either.
I have been dealing with MS for the past 14 years and all these years have been like a roller coaster. After 6 Neuros I was finally dxd in 2003 and I am on Avonex now. Not one person faces MS the same way the another does. I am now facing with double vision in my left eye (I have to wear an eye patch for at least 18 hours a day for a period of 6 months to a year) and I was just fitted for leg braces for both my legs. My doctor said that my braces and my cane will be my companions for the rest of my life.
Like I say to everyone, we may Have MS, but MS does not have us.
Count on me if you need.
Your friend,
Zulma
I definantly agree with you....2008 has got to be a better year!!!! I am counting down the hours and minutes till Jan 1st and putting this year behind me!!!! May 2008 bring you much happiness and all the answers you seek!!!
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