Question of the Month (Feb. '13) - Expressing your Normal Self

[Lulu54]

Living with MS or looking for answers about MS can be all consuming and we often find the need to step back and just be 'normal' for our own sake. What have you done lately to push MS to the back and foster a sense of normalcy?

Our Monthly Question focuses on a specific topic. There are no right or wrong answers -we just want to hear about your experiences, whether you are a veteran of this forum or you are new and have been lurking, waiting for the inspiration to share your thoughts.

We can't offer a cup of coffee or tea while we chat- you will have to pour your own - but we hope you will sit down with us at our virtual table and share your thoughts.

- Your MS Community Leaders

[Sierra28]

I homeschool a son with HFA, too. Never a dull moment! Every subject must somehow relate to birds at the moment. Some days it's chickens, other it's birds of prey, LOL.

[kwarendorf]

"if I could still walk marathons"

[kwarendorf]

In another thread a poster asked if feeling way down in the dumps was depression. I said I didn't think so.

Kelly has hit on a couple of my MS/Life issues; slowing down at the end of walks and bathroom issues. These are things that don;t prevent me from living a perfectly normal life, but wouldn't it be great if I could marathons (I've done 3)? Wouldn't it be great if it didn't take forever to pee sometimes?

These kinds of things can be easily pushed into the background. But they are also things that, on occasion, remind you that having MS s*cks :-)

Kyle

[anon07072023]

Good question. I really haven't done anything lately to push the MS to the background. Like so many have said; it's difficult to do.  I notice it at work during meeting because I can't see the data up on the screen (even when sitting at the front of the room) - plus the brain fog and doing everything slower.  

I try to take a break and take our husky for a walk with my partner. And when we come around the backend of our walk, I'm walking much slower and I know they have to slow down for me. Then the pain from the spasticity and my bathroom issues.

I guess for me it's not trying to be normal and pushing it to the background.  It's just trying to live with it and all my other medical stuff going on.

[Jacksmom516]

Unfortunately my mobility is impacted so every day MS rears its ugly head -  whether it be to walk from car to office, around office, or doing things around my house.  I try to push it to the back but there it is everytime I stand up.  Also there is the daily reminder of taking my meds because without them my mobility would be even worse!~

Between work(7 days a week) the house (cleaning, laundry, food shopping etc. ) Physical therapy there isn't much time for anything else. I push through days handling what needs to be done and try to feel "normal"  Some days I am successful at it others not so much!

[LoveMyBostons]

I volunteer to transport rescued Boston Terriers to their new foster homes. I love it and it makes me feel like I'm making a difference in their lives. I like to drive so I feel like the "normal" me in my car.

I try not to think about what my normal used to mean because it'll only depress me.