I have always been a dynamo in life...I've had to be. I've been a single parent, mother to a very beautiful daughter who was diagnosed with ADHD when she was six. Within three years, I realized that my little daughter marched to the tune of a different drummer in school. That was when I took on the challenges of home-schooling a school-aged child, working full-time, and was managing our home single-handedly with a recent diagnosis of cancer in my right knee.
The standard course of treatment--amputation, a decision I wasn't ready to face until we tried non-surgical options. Following five years of radiation, needle biopsies, lots of nauseating side effects, I BEAT THE CANCER!!!
Somewhere during this time, I remarried. My husband, eight years my junior proved to be the best choice I have ever made in my life, rewarding me with a supportive, gentle partner whom I deem as my very best friend.
I have tackled three ulcers, ovarian tumors (endometriomas) and managed to completely change my physical weight from 370 pounds to 130 within two years following a gastric bypass.
Following my recuperation, I took a job delivering portion-controlled meats to restaurants, delicatessens and BBQ ranches. I lifted lots of heavy deliveries and became rather muscular and buff in my metamorphosis. ALL THE WHILE I UNKNOWINGLY HAD RELAPSING/REMITTING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS.
I believe the biggest hurdle that strong, independent women (and men) face with a diagnosis of this insipid disease requires understanding and forgiveness people's ignorance of this disease.
Outwardly, we look normal, although we might waver in our gait, we might appear to be confused, sometimes drunk in our demeanor, but that's how MS affects its victims.
One day you are doing the laundry, paying the bills, cleaning the house, taking charge of the kids and their needs and the next you are half-blind, unable to move your tingling arms and legs, your memory has been compromised to the luxury of perhaps remember 3 of your 7-digit phone number.
There are days when sleep doesn't come at all, but your body is so fatigued, you are resigned to give in and hope tomorrow is better.
Falling and tripping in the home can result in multiple injuries and daring to take a bath can be downright dangerous!
I am lucky. I have educated and been blessed with supportive family members who help when the need arises and stand back when my independence is more important than doing something perfectly.
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to
S. W. Hussey's
Multiple Sclerosis topic, please visit the Discussions page.
