I am reflecting back on a strong memory with my Dad. He has COPD and some heart issues. Of course he has good and bad days.
I now see how upset he was when he thought I was having signs of a brain tumor? but it turned out to be MS.
The weird stuff began when I had a blob appear in my eye for a week and I went to an eye doctor. It cleared up for a few months....
Later I started seeing two of everything (double vision). Also I was numb from head to toe on the right side of my body. I did not realize it could be serious.
Then, it was the day after Thanksgiving, Dad said "we are going to the Doctor"! I said "no one will be open during a holiday" but the same eye doctor was open.
After the eye exam, he took Dad into another room to talk.
I thought that was strange. I was living on my own and independent so I was getting irritated?
When we left, Dad was obviously upset. He was trying to talk to Mom alone but I kept saying that it was my body.
Dad finally said "the doctor thinks it could be MS".
I thought I do not want to be one of Jerry's kids. But that is MD? so what is MS? No computers or tests to confirm it back then.
I understand why Dad was so upset since I am a parent now.
Thankfully I have not had those eye problems in 30 years!
This is a reminder to spend time with our loved ones while we can.
I am linking with Lisa at Two Bears Farm
19 comments:
The heart of a parent....You only get it when you ARE one!
Good post. Makes us think....
i can't even imagine how you felt when you heard that at such a young age and also how your parents felt. thanks for continuing to share your story with us
That must have been such hard news for him (and you, too, of course)!! Thanks for sharing your story.
Oh this made me teary, because I know that my Dad would have done the very same thing! What a strong loving Dad you have!
Blessings, Joanne
What a story!! You go to the eye doctor, and get this diagnosis!! So there were no tests to confirm it back then? How did they tell, is it a diagnosis of exclusion or did he see some changes in your eye? Are there diagnostic tests now? The little girl we watch, Ella, has cystic fibrosis, and my heart just breaks for her. She has to have many treatments every day...but now they test every baby who is born for it, because it is becoming so much more common. Do you have treatments of any kind, or a special diet? At the very least, I imagine you take many pills. Also, are there doctors who are MS specialists, would that be a neurologist?
That must've been such a scary time for both of you!
Thanks for linking up this week :-)
When parents get their son/daughter's bad diagnostic usually "heaven falls upon them".
Your Dad was upset then, but he was probably strong enough to deal with the issue in a realistic, positive manner.
This news must have been a very hard thing to hear for both your Dad, Mom and yourself. I'm glad you haven't had the eye problem for 30 years!
Thanks for sharing this story with us. (Hugs)
I can't imagine how hard that news must have been. Makes me remember to be thankful for good family, who is always there for us.
Thank you for reminding me of how important it is to spend time with the people who matter most.
How awesome though, that you haven't had any vision problems for 30 years and you're also now a mommy! What a blessing!
Thank you for visiting my blog. Have a blessed and beautiful weekend.
Hi Kim, My childhood friend who has MS had a terribly time getting the correct diagnosis. She truly went through years of testing --and people who thought she was nuts... I think she was relieved when she finally got a diagnosis...By the way, she (since she lives alone with no family near) has moved into an assisted living place --and loves it.
Take care and have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy
You were so young, how hard this must have been for all of you...so much love, trying to protect you from what he could not. And still look what a wonderful life you have had against the odds!
Kim thank you for sharing such a touching story. Blessings.
Oh what a sweet memory! A caring father is definitely a gift. Thanks for the reminder to treasure our loved ones. Blessings to you my friend!
Thank you for this reminder to spend time with our loved ones. I know I do not phone my parents enough
Like you, one of my most first "obvious" MS symptoms was eye problems. (Optic Neuritis) My dad took it the hardest. He's gone now but I will never forget how hard he took it.
What a touching story. Thank you so much for sharing it. Daddy's (well parents) always want to protect their little ones, so being something he couldn't 'fix' I know had to be hard on him. and I know it had to be a big blow to you too.
Thanks for the reminder, family is all we have so we need to take the time to spend with them!
Touching words, Kim . . . and wise advice for all of us. It's so true that our perspective changes when we become parents. God bless you and your family!
Parents are so often overlooked in all written and said about caregiving and/or living with MS. Thanks for reminding us all.
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick
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