continuing from "My MS Story"...When I looked up Multiple Sclerosis in the 1960's encyclopedia (during early 80's) to see what in the world this MS was. My future looked grim, "I should live a nice long life til about age 50" it said.
I had no MS symptoms for a few years. It seemed to go away, I kinda forgot MS.
As time goes by I did start limping more noticeable. There were no meds back then.
I eased into the "wheelchair battle" slowly. I started using a scooter more at work little by little, to get the job done. I could speed around work doing my job like normal.
I did go out of work on short-term disability twice a year. I took IVs of the only med ACTH (steroids). I had to do this for several years.
I finally went on full time disability after my daughter was one year old. "Another story about the kids".
I started using a scooter full time after my son was born (not his fault) just MS and no meds back then.
When I was at my worst , things turned around for me. The Betaseron injections came out. I had a few complications such as injection site irritations but happy to have meds.
Pauline arrived in my life when the kids were small. She was a friend I met at my MS Self Help group. She saw the dire need I was in. She helped with cleaning, organizing etc.
We eventually built a handicap accessible house so I could move around with ease in a chair.
I resumed life with stable MS with no relapses that I remember. I am sure I have deteriorated with age.
I continued raising two kids like a sorta normal Mom. I was using a scooter all the time. I now find a power chair easier to speed about in but I still hate the Wheelchair look.
I did have a support network of help like my sister Karen. She helped with cleaning, babysitting, taking me to doctors etc. Of course Hubs has been there the whole 25 years also!
As I look back it does give me a better attitude. Maybe I will post about the small times I was rescued. When I was stuck in the rain in a wheelchair.....
