Losing Our Independence Due to Multiple Sclerosis

Debi Wilson avatar

by Debi Wilson |

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independence and MS

Faith of the Mustard Seed
Losing our independence due to multiple sclerosis is a profound loss. With that loss comes the grieving process and inevitable change.

On Grief.com in “A Message from David Kessler,” he discusses the fiveĀ stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I have experienced all of these stages with each new obstacle I encounter. For me, the hardest stages to conquer are denial and acceptance.

Driving was probably the biggest thing that gave me independence and freedom. I was in denial that I had to give it up at first, but then made the decision on my own that it was for the best. Cognitive issues not only make driving unsafe for me, but for others as well.

When my brain gets overstimulated, I get overwhelmed and stressed. Once I get stressed I can’t think clearly, my mind will drift off focus or even go blank. It becomes a chain reaction of events that keep me from driving. I accept that this is where I’m at right now, but it was not an easy decision.

Another one of the things I loved to do pre-MS was bake. I really enjoyed having warm peanut butter or chocolate chip cookies ready for my kids when they got home from school. I was also happy preserving jams and fruits, baking pies and apple turnovers, and a lot more. Most times I would preserve or bake with my mom. We hadĀ a great time and I was learning from the best.

I felt productive and was providing for my family. It was an awesome feeling to show them love through something I had made and that was sweet, as well. My daughter is carrying on the baking tradition. She’s a fantastic cook, and is providing love through food for her family.

Even though I have passed the torch on to her, I do miss baking and I still do it once in a great while. It’s just that now it takes a lot of effort, help from my husband, and adds to my already high level of fatigue.

I also miss the days of playing tennis, or just getting up from a chair. Now it takes a lot of thought about safety before getting up. It is overwhelming at times, and definitely frustrating to be so limited.

I do accept the limitations on my independence, and I make adjustments as I can. It is difficult but I hope for new developments in MS research. Until then, I try to live my life to the best of my abilities.

None of us know the future. I choose to believe there will be great news for us MSer’s soon and independence can once again be ours.

***

Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those ofĀ Multiple Sclerosis News TodayĀ or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.

Comments

Janice Golding avatar

Janice Golding

I wish I could be so positive but my Job which I loved was Driving which I had to stop driving Truck the day I was DX because if I didn't I might have hurt someone. I drove big trucks delivering goods cross country ( yes 18 Wheeler ) which I did for 10 years and was going to keep driving till I was in my 70's but MS took that away along with My half sister, the love of my life ( 2.5 yrs later ) and I have lost everything but my life ( such as it is now ) and my dog. She wakes me everyday and is the joy of my so called life. Some have it better than me but being mostly homeless isn't a life.

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Debi Wilson avatar

Debi Wilson

I'm so sorry Janice that you lost your half sister and your livelihood (so impressed you drove those big trucks!). I know that MS robs us of so much, it's not fair at all! For me being positive help. Lots of researchers are working every day to find a cure for this and we don't know it might be just around the corner. I will be praying for you! Thanks for your comments! Debi

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Lisa Murphy avatar

Lisa Murphy

Hey, Debi, thank you for sharing in your article. I can so relate, and from one MS-er to another, I'm sending you a big hug, girl! :) God bless you. Lisa

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Debi Wilson avatar

Debi Wilson

Thank-you Lisa, I appreciate the hug and comments! Hugs to you! Debi

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