New Year’s Resolution: Do What You Can, While You Can

There ‘s a top 10 list of New Year’s resolutions that are most commonly made and then most commonly broken.

Lose weight, get fit, stop smoking (well, never touch hard drugs like tobacco), and spend more time with the family (they have no choice unless they leave the house!) all feature. The last is drink less — not going to happen. It’s one of the few things I can still do. I’ve adapted, I now quaff better quality.

Instead, I thought I’d amass a small list of things that might be possible to achieve if the winds of fate blow in the right direction. I’ll never run for a bus again, but that bus has been something I’ve been more than willing to let pass.

I’ve had two rounds of the disease-modifying therapy Lemtrada (alemtuzumab). The clinical news so far is good — my last MRI showed no increase in lesions. I’ve just gone past the six-month period since my last infusions, and my immune system should begin to recover (it drops to just above zero). This is still problematic as I’ve been battling a constant urinary tract infection for over a month now. Everything I try to do is circumscribed by this.

Also, if I attempt anything extraordinary, there is an equation to be met. If I do “that,” I won’t be able to do “this.” And the “this” is often the basics, like working or attending an exercise class!

So near, yet so far: Snookered by my own pool table. (Photo by John Connor)

Number one on my wish list of New Year’s attainments is to play pool again. This really isn’t as hard as it sounds. Ten years ago for my 50th birthday, my wife bought me a table and graciously let a room be dominated by it. I think I possibly had a few runs on it in early 2017, but after May and my second round of Lemtrada, such frippery ceased. However, with the judicious use of my perching stool and one of my sons willing to both play and move the stool ’round the table for me, I could maybe give it a go.

I’m not greedy — I only have two resolutions.

The other is to play wheelchair tennis again.

Last year, the power went out of my arms. Even hitting the ball back in a stationary position became problematic. I was never the best, but I could rally and occasionally thrash a real doozy.

I’m right-handed and that side has deteriorated. My grip has diminished and the range of the arm is now somewhat restricted. Still, physical improvements may come in the next few months. If they do, I’ll have to grab the opportunity.

One thing MS has taught me is, “Do what you can, while you can.”

The New Year is a time for hope — so, here’s hoping.

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Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today 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 of Multiple Sclerosis News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.