Columns Fall Down, Get Up Again- a Column by John Connor Hair We Go Again Hair We Go Again by John Connor | March 1, 2019 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link I can’t quite remember when I got hooked on the writings of Jack London, but I don’t think I’ve ever quite shaken off his Nietzschean-inspired “Superman” ethos. It comes in handy for surviving in the wilds of the winter in the Yukon and forcing yourself to build a fire. (I’m referring to the 1902 version of “To Build a Fire.” Spoiler: the protagonist survives.) Not so much when trying to push through the restrictions MS can throw at you whenever it feels like. I haven’t had my hair cut since Halloween, as doing so is a major kerfuffle. Besides getting downstairs, I then have to be eased into my teeny scooter, which needs to have the battery fitted and tested for power. It was bought in the days I could strip it down and put it into the back of the car. Those days are long gone, as indeed is my then-slimmer body. The side gate also has to be opened and a car moved. Then, I’m off on my adventure — Rubens would have gotten a kick out of the sight! Saturday was lovely; the weather is ridiculous in the U.K. this week. We’ve just experienced the warmest February day in our recorded history at 21.2 degrees Celsius (70 F)! Exactly a year ago, it was extremely cold with “The Beast from the East,” weather imported from Siberia. The media haven’t come up with a sobriquet for our Sahara-induced pleasantness, so how about “The camel has a coat — you won’t need one!” OK, OK, not as catchy. The Multiple Sclerosis News Today forums are a place to connect with other patients, share tips and talk about the latest research. Check them out today! I was feeling terrible on Saturday but decided to push on through. I would build that fire. I struggled down the stairs. Halfway down, the doorbell rang and one of my nephews showed up. He came up and helped me. I got to the bottom, too, then tipped backward gently, kept in control by his strong hands. I’d gone for Jack London glory, but unfortunately, it was the 1908 version. In that one, spoiler alert, the character dies! I have a blow-up cushion to get me upright in these circumstances. Unfortunately, having not used it for months, I hadn’t noticed it was no longer charging. Luckily, all of my nephews are strong lads, and James is no exception. He hefted me up onto the stairs’ lower landing and then onto my wheelchair. The expedition was over. The next day was even warmer. I was feeling stronger. My family was again around to help. I made it. My hair was cut by a former Iraqi Kurd refugee who had recently obtained his British passport. He was also a fervent supporter of Brexit! I’m not. We might both be British, but we didn’t have a British conversation. Neither of us mentioned the weather! Hair-raising! (Courtesy of John Connor) *** 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. Print This Page About the Author John Connor In the ‘80s, John Connor created the first regular column about the burgeoning London stand-up scene. In 1990 he wrote a book about its effect on the Edinburgh Festival: “Comics: A Decade of Comedy at the Assembly Rooms.” That year he also devised and ran a live topical stand-up team show at The London Comedy Store, The Edge (It was destroyed in 2020!). In 2009 John was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, which cut short his main job as a TV casting director for “Black Books,” “My Family,” et al. Now, John writes “Fall Down Get Up Again,” an irreverent journey with MS. Tags challenges, mobility, weather Comments Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment
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