What do the principles of patrolling have to do with multiple sclerosis?

The U.S. military loves abbreviations and acronyms. So many of these are learned during a soldier’s first year that, to civilians, a conversation between service members might sound like a foreign language. It can be amusing, but the intention of this method of condensing words is not to confuse. It’s actually the opposite: It’s a sort of mnemonic device that helps people quickly recall things.

I still remember many of the acronyms and abbreviations from my time in the Army, despite not using them for years. One that sprang to mind recently is the abbreviation PRSCC. This one from my time as a Ranger is a list of the five principles of patrolling: planning, reconnaissance, security, control, and common sense.

I don’t slip through the woods at night anymore as my platoon makes its way to an objective. With multiple sclerosis (MS), I can still slip, just not through the woods, and my objectives are a bit different these days. PRSCC can still apply, though, even when I’m just patrolling to the grocery store or a restaurant with my platoon of five.

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MS has a way of turning the most mundane task into a daunting mission. The following is how I apply the five principles of patrolling, not to a week’s vacation in a foreign country, but rather to something as simple as taking a shower in my own home.

First comes planning. Before multiple sclerosis, I never imagined I’d have to plan a shower. I never thought I’d have to rest after one, either, but here we are. Because of my symptoms and disability level, I use a shower chair and need assistance from my wife during the entire operation. Nothing about this is spontaneous anymore. Schedules are consulted, time is allotted, and resources are procured. I do bathe regularly, so this is a routine mission, but not as quick as it once was and never spur of the moment.

Next is reconnaissance. It’s my house, so the route to and from the shower is familiar, but my wife still has to scout it out prior to launch. Dog beds, sleeping cats, and children’s toys must be cleared before we head that way. The roll-in shower has to be checked for any obstacles that might compromise our ability to, well, roll in.

Third is security. A shower chair user must consider potential dangers, but these pale in comparison to my Army days. Bathroom rugs, wet floors, and the placement and sturdiness of grab bars are all hazards to mitigate. The patrol is over before it began if security isn’t considered and managed.

Fourth is control. On a patrol, having control includes spacing, staying on the right route, concealment, and communication. For a shower in a familiar setting, the route is set and my wife assists me, so proper spacing between individuals is moot. There is also no concealment — at all. Instead, communication is key. If you’re more independent than me, this might mean a phone or other means of summoning nearby assistance. I have an actual person to communicate with. The importance of communication between caregiver and care receiver cannot be overstated.

Last is common sense. For people with multiple sclerosis, I interpret this as being honest about one’s ability to do the task at hand. Being too fatigued to take a shower (especially a hot one) is a genuine concern. The same is true for every patrol that is planned for the day. I’ll ask myself if I have the energy to do something. If the answer is no, then common sense means giving myself grace and sitting this one out.

As if you didn’t have enough MS-specific acronyms to keep up with, I offer yet another in the form of PRSCC. Feel free to discuss it in the comments below or at our MS forums.

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, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.