Having multiple sclerosis

There are quite a few things about having multiple sclerosis (ms) that are bad. The fatigue, the muscle weakness, the side effects from medication, the memory and other mind problems, the fine motor skill deficit I have and probably other things I'd remember if I didn't have MS.

And of course there's the biggish bad thing and that is the awful thing of having to give myself an injection in the thigh once a week. It's not a tiny needle into the skin, it's a big needle into the muscle of my thigh. I used to be scared of needles. I'm not scared of them any more, I just don't like them much!

I can't walk for long distances, and hot weather makes my symptoms worse. Getting too hot or getting stressed make it all worse. Fortunately, sitting and chatting are good for me, so that's what I like to do. I'm lucky that I'm not one of the people with MS who has eye problems, so that's a good thing. I like to read, so that hasn't been taken away from me by my disease.

My handwriting has become even worse than it used to be, and sometimes driving, particularly driving our manual Barina, is a bit difficult. But staying at home and reading and writing are things I like to do anyway, so it good from that point of view. I'm able to continue my study (Cert IV in Community Service Work), so by the middle of the year I'll have a qualification, if all goes well. Then, who know what I might end up doing.

My disease might open up new avenues for me, working in some kind of support role, (but not physical support - I'm not strong enough for that) in the community sector. I love to help people and I know more about the disability sector from the users' side!

Having MS has taught me even more that seeing the positives in life leads to a better outlook on life. I can imagine better things and better ways to be living, and it could be a lot worse. Complaining about things to others will only make me sad, and lead to people not wanting to be with me. I'm working to stay upbeat so people will enjoy being with me.

If you have any thoughts about any of these things, please leave a message and we can talk further about it.