COVID – Everyone is Disabled ♿

I have been known to say that there are two types of people in the world: Those who divide the world into two kinds of people, and those who don’t.

I’d like to think that I fall into the latter category — most of the time.

When it comes to people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), however, I have found two statements come up time and again:

• “I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.”
• “If only they had MS for one day, they’d understand.”

Rather than divide people with MS into saying one or the other, it would be more accurate to say that most of us have said both at one time or another.

Restrictions on Travel, Even Locally

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began its deadly march around the world, counties, states, and countries around the world have placed unprecedented (and widely varied) restrictions on the movement of their citizens.

Many who have never before been cocooned in their homes, restricted in the distances they can travel, or obliged to rely on the kindness of others to get the formerly simplest of errands completed are now experiencing a taste of our lives — lives normally limited by a chronic disease, and now additionally limited by the threat of an acute, contagious disease.

Planning Ahead for Any Small Outing

The level of planning required to live in such sequester is taking a large proportion of the public by surprise.

They can’t just run out to whatever shop they like to buy whatever they need, whenever they decide it might be required. No more can they pop out for lunch with a friend, keep regular appointments, or workout at the gym whenever they want — or at all.

Many people with MS need to plan ahead for such ordinary activities all the time.

Shrinking Budgets and Limited Food Options

Many families are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet, as paychecks have stopped coming in, or their previous wages have been supplemented or replaced by far lower income supports from the state.

The foods they prepare are based on what can be found close to home, what might be left on shelves when they can finally make it to the shops, and even from foodbanks, as their funds don’t stretch to the end of the month.

Not everyone with MS experiences these same financial or supply issues on a regular basis, but many us have lost jobs and have limited transportation options, so we know what it’s like to get by on less.

While we mayn’t wish the symptoms, expense, pain, or suffering of multiple sclerosis on anyone, many who have never experienced a disability in their lives are now living with some of the restrictions the disease has put on our families. While it might be easy to begrudge those previously living their lives without limitations, none of us finds any joy in seeing them peek through the front door of our lives.

There is exquisite grief which far too many families are experiencing as the virus steals not only lives, but the ability to properly grieve those losses. We will all do well to remember the suffering brought about by this pandemic and put our collective limitations into perspective.

Stay home. Stay safe.

Wishing you and your family the best of health.

Cheers,

Love Smoothies… 

I HAVE NOW LOST 85 POUNDS  AND COUNTING.  Never to be gained again.  8 POUNDS TO MY Highschool weight.

Hello and Welcome Here.  I Retired Early Due to MS.  Now it is up to me to stay fit.  Or should I say get fit and LOOSE WEIGHT.

Let me know how you like it.

Rick