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New Poll: Has MS had any positive effects on your life?
Submitted by art on Thu, 2008-05-01 07:15.
Our latest poll, "Has having MS in your life (you or loved one) had any positive influence?", wants to know what good has come of your exposure to MS, if any. After voting, leave a comment on the poll explaining your answer.
Our previous poll found that the top 3 symptoms MSNews readers would like cured are (in this order): Mobility/Dexterity, Fatigue/Heat Sensitivity, and Cognitive/Emotional.
First of all...What a great
First of all...What a great question! I'll be anxious to read all posted comments!
Diagnosed in 1997 caused me to look at my life in a totally different light. How you ask?
Living in Arizona (in the heat) caused me to realize, that I needed to make a change in my life.
Having grown up in Seattle, I knew that I wanted to return to the Pacific Northwest, so I took the necessary steps (which were NOT easy) to make that a reality. One of the most difficult challenges was divorcing my husband of 20 years, to be able to live in a cooler climate. He has no desire to live where it is cold, rainy and wet, so the decision was made to move on.
Something else that occurred, was that I went "deep down" into my psyche/self awareness/consciousness, and tried to find peace/comfort and a deep spirituality, almost to the point of attempting to cure my disease. I still work on this concept, today, which has helped. I am not progressing (rapidly), no new lesions on my last MRI of 6 months ago, with no new symptoms.
Ms has truly made me realize to keep my self centered with no (or little) stress, eat well and enjoy life to the fullest, as NO one knows how or when this devastating disease will change.
I live in Florida, and the
I live in Florida, and the heat and humidity, which keep me chained to A/C is probably my #1 negative. Fatigue and cognitive/emotional SX run a close 2nd.
However on the POSITIVE side, I've made friends that I would never have met or known because of having MS. We share a bond I never had with friends when I was 'well.' (Many old/former friends don't understand my need to pace, rest, avoid the heat, etc because I 'look so good').
One lady I met after posting on an MS board online, is truely one of my best friends today, and we live 1000 miles apart. She's had my husband and me to her home in New England, and she's been to Florida to visit, too.
Being in the New England area was like 'being home' for me, because that is where my father and grandparents are from.
I try to meditate and eat well, and have been blessed in not losing my ability to ambulate, in spite of having MS since 1989.
I've gained a different perspective on many things, not JUST what living with a disability is like. My political perspective and leanings have taken a 180-degree turn. Part of this is due to the lack of Scientific Research the current President and his administration allow in the US. Our Country is rapidly falling behind in Stem Cell Research because of this narrow-mindedness.
I see the plight of the poor and un-insured more clearly and it saddens me greatly. My awareness regarding the needs of the thousands of people in our Country who are without the basics like food, housing, and medical care has raised my consciousness and made me want to fight for changes.
I encourage everyone to VOTE this coming November.
Hmmm - This might be a good topic for another discussion. I.E.: "How has living with MS changed or affected your political awareness or leanings?"
Best thoughts to all to enjoy each day, one day at a time, and for healing.