It's like boxing.....

One of the things I find the most amazing about MS is how, no matter how long you've had it, it still sucker punches you. That's what happened to me this year. (Especially this summer). I had gone for so long feeling, "lucky". Lucky that I was relatively unaffected by MS. I had a great energy level, didn't have any pain and other than the occasional small "flare-up" (which were usually heat or stress related) some pills, and a shot once a day, MS was merely an inconvenience for the last few years. I didn't even start using a cane "intermittently" until last year. It wasn't until this June that MS really became a main player in my life. In fact, this June it became THE main player and retained the title, until this week. This summer I had I stopped living my life and started living MS. MS was in control. The beginning of my exacerbation's this summer were directly related to an incredibly stressful, emotional situation. 10 days after this situation I was in a full exacerbation. MS sucker punched me, no holds barred. MS then proceeded to beat the tar out of me for almost 3 months. My journey with MS, for the first time, had become a battle. One that at times I wasn't sure I was going to be very successful with. So, I did what I know how to do. I survived. I put my head down, dug my heels in, and did whatever I had to do. Even when it was the LAST thing I wanted to do. (Like that 3rd round of steroids in 2 months). I kept plodding forward. I learned a lot too. Not just about MS and how it's choosing to effect my body, but about ME. (They say you never stop learning). I learned a new way to deal with things and I learned it's OK! (See previous Blogs). I feel I'm finally seeing the light on the other side of the struggle that was this summer. I still have big problems with the right eye d/t the optic neuritis, balance problems and TWF (BIG TIME). I feel like I've gone 9 rounds with MS this summer, with most of them being pinned up against the ropes. If it wasn't for my husband, I have no idea how I would have made it through. I still have challenges ahead. I know that, but for the first time in awhile I feel like I've starting to live my life again instead of the MS. I'm taking baby steps, but at least they are moving in the right direction....forward! Oh...and the hand...much better. Thank goodness for antibiotics!