Why do I say that, considering that I have been ill most of the time this summer? Because despite the fact I could not do many things, I did take a chance on going sailing and I loved it!
My dad used to take us sailing as kids. I loved it then too. But memories of the vertigo that resulted after a long sail making it hard to walk made me wonder how much worse it could be now that I am diagnosed with MS.
Vertigo happens everyday, to a lot of people who have MS,even when they don’t go sailing. I had experienced it when I was rushed to the hospital and so I was afraid that my balance and weakness would make it unsafe or difficult for me to sail. Despite that, I took a chance and the four hour sail was awesome! The wind and weather were just right. If felt so great to sit on the side of the boat in the cool breeze, with my legs and feet dangling over its edge as the water sprayed up onto the bow. In those moments I didn’t have MS. I felt like a kid again, free and easy. Caution told me that I was taking a chance on getting too tired, losing my balance and falling overboard or getting so dizzy that I would be sick. But it wasn’t until two hours into the sail that I tired and it was worth it. It felt great! I don't know if I will be able to do it again but that will not stop me from trying. Some people with MS can still do so much while others can do what appears to be very little.
~I always get so mad when I read the websites about MS and there is a story about some guy,and who is bragging about how he went mountain climbing or persevered in being a champion swimmer with MS. I guess stories like that may motivate us to stay positive and to focus on what we can do! That’s great but the sites often neglect to show that this is probably only the case because he/she is in remission or has a case that does not affect energy levels. This makes me think that no one will want to donate money to find a cure. People may be thinking that overcoming MS is a matter of will power and will power can only help so much. Or they may think , "Why contribute after all, if you can climb mountains or still go to work , what on earth are you all complaining about” (Oh, ya , wait ,right MS is degenerative and progressive, but let's think positive)
On the other hand, like any disease that causes limitations, MS can give one an opportunity to try new things and take new paths that one may have overlooked. When I am on bed rest, I try and catch up on thank you notes or I call or pray for someone I know, who may also be feeling badly. I find that if I can take the time to reach out and do at least one nice thing for someone, it makes things better. Starting a book club or a prayer group, going back to school are some more ideas. I found a great website that may help with discouragement if you have it. I haven’t joined this program yet but I thought I would post it for families with MS. Please let me know if you are helped by it. It is http://www.mscando.org/
