Since being diagnosed with MS 11 years ago most of my days (excluding when tiredness and colds have badly affected me) have seen me in quite similar physical states.
Not being able to run or walk quickly, pretty awful balance and tired and restless legs.
However, the last few months have made me much more aware of the “good and bad days” saying.
A few days ago for example my right leg literally did not function. It was such a difficult day and I was even more grateful that my daughters’ school now collects them at reception so I don’t have to walk (or in my current case, hobble) around the playground.
Today however my legs work! They don’t feel like they are set in concrete and I can lift my feet as I walk and don’t make that annoying shuffling sound with each step.
This morning I hurried (well, as fast as an MSer can hurry!!) round the house getting some much-needed housework done. I even found myself thinking “Hmm, you know maybe I SHOULD apply for that Teaching Assistant job. I could probably manage it!”.
Who knows, maybe this horrible relapse or whatever it is, is ending?!
Edit: my legs are feeling like lead again so maybe not ☹
This sort of thing has happened lots of times recently though, and It’s getting harder to plan daily life.
The way I handle this unpredictability is basically always make sure I have a plan B for the necessary parts of my day.
For example, If I can’t manage a big shop then organise an online order and just use the local shop if I still need to buy a few items of food.
It’s fortunate that at the moment, with the pandemic, my life is pretty simple. There aren’t too many demands during my day (hooray for school!!).
Also, my husband is working from home so he is able to help with daily life if I’m not feeling great.
It is so important that people with MS have friends and family who can help when symptoms make life difficult.
I still feel so guilty that I’m putting others out if I need a hand with something or need a carer with me if I want to go to an event.
This guilt is completely unfounded though as I have some amazing people in my life who are helpful, thoughtful and most of the time don’t even think about my MS!
Education about the unpredictabily of MS, the acceptance that plans may have to change and the ability to come up with a plan B are all important considerations when dealing with MS.
Perhaps tomorrow will be better 🙂
The Kids, Me and MS 