MS has taken away from me peace of mind. I am a worry wart and have a lot of anxiety. I see a therapist and am on a couple meds for it.

Ms prevented me from continuing to teach so I had to find something else to do. I went back to being a funeral celebrant which I had done years ago. I have to say that I just love it !

However, Ms caused me to look at my general health, with the consequence that I am far fitter than I was pre Ms; and it has given me such a great understanding of disabilities in general.

So while it has taken some of my mobility it has given me so much more than it has taken.

I know I wrote this awhile ago but I'll tell it again because I like the metaphor... I once received a gift which I thought from the wrapping, was a parasol. It turned out to be a back scratcher! Not so beautiful, but still useful!

It has taken my family and most of my friends. I think that anxiety or my own personality caused me to drive away my dysfunctional family away (although they are crazy anyways). They didn't have much to do with my disabled step mother either. I seem to be fearless and say what is on my mind so I have driven away friends but they were easy because they didn't want to cope with my disabilities or slow them down.

It causes me to live my life around MS, around my bowel movements, my fatigue, etc. But still I have some free time to do many things.

But it has given me the time to pursue my passion. I am an intense advocate for the disabled, the environment, and animals. I work tirelessly for several causes. I am always writing emails and letters and contacting the top. I am fearless in my pursuit of answers. So MS has been a trade-off. I have gotten the freedom to pursue my passion for the last 15 years that I wouldn't have been able to do without being on disability. I was always political but I couldn't make a living on it. So I am disabled but I am able to do what I couldn't do when I was able bodied. Hope that makes sense. I don't have the wonderful family that many of you do, but my health is better than a lot of you. So there is always the trade off.

MS has taken away my independence. I am totally dependent on others for all my needs. I am a quadriplegic. I used to drive my motorized wheelchair. That gave me the ability to get to many activities. I still try to get around in my Manual wheelchair. It's not as easy when you have to have others push your chair.

my independence Hate it hate it

it has stolen my life. I don't live, I survive, I exist - from day to day. This is not a life, it's an existence, as as though I've been sent to prison with no chance of parole.

My old me

Cathy

I agree with Koda - Independence is sure a big part of what ms has taken. No longer drive & struggle with scooter or chair a lot.

It has also taken most of my friends as they were from local Church but cant drive = cant go as hubby doesn't go.
On the other hand I have made a lot of real good friends through ms & learnt who true friends are.
Have also learnt that "pride goes before a fall" is so true, was so darn independant & stayed so until it was taking hours to get to Dr's etc & some I couldn't by public transport so asked friends occasionaly, Mum stated categorically that she couldn't help me as busy herself & too hard to get to me (20 mins max) & then take me to Dr's & I didn't want her coming in either to Dr. I now use council volunteer drivers when I can. Allowed 2 a month but lady in charge often lets me have 1 more when need it. Have also learnt of some other volunteer organisations too.

I can't walk on beaches or bush walks & I really miss them. Got to get 4wd scooter LOL.

Got to look at positives though, have leant a lot from it & also from being disabled. Have got time to do things never did before as I was working ful time.

I agree with Xeria- MS has taken away my career! I was so passionate about helping others to get the opportunity to become educated. I have very few friends - most in other states who I can only talk to through email. I go no where except the doctor. : (

I see my elderly parents once a week. I can't stay long because of fatigue. I always am in pain and my memory is waning!

I wish I could find something to give me a new out look on life!

Tarabunny- just read your story and I am so glad you found your passion again! I used to live in Virginia, you took a beautiful picture! Thanks for sharing!

I think for the most part the one thing MS has taken from me is the feeling of security. I cant quit running the "what-ifs" through my head. I worry about everything; even about things that may not happen.

It took my career away .my love of teaching. 2 friends & not being able to do things with my kids.

My career, my wants wish's, hopes. I used to feel bad ass, but now I am just here. Just here, that's all, just here.

That which once was "me"

Well, MS has recently taken away my job. And most likely my home. But, here's the thing.
I was working long stressful hours. It was a job I enjoyed most of the time but not all of the time. I longed for more free personal time.
I knew the job had become overbearing. I felt like a whipped horse.

I really love my home but it's just a house. It's true home is where the heart is and I'm sure I'll find just the right new home for me and my new life. I plan to move to a cooler climate near my parents and my brother.

I've come closer to my faith. I hadn't realized it but my busy career girl life had taken off of God's lighted path. MS has brought me back. I am so grateful. I could not make it through all this without my faith in Jesus Christ.

I am working on a Children's Chapter Book and I guess this disease is giving me that time which is needed.