Okapi2, I think our disease gives us an opportunity to appreciate a lot of things. I know DM has humbled me in many ways. I listen to people, think, and consider things that are important. I can relate to what you are saying. Thank you for sharing your experience. I know your grandmother and family appreciate your input.

At my worst I wasn't able to shop at a Walmart because I was so weak I couldn't walk more than 50 feet without the possibility of falling over; second, because I was afraid if I sat in one of their electric scooters I wouldn't be able to get up without the help of a couple of greeters. As I got better I asked the dr. for a disability parking tag for my car and I was finally able to get in the store and get out of the scooter.

For the first time I realized how much the disabled needed all the help they could get . I watched other people park in the handicapped spaces, jog into the store while others with canes and crutches had to park elsewhere because the handicapped spaces were full of joggers who were cured or were using someone elses tag. As I got better and was able to walk farther I gladly gave up the use of my parking tag and am grateful I was able to use it when I needed it.

Good point Tom but be sure we are careful how we judge "disabled". I have a handicap parking tag and believe me, I need it. But when I "jump" out of my car, I don't appear to be disabled to others. Not all disabilities are "visible" and you can't judge someone by if they use a cane or such. We have a disease that can very easily cause a non-visible disability.

I'm with Lexi, I jump out and sometimes jog into the store, but man after an aisle or two i can't stay standing or get out of the store... There are also times i jog to get momentum, and can jog better than walk. This is one very unusual disease...

It is terrible that some abuse the system and use it when they don't need it. I celebrate the days i am feeling good enough to park further away from the doors.
May we all find the strength we need, Shawna

I appreciate the disease because it saved my life. With out My Dm I would have never been going to a doctor regular and when my seizures came on I would not have done much about them so the brain tumor would never have been found and well it would have grown more and killed me. So in this fact DM actually saved my life.

meepies, that is really amazing to me... I think it's crazy how things like that can happen. Personally PM has taken my life in a different direction than it would have gone in, obviously. But in the end I think it will be better.

Meepies.... your gratitude is beautiful. I was moved to tears when I read your post. I believe your surgery is coming up soon here in January, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Maruska

Okapi.... I do agree that having this disease has made me much more sensitive to those who are suffering both physically and emotionally, especially from other diseases that are not 'obvious'.

Most people take it for granted that they can use their bodies in any fashion that they choose. My mother has multiple forms of arthritis and has had them for many years and as we have spoken regarding my PM she continues to tell me of others in our family who suffer from some form of arthritis that has caused them to be hospitalized. My mother drinks noni juice and has for years and no longer takes any form of medication. She thanks God and her Noni juice for making her pain free and able to use her hands. I currently live in a second floor apartment and have a very difficult time going up and down the stairs, but I still do it. I feel so trapped at times as I am not allowed by my daughter to go up and down without her. I understand how she feels, but at the same time I want to get out more than once of twice a week. I am now looking for a first floor apartment since my lease is up next month. I don't like living on the first floor for security reasons, plus in Florida there is always the chance of flooding if it rains too hard, but I have no choice. I have even asked if they have a 1st floor unit to show me and one woman asked if I could see one that one had a few stairs to reach. This was after holding onto my daughter's arm to just get into the office. I have also noticed that in Florida there aren't many handicap accessible buildings. They may have the ramp and parking, but then the doors will be regular heavy doors. Even my pain mgmt specialist has a ramp and then a door that is almost impossible to open.

I have gone into restrooms and found non-handicap people in the handicap stall and I have had to leave my walker outside the regular stall because PM doesn't allow me to wait. I have gone in doors after others who just allow it to close behind them even though they see me with my walker, but that is okay, because I know that they don't know any better and that even though it may take a little more work on my part, I can do it. I know in my heart that this too will pass and one day I will be better.

Happy 2012 everybody. We will make others aware of this illness one day.

Brendacay, your comment was very touching. You certainly face challenges and I want you to know that I hope and pray you will find a home that you can live in comfortably. Happy New Year to you and everyone else who reads these blogs and and hopes for better health!