In several posts I have shared that my husband Jim, suffers from Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
Our days together can be so difficult and challenging, filled with overwhelming sadness for me to see what this disease is doing to his body.
Diagnosed many years ago, starting with numbness and double vision, the doctors told us that they thought he had a “mild case”, if there is such a thing! They stated that he would probably not be crippled.
At one point he suffered from extreme, relentless neck and shoulder pain. His neurologist sent him to the Mayo Clinic for a week of testing, only to be told the pain was due to Multiple Sclerosis. Jim described the pain, “as if someone were putting a drill to his shoulder and neck”.
As with many episodes of the disease, the pain eventually ended, but the fear that it may return is terrifying to him.
I have decided to post more, from time to time, on what we face living together with Multiple Sclerosis. I need someone to talk to and I have chosen my blog.
After a bit, no one, not even family members, who love us, can understand the devastating way this disease is taking his body from him.
Can I say I am “Loving my New Simple Life” when my husband is deteriorating little by little every single day?
Believe me, if I had not changed my way of thinking about life, identifying what is really important, love, family, being together, our lives now would be filled with even more unhappiness, depression, and dark clouds. We do laugh and find joy in being together on most days.
Life is rough, but I knew when I stopped working it was the right thing to do, to be with Jim.
Living with less money, doing without a bunch of extras was hard for me at first, but now it has taught me to love all that I have.
Maybe some of my writings will help others who are living with someone with a physical hardship.
Until the next time, I wish all of you love and courage.