What it feels like...

[CherieMSCN]

My friend Stephanie is a newly diagnosed MS nurse (4 years ago) and wrote the article at this link last week. She puts in words so nicely how I often feel when trying to keep a smile on my face and be the one others lean on. I would guess many of you can relate to this.

multiplesclerosis.net/livin...

[jimeka]

Thank you Cheri, it's a very good article, well written and very true. They have some good articles on multiple sclerosis.net. Hope you are keeping well, blessings Jimeka

[WAshingtongirl]

Excellent. Thanks, CherieMSCN .

[erash]

Good article, impressive young woman, I signed up for her blog: justkeepsmyelin

[Sukie427]

Great article, CherieMSCN . Putting in that brave and strong appearance was so important when I still practicing law. As a litigator, you were basically in a war with the other side in a courtroom in front of a jury and any sign of weakness was intolerable because it's like throwing chum in the water and the sharks don't miss it. I refused to use a cane in public, so when the lesion on my brain stem caught up with my legs and left me limping, I too said that I was breaking in a new pair of heels, until I couldn't any more. I explained my inability to hold documentary evidence in my hand because it was shaking so badly on a bad migraine I'd had the night before ( a bald-faced lie), until I couldn't any longer. I knew when I had to throw in the towel, and I did it while I still had my dignity. Do I miss it? Yes, and it usually manifests in my dreams. But we moved to a brand new place and have made a brand new life for ourselves. I have come out of the MS closet, and my friends are all very supportive, and for the first time I can really be myself and not worry about how someone else will react. That in itself is a terrific coping mechanism! Thanks for sharing!

[Hidden]

CherieMSCN, this is MSFighter welcoming you to this awesome chat room. Thank you so very much for sharing the eloquently written article about living with MS your friend Stephanie wrote. Stephanie wrote it was such grace and such power that it took my breath away. I would encourage you and her too become part of this chat room on a regular basis..

[CherieMSCN]

Thank you Hidden . I come in occasionally but life gets in the way sometimes to continue in an online community on a daily basis. Stephanie is working a 40 hour week, newly married and speaking for several organizations. I stopped work a few years ago but travel frequently to serve on some National Research Committees (one that seeks to speed up the Research process in MS) and I write for the MS Foundation and MS Views and News as well as doing patient education programs for the Foundation and Society. When I was at home full time, I spent a lot of time on forums like this and some days there is still time to do this.