Stable, but...

[greaterexp]

I haven't known very well how to answer people who ask how I'm doing (and really want to know), especially now when I'm not in an active relapse, but still have symptoms. I told a friend yesterday that I'm now on a "stable roller coaster." She and I had a good laugh, but it seemed the only explanation I could give. How about you all?

[CalfeeChick CommunityAmbassador]

Being stable is a good thing! I look forward to joining you for that ride.

[jimeka]

Explanation of a stable roller coaster please? Lol 😂 blessings Jimeka 🦋 🌈

[greaterexp in reply to jimeka]

Fortunately, as with any newly coined word or phrase, you get to supply your own definition!

[jimeka in reply to greaterexp]

I still think we with ms should have our own dictionary! 🦋

[greaterexp in reply to jimeka]

It would be cryptic to those who don't have MS. But we'd have fun with it!

[Iona60 in reply to greaterexp]

jimeka and greaterexp A stable roller coaster for me would be one that doesn't go upside down. Can you imagine what vertigo that would bring on? Yikes.

[Morllyn]

I usually say, when they ask how my MS and I are, "Just my normal" unless they ask for more. Most do not really want to know or do not know how to act or what to say if you tell them more. Of course my sister, who was a nurse, does not let me get away with that answer, she keeps asking questions until how I actually feel comes out and she asks what my doctors have said.

Most people just want to know that you are stable (that the disease isn't making you worse) and/or you are not in terrible pain. They seem to feel that if you are handling it then it must not be to bad.

[greaterexp in reply to Morllyn]

So true, but I'm guilty of asking that question and not really expecting a long answer, at least from mere acquaintances. We tend to get to know which people really want to know, and which ones are just being social. I remember feeling a bit trapped once by the response I got from a complete stranger when I asked how she was. It seemed ages before she was done telling me intimate details of her illnesses, down to the odor and consistency of her stools. I wasn't a nurse yet, BTW! Now I have much more patience, but at a tender age, it seemed a little much for me! That poor woman!

[Morllyn in reply to greaterexp]

I know what you mean. I think that sometimes, some people need to give the long answer. Maybe they do not have anyone to talk to or no one that will listen.

[Sandydemop in reply to Morllyn]

I agree people really don't want to know. Just being polite. Those who do want to know really want reassurance that you feel ok. My new normal.

[Taylorsmom]

greaterexp

No matter how I'm feeling, I tend to say that I'm doing okay. Here is the only place that I really feel comfortable saying if I'm truly not feeling fine, feeling kind of weird, etc. Currently I'm still battling back and forth with my insurance to have my prescription filled but I realized the other day that my symptoms are no more! I wonder if that means that my MS is in remission right now.

[greaterexp in reply to Taylorsmom]

Taylorsmom , I'm so happy that your symptoms have vanished! We love hearing good news like that. I hope your remission lasts a very long time! Enjoy feeling better!

[Sandydemop in reply to Taylorsmom]

Hooray!

[Allen5280]

My roller coaster isn't all that stable... one of the old time wood ones with termites! 😂 I just can't seem to adapt to living with mood swings!!!

[jimeka in reply to Allen5280]

Hi Allen5280, you want to try been female with the mood swings, I don't know how many times I can go through menopause again! Lol. On a serious note, the mood swings to me aren't natural. You catch yourself saying 'why did I say that ' or 'why did I do that' some of the things I do and say I honestly don't know where they come from, totally out of character for me. People look at me surprised but no one is more surprised than me, and saying 'well it's the ms' seems such a poor excuse. Anyway time is getting close for you for your new medication. Praying all goes well, blessings Jimeka 🦋 🌈

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

My normal answer to anyone and everyone is "I'm fine" with a smile😊 Cause they just don't understand, or want to. And it's just easier 😅

J🌠

[angelite]

Hi Greaterxp,

I like how many here use the term 'stable' - I too have taken to using this phrase when asked how I am : ) I often say 'I'm stable thanks - stable is good'. This lets people know I'm between relapses. Sure, there can be fluctuations in symptoms - caused by fatigue, weather, even monthly hormonal cycles seem to affect some aspects of mine but on the whole I have a reasonable idea of what to expect - no sudden major surprises ! I have soon learned to be grateful for 'stable' - with a condition that can suddenly change at the drop of a virus/infection, you become grateful for the precious time between relapses : ) Since I can't live my life in a plastic bubble, nor would I consider avoiding social contact to minimise the possibility of viral contamination, I must accept the risks. I am also becoming accustomed to my new level of disability after each relapse much faster - I guess this is 'acceptance' ! I have improved a little in power and control from my first plateau after relapse - gotta bang the drum for neuroplasticity here, my favourite topic of hope ! I am also more adept at working my mess with the stick ( work it baby ! ) although I still corner like Charlie Chaplin at times : ))

The sun is out, the laundry mountain must be tackled and the weeds are becoming junglesque in my garden - today's mission ( it's my day off work ) is to sift soil to fill a large planter for carrot seeds with myself and bunny as benefitters : ) Anything else i manage will be a happy bonus ! Yesterday I managed to plant a trough of lettuce before work - yay !

Have a great, 'stable' day, with the least fluctuations possible, whatever you are up to : )

Angela x

[Fancy1959]

Graterexp, it's Fancy1959. I normally tell people who ask me how I'm doing the way it really is. I keep it short but sweet. Sometimes I believe we cover up how we feel so much that people truly have no idea about the monster we live with, MS. I generally tell them I'm here and hanging on. But that's pretty obvious to most people who either see me in a motorized shopping cart or with the cane hobbling along. Many people do not even recognize me and start to walk right past me, until I say hello. Then the shock begins as they look at me and don't see the active person I was a couple years ago the disabled person I am today.😕