Post 521 A baseline 25 Sep 2019

[RoyceNewton]

ou are going to progress downhill during your many years with this illness. I am sorry that is pretty much a certainty. Argue if "YOU" like but everything I have ever heard is that this is a chronic, incurable, progressive illness. Do not be upset with me. I have it as well. Do not be upset with anybody. This is a human condition, "YOU" are human. Therefore logic says that "YOU" can get it. Some of us are more prone to it than others, and some get it because, why I am not sure I stopped asking long ago. I am sorry that "YOU" have it at least can I say welcome to the family my Sister or Brother.

I would say stop asking it really only hurts in the long run. Of course "YOU" will keep searching, this is normal we all do. There is no answer or reason beyond, because, only because. Relax "YOU" will get it one day.

Now that I have thoroughly confused "YOU" might I suggest that "YOU" seek out a baseline psychological examination. Get a record of where "YOU" are today. As I remember, there were a lot of different cognitive exams, word associations, memory, that type of test. Measured where I was then so I would have a baseline for the future. Something to test against to see how far and how quickly I had gone downhill. I still remember that the last shape is a butterfly in a block puzzle.

Because I am aware of this, I make efforts to keep my brain as healthy as I can. Reading, online puzzles, solving my life puzzles, remembering how to get from point A to point B. I am hopeless with street names but am pretty good with directions. It keeps the brain active. "YOU" do know that there is a thing (poor choice of word) with ms called brain atrophy. Look it up, an interesting exercise for "YOU" Make thinking your priority, keep your brain as strong as "YOU" can and remember physical exercise is your friend.

Royce (the ms writer)

Do not just give up and let ms have its way with you. Stand tall, shoulders back and live your life on your terms as much as you can.

[Hidden]

I was just pondering these issues myself. I live somewhere between the peace, faith and trust (in the God of my understanding) of accepting the things I cannot change, and not giving up or giving myself over to a fatalistic attitude that This Is It, What's The Use; still fighting the good fight (which, by the way, is exhausting -- some days the cherry on the banana split of MS); doing whatever things I can try that might help slow things down, keep the wolf away from the door a little longer: keep moving as much as possible, eat a healthy non-inflammatory diet, etc. - which things give me something to focus on other than the encroaching decline and make me feel that I have a little 'control' or, that is to say, that add some positive benefit to my general outlook. Yeah, it's complicated.

[RoyceNewton in reply to Hidden]

that is what we must do for our mental health at least

[Hidden in reply to RoyceNewton]

Yes, absolutely. I also work puzzles of all kinds and keep my brain active learning new things, most recently watching YouTube videos learning how to crochet. It definitely helps keep me sane while keeping those neurons firing!

[falalalala]

"Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in hospitals dying of nothing."-Redd Foxx

[Hidden in reply to falalalala]

Here's one from the other end of the spectrum:

Inscription on a hypochondriac's tombstone - "I told you I was sick!"

😂😂😂😂

[falalalala in reply to Hidden]

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

Always adapting, sometimes I stumble, or fall. I get up, dust myself off, curse at my clumsiness, and go on, if I can. Tears are sometimes soothing, but I will do that in private. Why? Because I would rather not dwell on tears, and instead go on. Good post, Royce

[RoyceNewton]

tears are okay later but at the time lead to far to many questions

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to RoyceNewton]

Yes, I agree and I would rather cry in private instead of in front of strangers because I cannot handle the many unnecessary queries. But that's just me