I do not like surprises, and neither should "YOU". They are lovely when "YOU" are a healthy child but being an older chronically disabled gentleman (sort of) they are not my friend. I would guess they are not yours either. No matter how much preparation, planning and thinking ahead, we do, this illness does catch us unawares at times. "YOU" will sit back say to yourself, I am taking my Disease-Modifying Therapy (DMT), eating right, exercising, I stopped smoking, cut back on drinking until I pass out. I am doing everything right, and I am okay, Relapsing-Remitting ms (RRms) is under control. WRONG.
Sorry, my ms sibling, "YOU" are so wrong, and I understand that "YOU" might make this mistake. I am sure I have several times over the years, made mistakes. RRms is a tricksy illness, "YOU" can see that by looking at your nerve chart that "YOU" bought from Amazon. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is huge, and I read now is it is very flexible. Neuroplasticity I believe it is called. Bare that in mind when strange unanticipated things happen to "YOU". I always say wear protective underwear, not for that gush, usually "YOU" can anticipate and control that but for that dribble after "YOU" have emptied your bladder. Or thought "YOU" had. Handy for those bowel issues as well. "YOU" are protected and covered no stress at all. Cooling vests, scarves, ankle and wrist wraps are other great thing.
Get too hot, "YOU" need to cool down, "YOU" know how your blood circulates so "YOU" cool the core and the extremities. Blood is a little cooler when it passes through the Carotid Arteries to the brain. Cooler brain, fewer RRms difficulties. Do "YOU" see that it is all linked, fix one area it may help another area, not always, but it can be a smart and straightforward way to keep "YOU" on your feet and out of a doctors office. "YOU" taking an active, intelligent approach to your condition helps "YOU" in the long run, also makes "YOU" look good to your medical team.
Do "YOU" remember that one really longterm goal that "YOU" have. To stand at your child's wedding, "YOU" are working towards that, always. Anything else positive that may occur is a bonus and a bonus is always a very good. thing
Do not let RRms surprise "YOU", be aware of how it can affect "YOU" and make an effort where "YOU" can too minimize the shocks. Do your research, do not be scared by every horror story that "YOU" will find. Be cautious of the miracles that people claim. RRms is your life, and it is full of mountains to climb. RRms is not a long flat stroll from birth to death. There are obstacles on our journey, surprises to face. Prepare yourself for them, do not fear them, they may not happen to "YOU". Be a Boy Scout always be prepared. Preparation and awareness make this RRms journey so much easier to handle
RRms is not an unliveable disease; it takes some effort and "YOU" can make it a good life. One that one day, "YOU" can be happy and proud that "YOU" lived. It requires a little planning and very few surprises
Royce (the ms writer)
I still do not like surprises
