Things must be changing: We have an... - My MSAA Community

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Things must be changing

greaterexp profile image
23 Replies

We have an overnight guest coming this afternoon. It's taken me 2 days to lightly clean the house, but I'm nearly there. For the first time ever, as I was going over my to-do list, I mentally listed what I did today, and said to myself, "I took a shower and got dressed..." It's weird to me that I've never looked at that as an accomplishment; it's just what you do every day without thinking, right?

I guess this is something we are constantly adapting to with MS, isn't it?

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greaterexp profile image
greaterexp
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23 Replies
jimeka profile image
jimeka

Sometimes we take for granted some of the things we can do on a regular basis. My Uncle was 101 the other day and he can still shower himself, get dressed, shave, garden, he is incredible. He has lived in Australia for the last 52 years so the Australian lifestyle must be healthy, it’s all that free Vitamin D. 😂

Fancy1959 profile image
Fancy1959

Amen to that grearerexp! I only average 2 showers a week right now as I detest taking them so much and they take such a long time to do. It is a true accomplishment for me also to take a shower. I used to be able to get in and out in 15 minutes even with washing my long hair. Now it takes me an hour at least to do it. And by the time I'm finished I'm worn out. MS gives us no choice but to become adaptable or simply give up. And since you and I are neither one person to quit trying ever give up is not in our vocabulary. Thanks for another great post. I think it really allows other people in the chat room to realize they're not alone in this battle that we fight with this monster. Fancy.

in reply to Fancy1959

Count me in too!

It is major accomplishment, I agree.

kdali profile image
kdali

Yes, it can come and go, but also seems to be a fairly consistent adjustment to a new normal.

erash profile image
erash in reply to kdali

So true!

falalalala profile image
falalalala

I have had that same thought. :)

erash profile image
erash

Important not to compare today with yesterday. Today has its own victories. Celebrate them 👍

kdali profile image
kdali in reply to erash

Yes!! 👏

erash profile image
erash in reply to erash

This was as much to me as it was to you xoxo

pamgarner profile image
pamgarner

I thought it was just me it is exhausting! who would of thought this ever would be a problem?take a shower, rest 30 minutes,put on lotion make up, rest 30 min,do something with this hair,rest 30 minutes, get dressed to go somewhere, exhausting!

LCAL profile image
LCAL in reply to pamgarner

Lol. Then don’t go anywhere because your too exhausted. But at least clean is what I’ve learned is the WIN of this story at least for me.

pamgarner profile image
pamgarner in reply to LCAL

amen!!!

LCAL profile image
LCAL in reply to LCAL

Full disclosure. I set out to accomplish a shower today in hopes of seeing my bff tonight and it was a fail. I will try again next time. Carry on y’all

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to LCAL

Rats! I hope you can get together soon and have a great time.

carolek572 profile image
carolek572CommunityAmbassador

Yes, it is an accomplishment. My ToDo list always looks the same. Not sure why I have such a list. It feels so nice when I can cross an item off of it! :-D

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4 in reply to carolek572

I think the list is important. It can be the only "atta boy/girl" we get because others don't really know what it takes for us to complete that list.

Juleigh21 profile image
Juleigh21

I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling a sense of accomplishment for showering. My husband thinks it’s sad that I need a rest after getting ready for the day.

robster1 profile image
robster1

Such a good topic. I’m fortunate...I still take at least one shower a day...sometimes more. It all depends on how I feel. A shower to me is THE most taxing of anything in my day, but the best for me...it relaxes all the wild/unpredictable behavior my body exhibits each and everyday at least for a little while. I...like you greaterexp am continually adapting to my MS.

I could (like all others w/MS) write a novel on the ever changing life w/MS, but I choose to attempt to make the best of it and remain forever grateful in spite of.

Thank you for the post my friend.

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to robster1

I've always been a daily morning shower person and remain so. Mornings are my best time of day usually, so that's a good thing. I just found it interesting that the "switch" was suddenly changed from something I've always considered routine and which took no effort to something that taxes me a bit, making it an accomplishment. I'm so glad that I don't require any help yet and am grateful for everything I can do.

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs

My husband was upset yesterday because it had taken me 4 hours to get ready. But I had to wash my hair!

Allen5280 profile image
Allen5280

Every morning feels like I lost a title fight with a locomotive. It takes hours of the day for me to start to get around. How many hours depends on the night and other outside stressors. If I shower in a day it's pretty good day. Sometimes two to three may pass before I can, if I'm really feeling it. Its 1pm and I haven't got there yet. If I dont have anything planned or going anywhere, a simple shower can be all I really accomplish for the day. My neuro limited me to 1 task a day and anything above that is a blessing. At first I didnt figure in a shower as a "task". I has become one without a doubt. I try and take showers as cool as tolerable. Warm showers make me sick if I'm not careful. I tried all sorts of methods, warm at first then push myself to almost hyperthermia with cold trying to avoid the nausea, very bad idea. The shock to my system made it really bad, uncontrollable shaking and couldn't get warm. Lesson learned, so trying ro not make showers to warm is a bid deal in my energy conservation.

Yup, today is shower 🚿 day.

It’s an accomplishment for the day!

CalfeeChick profile image
CalfeeChickCommunityAmbassador

Absolutely greaterexp , I didn't even get a Christmas tree up in Dec. because it took me all month to decide and get decorations ready. This year, I will start in July!!!!!

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