Anybody a Boy Scout once? They have a saying that I have heard, BE PREPARED. Yes something as simple as that be prepared. Now according to the published ms numbers most of us will, not be in a wheelchair, chronically disabled unable to care for ourselves . Most of us will have the Relapsing-Remitting g form of the disease. We will have remissions (attacks) where we get most if not all of our abilities back. Admittedly repeated attacks in one area will lead to disability but we are NOT guaranteed anything. I have had RRms since I was 29, I am now 50 something and I am standing at my desk talking to “YOU”. I only ever use in 3 wheel scooter when I am to lazy to walk into the hockey arena. It isn quite amusing, I walk up the stairs, and around the arena, but take in my scooter. Obviously I do not need it but I am prepared. She who must be obeyed’s dad everyday gets on the floor then gets up five times. Because he trains himself to know how to get up if he falls. When he is feeling extra energetic he lets himself crumble to the floor. He knows that one day he may fall and it is best to know how to do it without breaking a bone or such.
He is prepared for eventualities and “YOU” should be as well. My mother who was long ago a nurse in the West Indies (St Lucia) was always taught to always put every medical instrument back in the same place in every room. If there was an accident or something was needed anybody knew exactly where it was. Years ago, during one of my many trips to Australia I received a phone call one morning. “Where was XYZ”? I told her where to stand, how many steps to take, which draw to open and where in the drawer to look to find the item. Yes, she found it and was quite appreciative. Because I was prepared. I know where things are, how to get app if ever I need to. Because this an ever-changing illness and I am prepared as much as I can be and so should “YOU” be. I am not suggesting that “YOU” be paranoid and fearful. I am suggesting that “YOU” be aware of your illness, of a few things that “YOU” take action and prepare yourself where “YOU” can. NOT EVERYTHING can be prepared for but if some can that is one less worry over your years that has to be worried about.
Take it further and reorganize your life. Perhaps that furniture with sharp corners can be softened. There is a small removable rubber piece that goes on corners that does this. There are toilets with extra-wide openings and power flush systems. “YOU” may never need them but at least if “YOU” do “YOU” are prepared. Also there are medical fixtures where “YOU” turn on and off your inside taps instead of the normal fixtures. Get an old age magazine and look at the assistive devices they have. “YOU” may find them useful to “YOU” I find the little square of rubberized plastic to help open jars. Do “YOU” see the many possibilities to help yourself.
Today, “YOU” may not need them but at least “YOU” will know they exist and where to get them if “YOU” do need them. “YOU” will have ms for the rest of your life. It is your job to make that life as easy as “YOU” can.
Royce (your ms writer)
so be prepared
