G’day my ms family. A good Sunday for you so far? Just listening to Bob Marley, if I was so inclined I should be smoking a huge joint. Everybody knows what a joint is, don’t they? I am not but the day outside is beautiful, hot as the surface of the Sun, but that is normal for the valley of the sun. I think some rain would be nice but the west coast needs it more than me, hmm Australia as well. Life is good. No new hurts the usual weaknesses, the usual Relapsing-Remitting ms (RRMS) life. Good and boring, no dramas. This I feel is what “YOU” want to aim for. Make your goal, write on the note pad, “I will have a minimal pained lifestyle. I will change my goals as need be, I will accept what I can not do and I will strive to be strong”. I am sure there are many more POSITIVE affirmations that you can adopt and follow. I like the speeches they give to new SEALS upon graduation. I am sure school commencement speeches work as well. Whatever floats your boat, makes “YOU” feel good. Gives “YOU” strength. I have a number of books about quotable speeches, and confidence-building. I have found them so handy when the ms gremlin comes stabbing at my face. This is something that “YOU” may find is a useful tool for “YOU”. Maybe not today but some time. “YOU” will have RRms for a very long time, having a few useful tools in you Gringotts treasure vault is a good idea.
Onto emergency rooms (ERs). This is my OPINION, I am NOT a trained medical professional. Call the paramedics ( ambulance, Ambos) If not that level of emergency call your Neurologist (Neuro). Tell them of your problem, let them guide “YOU”. If they do not think it is an emergency, then neither should “YOU”, in my opinion. If they do think it is a problem they will treat it or at least guide “YOU” as to what “YOU” should do. Make yourself VERY AWARE of what constitutes an attack\ exacerbation. is this what “YOU” are something or is it something else. I have found that an Ambulance ride to an ER is a good start. Be aware that there is very little they have the expertise to help “YOU” with. Keep your expectations very low. “YOU” have RRms, chances are they will not know how best to treat “YOU” Not there fault, they are just very unlikely to be an expert on your RRms, your own doctor is far more aware of “YOU” in particular. That being said what can they really do for “YOU” a an ER. Lay on a bed and wait, give “YOU” either steroids or pain killers. Not bad if that is your expectation, but unlikely to solve any issue. “YOU” and I have RRms, moderate your expectations. Having high medical goals is likely to disappoint “YOU”. With our illness they are NOT there. We will not be cured. Know what is there and temper your expectations. I feel there is much less disappointment that way.
With that all said, know yourself. If not call emergency services. If “YOU” need to go to the hospital they will get “YOU” there. Be prepared to assist\advise the staff doctor treating “YOU”. Have on hand your private neurons details, wake him up. “YOU” pay him enough.
Royce (your ms writer and brother)
Know yourself and do what you need to
