Living and Writing with MS and Stroke: A Personal Journey
Sometimes you just have to roll with it.
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Surf’s up! Adaptation and Incrementalism
I was originally diagnosed with my MS back in the mid-1970’s and kept it to myself. I experienced a tingling surrounding my neck or waist when I would sit in a chair and look down, for instance, reading a book or magazine.
I did once experience what was called a retro-bulbar neuritis behind one eye, manifesting itself as a black spot in my field of vision.
But I kept it to myself for decades, figuring that I could either make the best of it or sit and whine about it.
I did limp sometimes, having to favor my left leg. I had always been right-handed. It was hard to drive the standard shift in my truck, working the clutch pedal.
I never was that great or fast at typing, so it wasn’t terrible using only one hand.
In my occupation, I used to walk through and show houses, and sometimes take take pictures. Once I fell down the front steps of a house while I was showing it. Also once, I fell into a sunken den while I was looking through my camera taking pictures. Then I took my business online so I didn’t do all my work in my truck. Also, could spend more time writing.
Challenges and adaptations
Emotional and physical challenges I’ve faced and to which I’ve adapted over time have been several.