A Different Perspective

Sometimes you need to take a moment to see where you are.

Take in your situation.

Realize how lucky you have it.

Because there is always someone worse.

Recent events changed the party theme for me as I tumbled down our stairs and broke my right collarbone.

(Also broke the index finger on my left hand–but who’s counting.)

 

 

Let’s just say it doesn’t take long to descend a flight of stairs when rolling.

I saw the ceiling three times coming down before being deposited on my back at the bottom.

Stupid, but my first thought was…”Just how a stuntman does it.”  (Minus the broken bones.)

 

 

 

 

Anywho, so it’s just a sling for the next several weeks.

Hence the changes to my MS lifestyle

 

I use canes to walk because of poor balance.

But with an injured wing, I’m unable to use my canes.

So I have my wheelchair attached to my backside all day long.  And someone must push me around most of the time.

 

 

My family moved a bed into the living room since I can’t do the stairs (the correct way).

 

And we attached a bed rail so I can pull myself up at least.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are my canes patiently waiting near the back door.

Just like puppies, my canes are anxious to get back outside.

 

 

Because our main bath is on the second floor, I am forced to wash/shampoo/shave using the kitchen sink.

 

 

 

I have learned to close the front door while bathing otherwise my bare-ass can be seen across the street.

No wonder the neighbor’s house is for sale.

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER:

My intention in telling this story is not for pity and/or sympathy.

My point is…For me, this is a silly, ha-ha moment that will only inconvenience for 6-8 weeks.

But for many MSers, this is a round-the-clock, 24/7, death-do-us-part lifestyle.  And I commend those.  Their plate is full.

I realize I am lucky.  Very lucky.  I can still stand.  Use my hands.  Use my arms.  Feet, even.

Typically a righty, I have learned to shave left-handed.  Eat left-handed.  And I am improving at wiping.  Just saying.

Remember to take a good look at your situation.

Don’t bitch & moan, but realize how well you are adapting to your MS lifestyle.  Because there are many out there far worse off than you & me.

While you are assessing, be sure to take time to IMPROVE your situation.  

Move what you can.  As much as you can.  As often as you can.

Stretch.  Reach.  Breath deeply.  And do it again.

We have it pretty damn good.  With a different perspective.