Observations
This time of year, the end of winter when spring begins to show itself, is the time that MS decides the fate of its sufferers.
Ever since I was little, I've always dreaded this time of year. My Mom would usually get hit hard by either infections or a cold. Those we know/knew with MS would also suffer during this season. Some would get sick or suffer horrible MS attacks (or the illness would result in an MS attack which would make them weaker and more vulnerable to the original infection.) Those that were already fighting some secondary infection would succumb to it.
Many hospital visits and at least one funeral will define February and March for my family and friends. We sit at our weekly breakfast get togethers or the monthly dinner and talk about who is in the hospital or who is no longer able to care for themselves and what extended care facility they've been lucky/unlucky enough to have been placed in. When someone dies, we will sit and discuss whether or not the funeral will be accessible, thus determining who will be able to attend. Conversations will start with a memory about the person and will end with questions or statements about ramps and if the bathrooms can comfortably fit a wheelchair. Monday will be this year's first funeral. Dear God, please let it be the last one as well.
Last Sunday at the dinner, we discussed the unexpected empty spots around the table. We all hoped that the reason for this was the horrible DATS service. Twenty minutes of talking about how unreliable DATS is keeps concerned minds occupied.
It was one year ago when Mom was hospitalized. It was one year ago that we were told she was going to die. A year later, we are holding our breath as the season begins again. Last night Mom developed a fever. In a matter of an hour, she went from talking and chipper to listless, twitchy (MS symptom she gets when her body is under stress) and pale. Last night we were thankful that her Doc insisted we have some antibiotics around just in case. This morning Mom was feeling better and we will be on constant watch.
I don't want sympathy. I just need release.
Ever since I was little, I've always dreaded this time of year. My Mom would usually get hit hard by either infections or a cold. Those we know/knew with MS would also suffer during this season. Some would get sick or suffer horrible MS attacks (or the illness would result in an MS attack which would make them weaker and more vulnerable to the original infection.) Those that were already fighting some secondary infection would succumb to it.
Many hospital visits and at least one funeral will define February and March for my family and friends. We sit at our weekly breakfast get togethers or the monthly dinner and talk about who is in the hospital or who is no longer able to care for themselves and what extended care facility they've been lucky/unlucky enough to have been placed in. When someone dies, we will sit and discuss whether or not the funeral will be accessible, thus determining who will be able to attend. Conversations will start with a memory about the person and will end with questions or statements about ramps and if the bathrooms can comfortably fit a wheelchair. Monday will be this year's first funeral. Dear God, please let it be the last one as well.
Last Sunday at the dinner, we discussed the unexpected empty spots around the table. We all hoped that the reason for this was the horrible DATS service. Twenty minutes of talking about how unreliable DATS is keeps concerned minds occupied.
It was one year ago when Mom was hospitalized. It was one year ago that we were told she was going to die. A year later, we are holding our breath as the season begins again. Last night Mom developed a fever. In a matter of an hour, she went from talking and chipper to listless, twitchy (MS symptom she gets when her body is under stress) and pale. Last night we were thankful that her Doc insisted we have some antibiotics around just in case. This morning Mom was feeling better and we will be on constant watch.
I don't want sympathy. I just need release.