MS ON AMERICAN IDOL

Did anyone watch it last night? The older Osmond brother was there to support his son who was trying out. They both have MS, but the mildest form of it. My daughter watched it with me and afterwards asked me if I was going to get out of my wheelchair like they did. She is 16. I explained the chances of that the chances of that happening are nil, as I have a different form of this disease. My form is worse. But I thought that was a good question. I know of others who have had to use a wheelchair for a short time and then returned to walking with a cane or walker. Yes, it does happen, but usually it does so in the lesser form of MS or in the early stages of MS. I was there. I used a chair at work, and a walker at home. But it is reassuring that both aides were available to me. To be honest, it was extremely difficult to admit I needed to use a cane, then a walker, then a chair. I knew the disease was getting worse. I also knew what to expect. Believe me, I fought each step. And it was hard to admit I needed the aides. Just like it was recently hard to admit I needed outside help from a PCA ort an elevated toilet seat with side bars. Again, I fought these ideas. What changed my mind was when I couldn't get up of the toilet without help. Gil even had to leave work early 2 to help me. I'm not proud of this, but it is a reality I have/had to face. With the support of family, The transitions have been easier, but I had to make them myself. No I am thankful I did. My independence has returned and that is a great feeling.