Day 5 of my Multiple Sclerosis reflections. I remember things over the years that changed my attitude and how people perceive a person with a disease. For a long time when I shared to close friends my disease the reactions were not what I expected. Pretty common responses were: lose weight, you look fine are you sure, exercise, you’re f@@@ed, damn it’s cold in your house, you have to rest now?, comparing my symptoms to yours or others, wow you’ve changed what happened to you?, doctors were never helpful, lack of information, insurance at the time coverages on co-existing conditions, state & federal crap, knowledge of wellness, etc., dating, relationships, friends and family attitudes. Secrets I’ve kept because I was fearful of the reactions I would have to deal with.

Other people with Multiple Sclerosis that I’ve met over the years, the attitudes were very challenging and hard for me because I could never picture or accept that I would be like them. They were no different for me same as family and friends.

If I would have known that this disease is very unpredictable and challenging, I often wonder if I had prepared myself better for the major and common things that will come eventually, things would be easier. I do regret not planning better. Financial planning and long term care are two of the most debilitating and costly for a person with MS. Medications for Multiple Sclerosis are in the $200,000 mark. These financial burdens rob savings, life goals, and often are not helpful in many things.