Something that helps me from time to time

[Buffy1970]

Sometimes when the pain seems unbearable, or I get frustrated, or I'm just sick and tired of feeling like my body is picking on me I remember what someone said to me many years ago.

When things are tough and you find yourself thinking "WHY ME?"  

Instead, stop and ask yourself "why NOT me?"

Why should someone else have this challenge instead of you?"  

I was a teenager when I heard this and ever since I can never bring myself to think someone else should have whatever problem is troubling me instead of me.  It helps me keep some perspective.

[cjldb]

When I originally go my dx I said "why me" too but the thought that followed put things into perspective. I thought "yeah I bet the patient that just found out their MRI showed a terminal brain tumor thought why me, why couldn't mine have JUST been MS" As bad as it is at times, it could be so much worse. Although I have admit I struggle with that myself on bad days.

[doublevision1]

David Osmond speaks at a MS symposium I attend, and he talks about how, if he asks himself 'why me?' about his MS, he must also ask 'why me?' for having a great family, wonderful wife, healthy baby, a good career, etc.

Having MS can bring out the gratitude in each of us for the things in our lives we would otherwise take for granted.

[doublevision1]

I too never thought 'Why me?' or 'What did I do to deserve this?'

You could drive yourself crazy with such questions, because there is no satisfactory answer.  

As House put it to a patient:  'People don't get what they deseve, they get what they get.'

[Buffy1970]

That's great and good to hear about!!

[HVAC]

I never asked "why me?". I am not sure why. My life story makes most Doctors cringe. I had one actually crying the other day. I have looked at my life with dark humor. Like if it was an absurd movie it would be funny.

The truth is for any bad in my life there has been more good. There have been so many amazing people and experiences I have had. The amazing people who have been so kind through my darkest hours.

I would not have gone to Capitol Hill to talk to Senators and representatives if it were not for MS. I would not have the ear of my State Legislators in fighting for other people's Medicaid (I am not on assistance). I never pictured myself making speeches or having one on one meetings with important people. I am listened to because I speak from experience.

I would not be training service dogs. Through that I have met all kinds of dog trainers.

I have met so many amazing people with disabilities of all kinds I may not have met because our paths did not cross.

This disease has made me slow down and reevaluate my life.

I would not have had the courage to put an ad on Craigslist and start Dressage Horseback riding lessons once a week. I have a whole new set of friends through horses.

I would not have gotten involved in trying to make the health care mess in this country better. I would have been one of those folks who just complains about the bills.

MS has just taken me in a new direction in life.

Alex