It is a big deal. We don't typically talk about it, but it's going to need to be officially addressed really quick here. Yes, when we go to airports or like Sams Club, he has to get in a wheelchair. He hates it, but it's the only way. He physically cannot walk that far. At work, he has a special stall in the parking garage, and everywhere else, we drop him off by the doors and then park.
But sometimes, we need a dang wheelchair and he does not want one. To have a wheelchair everywhere we go is like, giving up for him. We've mentioned getting a lightweight one that folds up or something, but he's not having it at all. He's very headstrong and wants to be independent. He's not looking for special attention or sympathy from anyone. And while his walking certainly attracts both of those, the wheelchair is just too far. To be honest, we're all just holding out for a miracle. It's inevitable that in a year or so, that point will come, and when it does, we will all be devastated. But I guess we will cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime, I pray he does not get seriously hurt. I cringe at the thought of the falls I know he takes, but for him to get really hurt would be absolutely terrible.
I know how your dad feels. Even in my worst times I have denied myself of mobility in exchange for some sort of pride.
ReplyDeleteOne exacerbation that left me barley unable to walk and I was by myself at the time, I was crawling/dragging around the house.
A few months back I bought a OLD wheelchair from Goodwill for $5. I had to use it a little this past December. Glad I had it, although I did not use it outside the house because, well I didn't leave until steroids kicked in and got me walking again.
Just relay to your Dad that he is not alone in the chair hating. I don't think anyone wants to be in a wheelchair (except maybe the lazy).
Hey, I totally feel for anyone struggling with this issue. I am basically just a bystander to this war, and I can barely handle it.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for following my blog. It really is nice to hear from people who can relate in some way to these problems.
I hope that everything is going well for you. :) Hey, at least you've got some warmer weather than here in Utah! haha
You write well, and this is a different perspective of MS that I don't read about much.
DeleteYou make me think about my sister who is your age, and while she lives a few states away, and is, well my sister, not daughter, she is still a (young female) family member who is concerned for my well being.
And if my MS progresses to a point where I cannot take care of myself, she would be the first to help.
Weather has been surprising this year. Extremely mild winter in the mountains. Flowers are starting to pop up in some places. I need to recognize it in my mind as a new cycle, new life, and live by the season. (or grow with the season? whatever)
Hi Melissa! I was poking around on the internet and came across your blog. It's really cool that you are blogging your experience of your dad's MS. I think people forget that when someone is diagnosed with MS, their entire family has it too. I am going to add you to my google reader-I think I could learn something from listening to your perspective.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to let you know that there is a website for younger people who either have MS or have a loved one affected by MS. It's run by the Canadian MS Society, but people from all over the world connect there. You can check it out at: someonelikeme.ca
I am one of the guest bloggers there. I was diagnosed in 2008.