Family members response to US
I am so ANGRY, and I don't do anger, I prefer PEACE. At Our xmas dinner my sister in law made a comment to me that still has me fuming. She said to me that the important thing is that I exercise and stay healthy. NO SH^*
Before MS I hiked slot canyons, repelled, fished....I was 130 lbs and always on the go. Now 180 lbs
Now every time my family sees me I'm on the couch watching t.v. I HATE T.V.
We have a complete weight room in our home and I have tried walking slowly on the treadmill. If I walk 20 minutes NOT only does it increase my cramping and leg spasms immediately, I pay for it for DAYS.
I even tried to entered a study at the University of Utah for exercise and M.S.
I had to double my pain Meds. Just to go to the xmas dinner.
They all think I'm just a lazy person.
Is there any way to get them to understand what life with M.S is really like?
HOW?
Hi sapid and I am so sorry you had to deal with that. It can be frustrating, to say the least, when family and friends don't grasp the seriousness of MS. While there may always be people in your life that just don't 'get it', some of our members have said that sharing articles on MS can sometimes help loved ones get a glimpse of what life with MS is really like. You can even share articles from this site, if you would like. A basic one like this information on various MS symptoms could be a good place to start -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/symptoms/. Sometimes, reading or hearing something from a third party, even if it's the same thing you have said a hundred times, seems to sink in better. But again, I think there will always be those people that don't believe that MS is a life-altering condition. Please know that you are not alone! We read similar comments from community members quite frequently. I thought you might find this article relatable -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/seeking-support-when-you-dont-receive-it-from-home/. As you can see from the title, it's about creating a support system when your family does not offer support for you. I also thought you might appreciate this collection of not-so-sensitive comments our members have had directed at them -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/ms-things-people-should-not-say/. Please know you are welcome here anytime to share or vent, as needed. If you haven't already, you can also check out our Facebook community -- https://www.facebook.com/MultipleSclerosisDotNet/. Thank you for sharing and I hope you are able to shake off the uninformed comments you heard from family members! Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
