MS Comic: I Feel Great!

By Brooke Pelczynski

Last Updated:

1 min read

Sometimes we find ourselves telling those around us that we feel totally fine when we're very much struggling with invisible physical symptoms or emotions due to MS. It's important to share how we're truly feeling, even if it isn't always easy, so we don't have to carry the burden alone.

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Mike Russell Member

Another great one Brooke and boy do I know how that feels 😀
Therry Neilsen Member

I love the whole comic, but that last panel really brought it home! My cat Saint Jerome was my MS buddy. He helped me with my shots when I started using Copaxone. What a pal!
Roger Hellard Member

I don't tell people how I feel most of the time. When they ask, I tell them "I'm ok". Some of the people I do tell sometimes just nod their heads, or react with pity. I try not to say too muck at work, for being afraid of being put out of work. I already have certain restrictions I'm dealing with. So I put on the brave face and soldier on.
1. Debbie Petrina Member
 
 <inline-mention username="Roger Hellard" user-id="4073962"/> You have a lot of company. I think most of living with MS are The Great Pretenders no matter how disabled we look or how long we have lived with it. We hide behind our smiles. I often say it's a judgement call; after awhile you learn who really wants to know, or who should know. Best, Debbie (Team Member)
LuvMyPug Member

I have been staying with my parents because I had a house fire&it has been really exhausting acting like I feel ok&I have made excuses to go read my book or anything&rest. I'm so glad I haven't had a real bout of fatigue because she doesn't understand &makes me feel like I'm lazy! It's been stressful being here but thank God for my dog! She helps me keep my secrets&let's me vent&most of all just loves me MS good days&bad ones&is ok with both! So I really got your comics! They made me feel like....ahh people who understand the struggles of the invisible symptoms of MS!! THANKS SO MUCH!!
1. Brooke Pelczynski Member
 
 <inline-mention username="LuvMyPug" user-id="4540924"/> 😍😍😍😍 your so welcome!!!! Pets are the best listeners 
2. Erin Rush Community Admin
 
 <inline-mention username="LuvMyPug" user-id="4540924"/> , I just wanted to check in! Have you been able to move back into your own space yet? I hope you had a good summer! Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
mummzasmith2022 Member

ok here is the thing i tell my loved ones the total truth i dont feel good i dont feel great even though i am a mum a wife a friend and i still get the same reaction as you guys who say to your loved ones oh im fine yer im great and dont worry! what the actual hell? is it cog fog that i have am i missing something somewhere here?? are my loved ones backwards or something else that is astray that maybe i am missing or not communicating correctly on my journey of pins and needles lost sex drive, debilatating fatigue and numbness in places i had no idea could go numb much less be numb, falling over randomonly with no reflex to stop it from happening and kissing concrete from 4 flights of stairs high after trying to glide to the bottom like a bird of some sort, however unsuccesfully that was! WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?!
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 
 <inline-mention username="mummzasmith2022" user-id="4730529"/>, I wish I had some brilliant answer, but the ol' "You don't get it 'til you GET it" phrase seems to apply. I think it's just hard for people to grasp what living with a chronic condition like MS is like unless they have MS. That said, some friends and loved ones are more supportive than others. I come from a long line of stoic midwesterners, so empathy and compassion were not the most natural feelings for us. I have definitely learned how to be more open to learning and supporting others as I have gotten older. I am sorry you have done your best to explain your condition to your loved ones and they still don't seem to grasp what you deal with on a daily basis. That just stinks. But, please know, at least this community gets it and you never have to explain yourself here. Best, Erin, <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.