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A colorful silhouette of a group of women bike riding. The person in the back stands out from the crowd and is highlighted orange.

I May Joke, But I’m Not Kidding About MS

Recently, I went on a women’s group bike ride organized by a local bike shop. This was a very new adventure for me. I’m new to group riding as my husband and I usually ride alone, and we tend to ride in places that we already know.

I felt too intimidated to join a group

I’ve been aware of this local ride that occurs every Thursday evening during the summer months for some time, but I felt too intimidated to participate. Their ride description mentions using road bikes (I have a hybrid bike), suggests using clipless shoes (I’m scared to wear shoes that “lock” my feet to my pedals), and states that they ride an “easy” 13-14 mph (I don’t average anywhere near that when hills are involved).

Persuaded to give it a try

Based on each of these stated parameters, I had been very reluctant to give it a try. However, two ladies in the group talked me into it and assured me that their “no drop” ride really means nobody is left behind. I found this to be true as about 1/3 into the ride when it was apparent that I couldn’t keep up. Two cyclists stayed with me as the majority of the group rode ahead.

Making conversation

During some of the times that I had to walk my bike up a steep incline, one of the ladies talked to me and asked questions. First off, she noted that I was already working 3x harder than any of the rest of them just based on my bike equipment. The fact that I obviously weighed more than any of the other women was probably factored into that statement.

Talking about my MS and RA

At some point, the discussion came around to how I have multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and my knee was swollen from having had a cycling accident the week before.

She asked, “And you’re out here riding today?!!”

“Yes. Today I can ride, although I might not be able to walk tomorrow,” I replied in a joking manner.

Each day with MS is different

But I wasn’t really joking. It’s true that I might wake up one day and not be able to walk. Years ago, I woke up one morning and couldn’t see. It took 3.5 months before my vision returned to normal.

Taking advantage of the days when I feel well

With time, I have come to take up an attitude of “better do it now when I can” to certain activities, such as cycling. I might sound flippant when joking about suddenly not being able to walk, talk, or see. But it’s a very real risk of living with MS.

The day after this first women’s group bike ride I felt surprisingly good. I thought that I would feel awful, but I didn’t. That was awesome!

Trying the same ride again

Two weeks later, I went on the ride again. We took the same route, and I was able to keep up for most of the ride. I walked fewer hills and increased my moving speed by .6 mph, which might not sound like much, but it meant that I finished my ride within 5 minutes of everybody else. I didn’t have as much rest time on the ride because I was riding more slowly, but at least I was part of the group.

Feeling the strain from my activity the next day

The next morning, I felt it. My walking WAS noticeably affected. With legs weak and uncoordinated, I did a little furniture and wall walking throughout the house. I also spent time napping for several hours during the two days after that 2nd ride.

Recuperating was the most important thing I did over that weekend. But the ride was worth it.

I joke about MS, but the effects are real

I might joke to others about the effects of MS, but deep down I know that they are very real and very serious. I’ve been there, and I continue to face symptoms every day.

What people don't see

What nobody could see after that 2nd group ride is that I couldn’t feel anything from the waist down. I had to lean on my bike while walking it to my car to pack up and go home. My legs were “flopping” a bit and I had to concentrate on keep my toes from tripping me up in the parking lot. My vision was blurry out of the right eye. At least I didn’t have far to drive home.

How I felt when I got home

When I came home, my husband brought everything (bike and gear) into the house, and I immediately sat on the couch. He brought me several ice packs and a glass of ice water to help hydrate and cool me down. I had to be careful while climbing the stairs to go to bed later in the evening to avoid tripping and falling.
Although I can bike and (almost) keep up with the group, I must balance that with what I give up behind closed doors. Less than two hours on the bike cost me about 2.5 days of inactivity.

Perhaps joking is a way to show strength in the face of MS. But the effects of MS are never a joking matter.

Be well, my friends, and keep moving.
Lisa

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This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The MultipleSclerosis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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