Well, first of all, I think you nailed it with the word "clueless". They are. I think most of us are clueless about other people's lives and struggles, though I would hope that most of us, MOST of the time, wouldn't say something hurtful in our cluelessness.

How to describe MS to an "outsider" has always been the $64,000 question, hasn't it? Multiply that by the factor of every MSer being different, and every outsider being different in comprehension...exponential.

A possible return email might begin something like: "I'm sure you didn't intend your comment to be hurtful to me, but I was taken aback by the thought that someone might think that a person with an incurable disabling disease could somehow be using it to get a free ride..." ..."If you'd really like to know how I got on that 'gravy train', I'd be glad to share some medical information about Multiple Sclerosis so you can decide for yourself if what I had to pay for the ticket is worth it...."

Can I borrow this? This is an excellent and concise response to anyone who seems to think your disability, whatever that be, is the same as vacation!

As an RN whose passion was educating patients, families and fellow coworkers I was never hesitant to tell anyone about what MS is. And as far as the statement about 'that gravy train', they don't deserve an answer if they say that to you. I do get statements about why I have a handicap placcard. I just tell them that if they are willing to trade me their worst day for my MS that it does come with the sticker to use. I'm just forever grateful that all of my family understands. Of course most of my family have some ind of auto immune disorder so all of us understand anyway!

I don't even try to explain it anymore. There are those I work with who call off work or have various complaints for one thing or another. I sometimes think I could ask for exceptions for my various disabilities but I don't worry about it anymore. If it becomes a problem I will, but most people don't want the hear about my limitations anyway.

I'm with ya Wiz..I never try to explain anymore.

My cousin has MS. All you have to do to see her life is spend a day with her. People I think arn't so kind because they just are not educated. I hope and pray for a cure and admire the people here who try so hard. ginnie