It's not as easy as it used to be. I've always been an independent little cuss. If DH gave me a hard time I'd sing my song.."got along without ya before I met ya, gonna get along without ya now"

I don't think I could do it without the complete support of my Children. My DD and her DH always say that I will never go to a nursing home and, if necessary, will move in with them. I love them dearly, but, EEEEEEEK! And besides, I'd hate to do that to them.

I do my PT/OT and stretching every day to keep myself strong, so that I am able to transfer safely, but how long will my MS body be able to do it?? I am so afraid of falling that I thank God for every time I make it.

You all think I am so possitive all the time and I work on that, but, I'm afraid and fear is a negative reaction. What can I do to take some of this fear out of my life and live with a bit more Joy?

That's the $64,000 question, isn't it? I think you're doing what you need to do--you keep working on it. I can't believe there is anybody who isn't afraid some of the tie, especially among those of us with chronic illness always looking back at us in the mirror.

I can understand how you feel, Sally. I've often wondered what I'd do if I got to the point of not being able to manage by myself. I know my kids wouldn't let anything happen to me......but I like my independence and don't want to put that kind of burden on them.

Oh, Sally!

I have no advice for you. I will just blow some of the wellness that I feel today toward Ohio.

Whooooish,
ANN

Sal,
What you said!!!!!

An other stubborn old Cuss. (not as old as you of course)

sally, i know what you mean, about fear (of the future).
i try to formulate a plan of action when i think the "what if" scenario.

like if i fell i'd use a life alert service.
i can call my neighbors and i gave them a key to my house.
over simplistic maybe but you get the idea.

the more complex the problem the more complex becomes the solution.
not easy. i'm so glad you have family even if i can understand that you don't want to burden them.

Hi Sally

No words, just a HUGE . I think you have just put into words what so many of us fear for the future.

Be gentle with yourself - a good friend of mine who has made it to 86 years of age (and has had MS since her mid-thirties) said to me that she looks for beauty every single day - in nature, and in people - and that is what keeps her going despite all her challenges.

Lyn

(((( Sally ))))

Me too. Sigh.

Wow Lyn, 86 and still going. Thanks for sharing that.. What an inspiration she is..and you..

Sally,
I watch my elderly inlaws decline every day, watching them wet and soil themselves. FIL wears his food all over the front of his shirt. She has her clothes on inside out and backwards. He can barely get out of his WC.

As I watch them, I know that all of us, ill or no, will end up like this if we live long enough. I look at all of the elderly in their facility, and imagine them young and vivacious as we are (or were). Inside every elderly person struggling to stay independent is a 20 year old...

I guess my best advice is to live in the moment...try to stay strong physically and mentally. And when the time comes, and it will for all of us who live long lives, we either plan ahead financially to live in a facility or we live with family.

You seem to be doing the best you can, fighting against the pull of weakness and frailty...keep up the good fight!!