Luke, what the others say is true. You are too young to become a
hermit like me. Even I reach out to Family and Friends to come
visit or take me out(which is more difficult), once in awhile. i
don't want to let peeps forget me or ignore me, just because I
can play well, anymore.

I do like being home alone with no more daily obligations, but I'm
70s yrs old and have lived the good life, while I could..

Don't let this rotten disease take that opportunity away from you.

Luke, I know exactly where you are coming from, especially inn this day and age where there are so many ways to keep yourself busy and somewhat content from home - where you are most comfortable.

But there is a theory going around that it is best to stay connected with the outside world. I have tested this theory repeatedly, and the answer always comes out the same. There is something about being human that means you always have a need to expand your horizons.

You and I probably do a good job of that with the internet. But you've got to be more balanced than that to feel your best, even if the only reason you do it is to satisfy a "helpful" relative. I can't tell you how many times I've gone out for the day with my hubby mostly because he has encouraged me. I know it is good for me to get out, and it gives the poor guy (hubby) something to do. He can't stand having nothing to do, poor man.

Sounds fine to me if that is truly what you want however...

if you are living in your family's home and they are helping support you financially they are going to have something to say about it.

Im the same way. I want to stay home. Can't stand going out. People irritate me anymore. Ive got about a good 20 plus yrs on you, but I hate all the snide remarks I get when I reach for that motor cart just so I can make it thru the store. I beg my dh to just let me stay home. Im hurting and really just don't feel like going out.

He MAKES me go out kicking and screaming, but once we get out there and I feel the breeze and we're driving and I see the surroundings, I suddenly become thankful for his persistence. By the time we get back, I am in more pain then before we started, Im tearing thru the house as much as a person with a walker can tear thru a house, but I am looking for my meds and hitting the bed like a bomb. But you know what, it was worth it.

He doesn't do it a lot, but just enough to let me know that, hey, Im not dead yet and I CAN still move around. Move around while you still can, because one day, you may loose it. That's my fear. Im not here to scare ya, but by now you know, MS is very unpredictable. Use it before you lose it.

Skywalker, this made me think of you and me and our "problem."
:

Me too, Marion..LOL!!!

Hi,

I wanted to say I agree with the others that you DO need to get out and do things, even if it is just once in a while... although I know it is easier said than done.

I'm 18 and have been ill since I was 12. I spent over a year in a wheelchair unable to walk, having to attend hospital at least twice a week for PT. Because of this I couldn't attend school (my teachers said it wasn't safe for me to attend - there was no lifts etc). My so called 'friends' didn't come by to see how I was or even email to ask if I wanted to do anything. It stressed me out because even though I wasn't well, I was still the same person and still wanted to do things people my age did (of what I was able to anyways).

I eventually learnt how to walk again but was in so much pain I couldn't attend full time school... plus my school said my attendance would be too bad to attend mainstream school. My parents fought for me to go to a school centre that was for children with physical disabilities (not mental) or that simply couldn't go to school for one reason or another (bullying, being a carer to parents etc). At this centre I met many new people and made new friends and slowly started doing activities people my age do.

The year I spent isolated, unable to walk and on my own with only my parents for support really made me depressed. It is because of that reason I now try and go out when I can to see my friends and have as much of a 'normal' life as possible. Yes i'm still ill and yes I have to pay for having fun sometimes for several days afterwards but its worth it. Plus going out sometimes helps you 'forget' about some of the symptoms for a little while.

I KNOW its hard to force yourself into doing something when you really don't feel well or just like your own company but please listen to what your family are telling you. You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough (even with an illness). Do things that you are able to, don't feel forced into running a marathon or something but please don't look back on life when your older thinking to yourself 'I wish I did things when I was younger' because you will regret it... I know I regret not going out when I was unable to walk and keeping in contact with friends as I missed out on a lot of my childhood because of it.

Take care
Alison

Hi Ali, love you!!

You too, Sal! Hope you're doing well.

Luke,

It is essential that you get out of the house, even if you enjoy being alone and staying home.

I very much enjoy living alone but getting out allows me to better enjoy my own space without becoming detached from reality, lonely or depressed when this disease forces me to remain home.

Engaging with people in my community, with friends, co-workers and family on a regular basis ensures that I have access to their support when I need it. We help each other out as we are able. When I am well, I help others who need assistance and that enriches my life, giving purpose and pleasure to it.

Doing that also takes my mind off of my own challenges for a while and that is so important for psychological and emotional well being. I really think that we are forced to spend time thinking about our own situations because of this disease, so thinking and doing things for the benefit of others provides relief.

It is a true blessing to assist others in any way that opportunities allow because it benefits others as well as those who engage in it. Without that, it is all too easy to lock one's self away in seclusion and descend into a state of self pity and hopeless despair.

You might think about joining a support group in your area that holds regular meetings, so that you can attend them. There you might meet others with similar interests, who also understand the challenges that you face, so that you can engage in them together.

This disease should not limit our abilities to expand our consciousness, nor will it if we continue to dream, set goals and pursue them as we are able.

I wish you opportunities in abundance and the will to do just that.

With love, Erika