[SallyC]

Usually I love winter and snow. The whole thing has always invigorated me and cheered me up.

We haven't had a lot of snow, so far, this year in my neck of the woods. I hope this is not the beginning of our snow season.

I find myself feeling grumpy and on the verge of tears. I'm older, weaker and more dependent on others, now, maybe that's it. When the electricity went out, last night, I tried to be my independent self, but cried on my knees, when it came back on.

Is MS, age or both, making you feel a little sad, angry and helpless, on days such as this?

[sabimax]

although undx, the symptoms and hurting days is what is getting me down as of late!! ugggg

hugss, sarah

[barb02]

My spasticity has been much worse since Christmas, and I assume the cold weather is the cause. As long as the sun is shining (as it was today), I do not feel depressed. But I am scared every time I have to walk outside on the snow/ice. I think this year I am even more afraid of falling after being dx with osteopenia.

I asked one of my colleagues to walk me to my car on Friday after my classes because my students told me the sidewalks were really slippery. He said sure, but left early for lunch and forgot about me. I hate being scared and dependent on others. So I took baby steps and made it okay. I was supposed to go to a movie this afternoon with a friend, but told her I did not want to go out. She was a bit snippy with me, and I am sure she was rolling her eyes.

[SandyC]

Sally I hate that you feel this way Wish I lived near you so I could shovel you out a spot and you and Jim could roast marshmallows and drink spiked cider.

For everyone feeling down about the weather and independence.

Barb, pardon my language but "f' her if she doesn't understand. Sheesh, some people.

[Blessings2You]

I don't do well during the cold, dark months, though this year surprisingly hasn't been as bad as some. I had some strategies, and I think it helped.

Barb, trying keeping ziploc baggies of rock salt in your car, at your job, etc. so at least you can sprinkle your way to safety if necessary. I find that especially helpful when I park in a slippery place and have to step out of the car...I can sprinkle a few rocks before I put my foot down.

[barb02]

That is a great idea about the rock salt. I will definitely do that this week. thank you for the suggestion.

Sandy, I feel like I am losing all of my friends because they just do not get it.

[SallyC]

My best friend, who is also 70, wanted to come and get me so I wouldn't be alone. I told her no way did I want her out in this, but I sure did appreciate the thought.

Thanks pals, somehow I knew you would all understand.

[kats]

I totally get what you're saying about not wanting to go out and being apprehensive about snow and ice. Last year was my first experience with snow and ice (I had recently moved to WA) and I had a nasty spill on the ice right before my diagnosis. I even thought it had something to do with the lesions on my brain and spinal cord but I guess not. On the weekends, I just feel like relaxing after working a full week plus overtime and am not sure what to say to my friends who want to hang out. I don't have much in the way of symptoms but am always waiting for the other shoe to drop which keeps me from being as sociable as I used to be. This year I was all prepared for the snow and ice so of course there wasn't any.. I bought some kitty litter because that's also supposed to help with getting traction on the ice. The cloudy guys and rain don't bother me too much but I'll sure be happy to have more light in the afternoons - driving at night bothers me a little. Hope everyone is well!
Kathy

[Jappy]

Sorry SalPal how you are feeling. One thing it seems we are all in the
same boat.
I have been lucky with this last storm, only about 1in. fell.

What I can't take is this cold weather anymore. I know that I am really
getting down in the dumps, just this Sunday morning woke up about 6:30am
to get ready for church, looked at the temp. and said I can't go out into this.
It was about 15degrees. I have been staying indoors so much lately,
that I am getting depressed and feel like I am in prison in my own home.

At least with the nice weather, could just go out and sit on the porch,
being I don't drive to far anymore.

We all just have to keep thinking positive, warm weather, she is a coming. Can't get here fast enough. The only thing that is really keeping me
thinking positive, when I think of others that are worst off, like the poor
people of Haiti.

Jappy

[Friend2U]

I don't like that I have had to become dependent on others. It used to be I could just go out, snow or no snow, jump in my car and go to the store and just get out for a bit. That helped in the winter. But now I can't do that. I find myself not asking my dh to take me out, I just don't want to be a bother.

I think losing my independence is the worse part of this terrible disease.

Sally, and others, I'm sorry you have to go through this snowy winter and I hope you get to have a ray of sunshine soon! Love you all!