Superman has kryptonite. People with MS have heat. Heat sensitivity is a common problem for those of us living with multiple sclerosis on a daily basis.
I got reminded of that last week. Spasticity is a common issue for me, but last Tuesday morning, my leg was locked. Typically, patience and some gentle guidance from my husband and me will help bend my left leg, but that did not work at all. When I finally laid down, I realized I was feeling hot, and voila, the puzzle was solved. Hubby got the thermometer, and I was not surprised at all to see 102.4. I was actually relieved because I knew a) why I was having the trouble and b) that the leg would unlock when my fever went down. Of course, I couldn’t just wave a magic wand and needed to get myself through the illness.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through experience is – illness is not a time for pride. Ignoring the illness and trying to do too much is a recipe for disaster.
– Get help – This is not the time to play superhero. Ask for help early to avoid needing emergency help. I learned this the hard way in the middle of the night a few years ago when I got the flu. I thought I could get to the bathroom by myself – it was the middle of the night, and it wasn’t far to walk – I could do it, right? Nope! I fell after about two steps and couldn’t get myself up. I called out to my poor husband until he woke up, and he had to drag my dead weight into the bathroom. This time, when I needed to walk anywhere, I had him come to me first. He would help me stand up and then support me as I walked so that I didn’t fall. It was much easier and less scary for him and a lot less embarrassing for me.
– Prepare for emergencies – When you’re sick, it’s time to push fluids. But the more you drink, the more you have to use the bathroom. And when you’re sick, it’s even harder to get there in a hurry. So there’s a dilemma…risk falling by moving too fast, or risk making a mess by not getting there in time. This is definitely time for an insurance policy, like Depends. I could chug water without worrying about an accident or a fall. Being sick is rough enough, but at least I had a little peace of mind.
– Have a list of medicines – Make a list of your medicines, when you take them, and how much. This excellent suggestion is courtesy of my husband, who had to get my medicine for me the first day I was sick. We ended up arguing about what I had and hadn’t taken. It’s hard enough to keep track when you’re healthy, but it’s very hard for someone who doesn’t regularly hand out your meds.
– Get a flu shot – This flu season has gotten off to a rousing start, and the flu is a nightmare for those of us with MS. A flu shot lets you reduce your risk of dealing with that ugly illness. Make sure you get the shot and not the live-virus mist.
