Mandy:

Nice post. It made me think of a conversation I had with my husband shortly after I was diagnosed with MS. I told him that because I had a disease that impacted me but not in a way that people could see, it was easy to hide my condition at work. But I would look around now and wonder -- for the first time -- how much my co-workers were hiding. Did they suffer secretly with back pain or marital problems or worries about children? I instantly became more sensitive about people around me; MS has made me a more caring person, I think.

My husband (a very healthy guy), in response, disagreed with me. He said he assumed most people were just fine. And that pretty much was my perspective pre-MS. I think it's interesting that we each overlay on others how we feel personally.

Knowing now how easy it is to hide pain, and how lonely that can feel, I now take more time talking with my colleagues. I'm not saying MS has enriched my life -- I'd much rather do without -- but I do appreciate the deeper connection I feel toward others.

Mandy Crest, Health Guide

3/31/08 2:22pm

Julie,

 

I tend to agree with you -- that most people are keeping something to themselves. It may be a mild physical problem or a major one, but, especially as we age, we have more to deal with in that department.

 

I, too, would rather do without the MS, but it has taught me a great many things.

 

Thanks for commenting!

Mandy