The Multiple Sclerosis Tapestry: Interviews with People Whose Lives are Affected by MS

Merely Me Living With It I am a mother, a writer, and now an MS patient I just got diagnosed with MS in October of 2007 although my very... Send Message Subscribe: Merely Me

Monday, October 06, 2008
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I met Joan on-line through her blog some months before I was officially diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Joan is an excellent resource and support to anyone who has been told that they have this disease. She has been living with MS now for 22 years and what I get from reading Joan'...

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Joan
Mandy Crest
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 03:18 PM

As a frequent visitor to A Short in the Cord (great title!), I really enjoyed reading more about her!

re: Joan
Lisa Emrich
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 03:21 PM

Yep, me too. Basically what I was just typing.

re: Joan
Merely Me
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:18 AM

Yeah she has a wonderful site...I am really glad she is as dedicated as she is to writing her blog. Reading Joan has really helped me with coming to terms with my MS.

Untitled Comment
Lisa Emrich
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 03:20 PM

Merely Me, thanks for doing these interviews. I've just now learned some new things about Joan which I didn't already know.

To Joan, no major relapses since 1999? Whooohoooo, that's great!! Fatigue is also one of my most troubling symptoms, unfortunately not the only symptom.

re: Untitled Comment
Merely Me
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:20 AM

I am having a lot of fun doing these interviews and finding out how people cope with what they are given. I feel optimistic that...if others are coping and handling this disease for years upon years then I will be able to as well. Thanks for reading and sharing Lisa.

Great post
Julie
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 04:24 PM

I love Joan's "silver lining" comment. It made me laugh reading her take on looking better than she ever has before. Thank you, Merely, for writing these profiles.

re: Great post
Merely Me
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:22 AM

Yeah I really appreciated that comment too. Joan has a great sense of humor which is part of her coping strategy I think. It is an excellent strategy in my book. Thank you so much for your comment and I will be doing more of these interviews in the weeks to come.

Untitled Comment
Anonymous
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 04:37 PM

I think the interviews are great as I like the perspective of others as I learn to understand MS better. Joan if very informative. It is good to hear from someone for whom the medications seem to be working so well

re: Untitled Comment
Merely Me
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:23 AM

As I venture towards taking MS meds in the future...I agree...it is good to hear from someone that they can work. I do appreciate your comment and I hope you come back to read more.

I like these too
Paul
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 05:15 PM

Joan represents the indomitable human spirit I hear so much about. Seems to run around this MS site in abundance. I've been to her blog a number of times.

What I'm getting from the discussion about MS here and which is most individually important to me, is that if I can get MS, I'm going to be good looking. Finally... The other things, not so good.

I greatly enjoyed this interview and this personality. Thank you both.

re: I like these too
Merely Me
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:27 AM

You are so right...indomitable spirit...resilience...whatever you wish to call it...is a good attribute to have when you have MS. And Joan has this quality in spades. Yes it does seem we who have MS are suddenly bestowed with good looks...it is truly amazing. I am so glad you stopped by to comment. I always enjoy your thoughtful insights.

Wow.
susan
Monday, October 06, 2008 at 07:05 PM

One more impressive lady.

Thank you for sharing her story.

re: Wow.
Merely Me
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:29 AM

I do agree...Joan is very impressive and it was a pleasure to interview her. Thanks for stopping by Susan. I will have to go visit your blog soon.

Joan's interview
Jen
Tuesday, October 07, 2008 at 10:36 AM

WOW! Great article, Merely Me, and great interview, Joan! I'm fond of both of you. I really like hearing people's personal MS stories, so I'll be sure to come back and read more of them. Once again, I love your positive, uncrushable spirit, Joan. You're a powerful force within the MS community. See ya in the Friday night chat room...

Jen, a fan of you both

re: Joan's interview
Merely Me
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:33 AM

Awww...thanks Jen for stopping by. I am so glad you liked the interview. I need to catch up with your blog and I will do that very soon!

about the writer
stuart
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 at 12:04 PM

Merely Me -- Please keep up the writing. We need the sensitivity that you apply to each story ..

To Joan -- Congrats on the success of your site

re: about the writer
Merely Me
Friday, October 10, 2008 at 07:35 AM

Thanks for stopping by Stuart...I will have more interviews with more MSers to be published every other week. I hope you come back again to read more.