Okay, so I'll try again

Two years ago, I tried to start a blog about my experience with multiple sclerosis and I failed miserably. Two years and a total of sixteen posts.

But with the encouragement of the Write Sisters, my local writing group, I've decided to try again. To be certain, my battle with MS is not as dramatic and terrifying as others that I have seen. My battle is largely conducted in secret with only my husband, my doctor and a few very close friends ever seeing the war I wage.

Sometimes, because I am so successful in waging this battle, it is easy for people around me to forget or never even know that I have a part of my body trying to destroy the rest of it. I notice more when I'm hot or tired or battling something as simple as a minor cold.

Yesterday, I noticed it in the dentist's chair. First, it was while I was waiting for the numbing shots to kick in. My hands were shaking badly enough that I needed to hold the remote with two hands to be able to turn channels on the television the dentist graciously provided.
then, as I sat for hours during the procedure, I noticed the need to ask for breaks, to run to the bathroom and stretch rather than staying in one position too long. When I got up from the chair, the limp was more pronounced than it usually is.

Today as I recover from the scaling and root planing, I realize I will recover more slowly than most people. It will require better pain management and a longer recovery time. And, just for a minute, I am reminded that my immune system and I are not friends and never will be again.

Most days, this blog will be about living a full life with MS. There are only a few things I don't do because of the illness, but there may be days I talk or whine about those as well. I hope you'll come along for the ride.