DBowman
Active member
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2007
- Messages
- 74
- Reason
- DX UMND/PLS
- Country
- US
- State
- Virginia
- City
- Harrisonburg
I used to run afternoons behind the local elementary school on their track after work. In the evenings I would then do aerobics or yoga. But after being diagnosed with PLS and having falls, weakness in certain areas and having to go from stumbling to a cane to a walker in just a matter of a few months was pretty mortifying. My speech isn't the greatest as I slurr my words if I don't slow down when I talk and pronunciate better.
My self esteem took a bad beating when I realized I had to use a walker....I'm only 60 but walk like a 99 year-old. People look at you curiously when that happens..some even stare. (It BOTHERED me...but I didn't let it stop me) If I want to have any kind of life at all I have to get out there among society and just use my walker stares or not.
Even though I can't do things the way I used to, there is still comfort in just DOING things the way I can NOW in spite of the humiliation I feel (but keep to myself.) I see now how being handicapped affects the people you encounter....some smile and open doors, some look the other way.....some people treat you as if you're a small child (not knowing what else to do...they mean well, though). Sometimes I feel invisible but press on in spite of any negative feelings....
It is said that your illness/affliction shouldn't DEFINE you.....that's the most difficult struggle for me but with the grace of God I can overcome that, too....
There are 2 scripture based books that I would recommend from author Joyce Meyer and they are "Battlefield of the Mind" and "Never Give Up".....both awesome!
My self esteem took a bad beating when I realized I had to use a walker....I'm only 60 but walk like a 99 year-old. People look at you curiously when that happens..some even stare. (It BOTHERED me...but I didn't let it stop me) If I want to have any kind of life at all I have to get out there among society and just use my walker stares or not.
Even though I can't do things the way I used to, there is still comfort in just DOING things the way I can NOW in spite of the humiliation I feel (but keep to myself.) I see now how being handicapped affects the people you encounter....some smile and open doors, some look the other way.....some people treat you as if you're a small child (not knowing what else to do...they mean well, though). Sometimes I feel invisible but press on in spite of any negative feelings....
It is said that your illness/affliction shouldn't DEFINE you.....that's the most difficult struggle for me but with the grace of God I can overcome that, too....
There are 2 scripture based books that I would recommend from author Joyce Meyer and they are "Battlefield of the Mind" and "Never Give Up".....both awesome!