Defiant: Describing multiple sclerosis from A to Z

Sure, multiple sclerosis is a chronic medical condition that attacks the central nervous system. MS is a pain in the neck - and a whole lot of other places. But it doesn’t disarm, destroy, or diminish the MS warrior’s guts.

At least, not figuratively. Sure, MS can cause some unpleasant digestive-related symptoms in some. That’s not the kind of guts I’m talking about here.

MSers tend to be gutsy people. It’s not easy battling a MonSter inside one’s own body. It’s very trying to keep on marching, when flare-ups make every step a challenge. Keeping at it takes boldness and courage and maybe even a bit of recklessness at times.

MS is defiant. We fight it as hard as we can. That’s what gets us up on those most difficult mornings, when the MS MonSter tries to tether us invisibly. MS brings out the defiance in some of us. But maybe that’s a good thing, if it makes us more determined and daring and dauntless.

So far, I haven’t experienced the long-term sidelining that MS can cause for many. I call it a big blessing that I haven’t. I totally get it that “Kicking MS to the Curb” may sound like an overreach at such times. But I have seen MS heroes, who kick back at the dreaded disease, even when physical movement is a stretch. (Maybe you know folks like this too.) Even in wheelchairs, they don’t sit back and take it. They fight in every way they can. These guys are gritty and gutsy and spunky and shameless – when it comes to MS.

Gotta love ‘em.

You might even call them nervy.

My friend Jena is like that. She signs up and participates in several 5K road races each year. She finishes last in each race, but she finishes. She does this in her wheelchair, turning the wheels with her own hands. That’s 3.1 miles, cranking by hand. She is definitely defiant.

Related item/s:

• Maybe MS has taught me something, after all
• 15 things never to say to anyone with multiple sclerosis
• Should you tell people you have MS?

Image/s:

April A to Z Challenge 2016 logo – fair use

 Adapted from public domain artwork

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