I understand all too well the differences between MS pain and other aches and pains...and my pain specialist KNOWS that I know, so he doesn't try to put icing on a cake that is dry, and cracked from not enough moisture. Having MS sucks, big time. I can tell when I am over tired during the day because I get all shaky, walk to the right even though I try telling the wall to move so I won't hit it...and suffer really bad headaches. On top of that I have Fibro, CFS, DDD with Spinal Stenosis and bone spurs that are pressing into my spinal canal more and more each day...and I have arthritis, and some hard problems with my left foot that may mean the end of being able to walk...my chair sits in the corner of the dining room because my apartment is WAY TOO SMALL to allow comfortable maneuvering of the chair inside. And since I do not have a ramp to get out of my apartment, it cannot take me outside either. Walking is so painful that I try not to wear myself out much during the day. A trip to the store finds me worn out within minutes, especially if I don't find an Amigo to take me around the store. Even that gets old fast, and I am done shopping within an hour. Walking is becoming more of a luxury that I cannot afford much longer. Even my pain specialist sees it and is worried about me. I empathize with all those who have pain as their constant companion. It is not a life I would wish on my greatest enemy. But I do wish that those who scoff at others in pain would walk a mile...a single mile, in my shoes, to feel the depth and breadth of pain I have, and what I have to deal with every day, and then tell me after that mile if their attitude has changed because of it. Some will deny it, saying it didn't affect them, but most will be changed by it. For them, it will be worth walking that mile in my shoes. For those who deny it, nothing will be able to change their minds. I wish those who think we are "disabled" to see us for who we are: human beings with the same emotions, dreams and ideas that they have, who just happen to have a disability to deal with besides. Ya'll have a good night's rest, and come back tomorrow with renewed vigor in your hearts. Life isn't over til the fat lady sings...and who knows when that will be...cuz this fat lady aint singing unless she gets to rest from this pain forever...and that aint gonna be anytime soon!

Peace,

Jewels