Hold on to What’s Important to You>>Living with MS
Unfortunately, some people with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to give up activities when they are no longer able to do them the way they used to. You might, for example, give up skiing because your balance and energy aren’t what they used to be. Then, you may find that hiking with your partner is more difficult and stressful than it used to be.
And then you may decide that you really can’t take your kids to the zoo anymore. Finally, one day, you will realize that you have given up on so many things that made your life fun, fulfilling and interesting, and you may not have found satisfactory alternatives to fill in the gaps.
Although you might think you have to give up all the good stuff, consider a different strategy: Find ways to do your favorite activities differently with assistive technology (AT), or try some alternative activities that might be just as satisfying.
If you already have a “toolbox” of tools to help you do the things you want to do – congratulations – just keep adding to it. But, if you don’t have that tool box yet, the rehab team can help you figure out what types of tools will work best for you.
The truth is that people with MS enjoy adaptive sports of all kinds. Parents can enjoy watching a football match or go to the zoo on a motorbike. A cruise can be just as fun as trekking in Tibet. The key is to realize that although the activities may be different or you may have to do them differently, they can be part of a full and rewarding life.