Lucky

As I read about MS and its many manifestations I have learned that alot of potential symptoms are scary and uncomfortable to talk about. Many people experience problems with something as simple and taken for granted as going the bathroom normally, i.e. overactive or not-so-active bladders. I have been very lucky that I have not encountered such problems so far.

When I began this blog I knew the possibility existed that I would experience many less than desirable symptoms and side effects associated with this disease and the medications used to treat it. I have written about a lot of them so far, in an effort to raise awareness on a mystery illness. I decided early on that I would do my best to always be honest and not censor myself, so that I could give MS a real face for people as we all learn about it together.

So with that being said...my hair is falling out.
Now before people start freaking out on me, my doctor and I are fairly certain it is not ALL going to fall out. It is most likely due to a condition called Telogen Effluvium, which essentially is a disruption to the hair's normal growth cycle. You know how every day you normally lose a few hairs? Well with TE, the hair sheds excessively and sort of comes out in handfuls, usually not causing any bald patches, but just an overall thinning. ALOT of women experience TE after having babies, so it is a very common thing. Other reasons for it include Stress and changes in health and/or medication. I have had a bit of all of those I suppose :-)

At the end of the day, I would far prefer my hair falling out to my bladder not working properly, but it would be better not to have to choose the lesser of two evils. Chris and I were reminiscing about February of this year, when our biggest problem was trying to merge our money together and set up a household budget!

Ah, the good ole days.... My dear friend Kimmy said to me the other day, "Have you ever noticed how some people are just unlucky? I hate to say it, but I think you may be one of those people." I guess there is some truth in that I have been unlucky in ways. Being diagnosed with MS isn't going to win me the "Luckiest Woman of the Year" award. But, the truth is that I have been lucky in many, many ways. So maybe that is how Nature balances it all out: someone who is unlucky in love has perfect health, for example, or vice versa.

I feel lucky to have such dear family and friends and a husband who would move mountains for me. I am lucky to have a roof over my head and a collection of such fabulous shoes! I am lucky to be gifted with musical talent and have the ability to share it with others...the list goes on.

I am lucky enough to have faith that things ARE going to get better...
This too shall pass.

Headed to Shepherd in the morning to see what exciting Plan C's To Improve Caroline's Vision exist...wish me Luck!