MS affects everyone differently, but those affected for a length of time usually share some of the same symptoms. I’ve been struck by the irony and sometimes cruelty of how the common symptoms of this condition work against each other. There are a number of symptoms which, when combined, create either tragedy or comedy, depending on the kind of day a person is having.
For example, a disease is discovered that includes speech problems as a symptom and it is labeled with a name nobody can easily say, especially those who have it!! A bit ironic, don’t you think? At least it has an abbreviation.
MS symptoms often require medication, most in pill form. One symptom can be swallowing difficulty. How do those patients take their medicine?
Another irony presents itself when an MS symptom, bladder urgency, requires quick movement to a bathroom, but many people with MS have difficulty walking to get there.
Ironic, isn’t it, that someone with MS may not be able to perform a task, so might have to explain in words to someone else how to do it; but speech and vocabulary may be affected, making it difficult and frustrating to communicate information verbally.
I also find it ironic that spasticity causes some rigidity that helps give legs strength to hold one up in the absence of muscle strength, but can also do much to prevent one from standing and/or walking.
Be sure to exercise and eat healthy, they say. But those things take time and many of us struggle with fatigue.
What ironies have you found in your journey with MS? What daily frustrations do you deal with? Or is there a positive irony I’m overlooking?
Climbing Downhill 
I enjoyed reading this and was nodding in agreement. If I thought about it long enough I would probably end up with a long list. I must look out for some positive ones; cant think of any right now!
I relate to the spasticity one; my neurologist said she could give me something to take this away from my hand to stop the worst fingers locking themselves so my hand is in a fist, but it would also relax them all too much taking away my ability to hook some items on in order to carry them. Not sure if this is irony exactly. Not MS related, but I know someone with bad arthritis in the thumbs and fingers and he said the tablets he has to take for this are impossible for him to open.
I always appreciate your good input – thank you!
My favorite MS irony is that our fundraising efforts are a WALK. You know walking… that thing that many of us don’t get to do anymore. *SMH*
I’ve thought that too! And it’s a good one to include here – thanks. I understand too though, that it’s done for a cure so we all can walk someday.