Getting Out of the House

So as we all know, getting out of the house now living with MS, is a bigger task then what it used to be. Because for one, we forget things that we need while being gone. The grocery store is no longer that annoying that you don't like to do. It's that annoying, yet tiring thing you have to do. And if you experience weakness, you have had to change your whole shopping experience.

For one, you have to try and find a time that you can get to the store when it isn't very busy. And when their is a close parking spot available and/or a handicapped parking spot available. With me, being 24 and having a handicap parking pass, I get those "looks" and people have even said, "You should be ashamed, abusing your grandparents parking pass like that". Once I get my cane out, they turn the other direction and walk away very fast.

So depending how you're feeling that day, you also have to see if there are any shopping scooters available as well. And if you don't have anyone with you, you have to see if there is a store employee that can help you reach the higher things on the shelves. Sometimes I just think to myself, "Man, trying to plan out my trip to the grocery store, is like trying to plan a vacation."

Now when it comes to getting out of the house to go see your neuro... My thoughts are... "Okay... what kind of news am I going to get this time around." So then you try and prep for your appointment so you don't forget anything. You sit down and have your list of medications... and then you are getting all your questions you have written down, and you get mad at yourself cause you try and remember something you wanted to ask.... but can't seem to remember anything.

Then you have to take in to account, okay what time do I need to leave, who is going to take me or did I remember to have enough gas in the car? Then you have to check the traffic reports... the weather... etc. In my case, I have to make sure my appointments are scheduled when I have someone to watch the kids, if they aren't at school.

Now when it comes to getting out of the house for pleasure... like going to a friends house or something like that. You have to think about, okay... what can I wear that looks nice, but is easy to get on and off by myself. ( if you have spasticity in your hands, you know what I'm talking about ) Then you need to see if there is going to be food where your going, or if you need to eat before you go or bring a snack. Then you need to bring medications, just in case. It also depends on the time of day the social gathering is. If it's later in the evening, I need to make sure someone can drive me because I have issues driving at night. It also depends on if the gathering is inside or out. Living in Texas, I can only take so much heat.

So, instead of the days where you could just grab your keys and go... it is now a hourly process of preparation to do anything. Because now, if I'm going on long car rides... I have to make sure I don't drink a lot of liquids and I make sure I use the restroom right as we're about to walk out the door.

In some ways, I get jealous of those who can just not think about all of these things when going somewhere, they can just pick up and go. It's like, I really took things for granted before I was diagnosed with MS, even the littlest, simplest things!

Okay, that's all from me today. Happy Mother's Day!

xoxoxo
Ashley