posted November 18, 2008
I recently received an attack email direct because I write opinions to Chattanoogan.com.
As I have stated before, I have had Multiple Sclerosis for almost 19 years.
The writer said the following,
"You can launch a boat, operate a boat, fish, spy on soccer mom's at Pruitts,
write, edit and publish opinion letters, but you're too sick to work and are forced
to draw disability?"
First, I wasn't spying on soccer moms; I was walking around them as they held a conversation in the aisle.
I advised the writer that first they need to read up on MS at the MS Society website and understand the way the disease works. One of my major symptoms is fatigue. A fatigue like you have never felt, that comes over you all of a sudden like a wave. Then you are done. Heat, stress, and other factors can bring it on.
Also there is balance issues, vision, partial onset seizures which is like being knocked out, and cognitive issues. I can remember something that happened 30 years ago but not what I had for dinner 2 days ago. That means lots of note keeping.
One of the reasons I stay engaged with Chattanoogan.com is I can take my time composing my thoughts, not like when you are trying to make a point in a conversation. Sometimes it takes a while to write it correctly.
Anyway, the last comment was I am too sick to work and forced to draw disability. Yes, thats the way it happened.
The major corporation I worked for required if you were management/salary, you must work 60 hours a week. I tried to work three years after being diagnosed. When I asked the company if we could cut back my hours some because of the fatigue, they told me no, I must go on their disability.
Then six months later, they told me I must apply for Social Security, and I did. I had a well documented file from a very excellent neurologist. I was accepted and thats it.
I have tried to keep my mind and body as active as MS lets me. I have very good days and very bad. That is the uncertainty of the disease. When you wake up in the morning it's always a suprise.
I just wish, before anyone judges a persons disability based what they see, they would know what is going on inside. I can't tell you how many times I have heard, "But, you look so good"
Mitchell Thurmer
mthurmer4300@comcast.net
Signal Mountain
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