MS + fever = fear
I had a good scare yesterday. Something I won’t forget for a long time. I caught a virus of some sort, a regular bug that caused a fever and stomach nausea. In my case I lost the ability to walk for a day. Woke up the night before at about 4:00 a.m. needing to pee and I found that I couldn’t stand. It seems that the fever from the virus was affecting my MS which was affecting my legs in a severe manner.
My live in girlfriend, Makoto, was so kind and helpful. She was as freaked out as I was but it didn’t stop her from helping me achieve my prime objective, get to the toilet and pee (me not her). I have a desk chair on wheels so her idea, a good one with the fact I outweigh her by 25 kg, was to get my ass into the chair and wheel me to the toilet. It worked fine and I am happy to report that no animals were hurt or killed in the making of this urination. During the day we went to a Japanese hospital and with translation by Makoto I told the doctor to give me steriods. He did and we left shortly afterwards.
I’m feeling much better today with mobility returning but still freaked out. Is this my future? To not walk? I think I can deal with that fact but it would be difficult here in Tokyo. Many train lines in Tokyo have antiquated subway station lacking any means for the disabled to get to a train without getting some person to carry a wheelchair up/down stairs. My apartment is pretty typical where there are elevated floors so the plumbing can connect separate water rooms (shower and toilet) under the floor. I am in the job market now so I have to be careful that the place of work has elevators and a modern train station nearby. I plan to move so I’ll have those new considerations to mind to. All to be ready for the day I get into the chair to stay.
Tags
I am so sorry. That must be so hard for you. I can not imagine the thought of not being able to walk. BUT, if anyone can get through this - it will be you. It sounds as if you have Makoto by your side, you can accomplish anything. I like her and have not even met her. She is a smart woman. Keep your chin up Pete. If anyone can make it through this, I know you can. Miss you.
Hi Peter. I have been reading some of your messages, especially the ones related to MS. I have a college roommate/best friend who got diagnosed this year and 5 of my closest friends are going to be doing the MS walk in New England this year. If you would like to help advance MS cures and increase awareness for the disease, I would appreciate even the smallest donation. (The check will be written out to the MS society but I can give you more details if you’re interested) BTW I’m also from Tokyo and I will be there in a week. Keep up the fight, Peter!