Society and social are two words that have changed meanings for me over my years in dealing with this dictionary-altering disease. While I never was a people person, even as a child, I did not shun going out and about as much as I do now. Before, I could easily stop what I was doing, get in the car, and go meet someone for coffee, or lunch, or even a trip to a book store.
But now, the basic steps that I have to take to be able to go somewhere have changed. I get out of bed, rest, get showered, rest, get dressed, rest, use the bathroom, rest, walk out to the kitchen, rest, get to the door, rest, get in my scooter, rest, etc. Do you see the pattern? ð
Now, take that pattern and place it in a public scenario: a church, a grocery store, a coffee shop, or public pool. Social events became such an effort that, at one time, I avoided anything. Yet, there are some steps that I've developed to help me be more socially capable without messing myself, dropping food, saying the completely wrong thing, or worse. ALL of which I've done at the aforementioned places.
But now, the basic steps that I have to take to be able to go somewhere have changed. I get out of bed, rest, get showered, rest, get dressed, rest, use the bathroom, rest, walk out to the kitchen, rest, get to the door, rest, get in my scooter, rest, etc. Do you see the pattern? ð
Now, take that pattern and place it in a public scenario: a church, a grocery store, a coffee shop, or public pool. Social events became such an effort that, at one time, I avoided anything. Yet, there are some steps that I've developed to help me be more socially capable without messing myself, dropping food, saying the completely wrong thing, or worse. ALL of which I've done at the aforementioned places.
Steps I've Developed
ðĶI do not drink a lot until I am familiar with the place, where the restrooms are located, and how to get into them.
ðĨI pay attention to the weather. If the forecast for the day is above 90°, then I do not leave the house unless where I am going has air conditioning AND my vehicle's been pre-cooling.
ðI don't waste time. When I need to use the restroom, I do not say to myself, "I can wait." That used to be possible, but no longer. Trust me, getting up, walker/scooter included, and moving across a crowded room is FAR less embarrassing than losing one's bladder at church.
ðI plan my speaking carefully. While it's not common for this MesS to impact speech in the same manner as strokes or other injuries do, MS can alter one's speech. I find that being aware of the possibility helps me keep my focus on saying what I mean to say.
Of course, I could always just take up the life of a recluse, but that's never worked for anyone other than millionaires or poets. I am far being a millionaire, and I am closer to being a poetaster. ð
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