Knowing when to stop has never been something I’m good at. I’m going to go full steam ahead, 125% until whatever it is, is done.

The problem with that is MS doesn’t give a shit what you want to do. Knowing when to stop can be the difference between partial completed and ok or having it done but being useless for days.

This has been a struggle for me since diagnosis. Whether it was work, household chores, physical therapy, it doesn’t matter. You tell me it would be better if I could do these balance exercises twice a day I will, until I can’t see properly and can barely move after two or three days because my body and my brain have communication issues.

I’m not going to lie, I still have problems with holding back. Anyone who has MS can tell you some days are better than others. Don’t make it harder on yourself by pushing through when you should be taking a break.

4 years since diagnosis and I’m still learning, my disease is ever changing though so I have to keep adjusting. Today I did the dishes, then I rested, a lot, I also got a migraine. Yesterday though I was in a house full of people for 30 minutes before trick or treating and I should have taken that into consideration today.

If you’re reading this and don’t know MS or anyone with it you probably think I’m lazy for only doing dishes, but I’m not. I managed to give myself a migraine by trying to get something done today instead of resting my body and brain.

Take time, take breaks, chronic illness sucks hard. It’s a learning curve and I am right here with you, learning too.