By Doug Ankerman

I compare my MS experience to that of riding a roller coaster.

Buckled in I began a long, slow climb up the hill having all sorts of weird numbness and tingling. A draggy foot. A few falls. Heck, I didn’t know what was happening.

As the coaster reached the very crest, I was given a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis just before the speeding plunge down the other side. Hairpin turns, twists and loop de loops followed. Some riders screamed, putting their hands in the air – but not me. No way. I held on with a death grip. I was too terrified to let go. I mean, who knew where this out-of-control journey would take me?

Treatments followed. Medications, IV’s, steroids, MRI’s by the dozen.

A racing mind and body hushed by flat stretches of track before once again being thrown into a whipping 360.

Phew, only MS could make Space Mountain seem like a kiddie ride!

Over the years the hills have gotten smaller. Drops not quite as deep. Even the turns aren’t so tight.

It has taken me a long time to settle…to get used to having MS. But I have adjusted. Relaxed.  For after a scary 25-year long ride on this MS coaster, I am finally comfortable enough to let go and put my hands in the air.

Doug writes about MS & other silly stuff on his humor blog at myoddsock.com.