13 Comments
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Ed Tobias's avatar

All of these are important points about living with MS and I can associate with most of them. Your voice and those of others who share our MS lives need to be heard by family, friends, employers and - perhaps most of all - our healthcare providers. Thanks for sharing yours and for the shout-out you've given to The MS Toolbox.

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Jane Harrison's avatar

You’re welcome Ed, and thank you. Very good point about healthcare providers hearing our stories. I’m not too sure how easy it is to reach them though.

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Emily Wojcik's avatar

This is lovely, thank you. And thanks for the shout out! I’m remembering my own conversations, including the one where I had to tell my mother that I was not able to be the person to help her process my diagnosis. That was fun!

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Jane Harrison's avatar

Oh god that sounds like a tough one, and not easy to forget 😖

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Emily Wojcik's avatar

True fact.

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Eliza's avatar

Thank you Jane. Virtually meeting you has been an absolute highlight on my time on Substack. I am very humbled to be included in your list - and can assure you that you hold such a place for me too. s

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Jane Harrison's avatar

Me too Eliza, I love sharing exchanges with you, and your thoughtful take on things 💓

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Chris Anselmo's avatar

Thank you for including me on your list, Jane! I can relate to #5. Always fun to be asked, "What happened to you?" At which point I try to answer in the most awkward way possible.

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Jane Harrison's avatar

That number 5! Think it will always be with us, but it’s good to develop different ways of dealing with it as time passes. I like yours! 🙏

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Unclenching by Chris L Vaughan's avatar

Jane, it's been so wonderful connecting with you and learning about your story. I always look forward to reading your pieces and I can't wait to learn more. Thank you!

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Jane Harrison's avatar

Oh thank you Chris, and me too, I feel the same about yours 😊

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Jackie (she/her)'s avatar

So happy you’re here sharing your story! Even though I have a different disability, I could relate to a lot of what you said here (especially the part about all the ignorant and intrusive things people say and ask when they see you using a mobility aid). Thank you so much for the shoutout too! ❤️

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Jane Harrison's avatar

You’re welcome Jackie, I’m so glad you’re here too 😊

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