Having A Chronic Illness With Children

Nothing brings more terror to you than having a doctor tell you that you have a chronic illness.  A chronic illness that can become disabling and all you can think of is your children.  This is terrifying.

When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis my youngest was 15 months old, and my oldest had just turned 4 years old.  All I could do was sit and cry with my my mother and father sitting there watching me feeling helpless.  After a while, my  mother looked at me and said, "Carla, God wouldn't have blessed you with these children if you were not going to be around to take care of them!"  Something in me just snapped.  Mom was right.  I had went through many trial and tribulations just trying to carry a child.  Would God put me through all that just for me not to be able to take care of them? I think not! 

Though I had a spark, I still had to face the reality that this was a serious disease.  I was almost in denial of the disease.  I had my husband be my mouthpiece and talk to my neurologist.  I had my husband and my neurologist pick out the medication I was to be on.  They chose Rebif.  It was fine with me.  I was in a fog.  

I went on the same.  I noticed different changes.   Most of all I noticed the fatigue. But babies don't understand fatigue.  Babies don't understand that Mommy is just too tired.  On really bad days we spent time in the living room.  I went to the Dollar Store and bought a huge wicker basket.  In this wicker basket, I had age appropriate toys, games, crayons, construction paper, scissors, glue, glitter, coloring books, crayons, playdough.  You name it, and it was in there.  I would lie on the couch on those bad days and let the kids go wild.  They learned to play together and share, and it let them be creative, while giving Mommy much needed rest.  I also bought a desktop fridge to keep near me because walking was an issue for me.  My hubby filled it with juice boxes, bite sized sandwiches and on top of the fridge, dry snacks.  It worked out for me and if you have small children, please try some of these suggestions.

Though you may have a chronic illness, and sometimes it may be hard to think ahead, think ahead when you are having a good day.  Think of somethings that could occupy your child because you and I both know that that bad day or days are coming.  A little planning ahead for what you know is coming down the pike is golden. Trust me. 

My children are older now, and they have weathered storms children shouldn't have to weather.  They have seen Mommy not being able to walk, not being able to speak correctly, nurses coming to the home, Mommy being put on intravenous and bedridden. My husband and I have been honest and kept it child friendly.  And though Mommy battles this disease everyday, I still try to smile everyday for them.  I want them to know that Mom is fighting...for them.