Multiple Sclerosis, Wheelchairs and Lifespan | Multiple …

My wife made a comment last week that Ive thought about a lot since she said it. It was said in passing in the middle of a conversation that I cannot remember (apparently, my wifes not the only person in our family with poor memory). In this case, though, I think I fail to remember the rest of the conversation because her comment stunned me.

I dont think Ill live a long life.

I knew if I talked to her about it then, I would become too assertive about how wrong I thought the statement was and that she had no right to think that way. (Actually, she has the right to think any way she wishes and usually does even if I dont like it!)

I knew, though, I wouldnt be able to listen to what she was really saying. So, a week later, yesterday morning, I asked her about her comment.

I imagine you said it because you have MS, but having MS doesnt mean youll have a shorter life. Are you thinking youll have a shorter life because of something youve read? Or is it just a hunch?

Shes a realist and a pragmatist. I need the cane to walk around on and its getting worse. Im headed for a wheelchair in my future and I dont think people confined to wheelchairs live as long, she explained simply.

I know her gait is worsening. And I wont be surprised when she requires a wheelchair. But Im not ready to believe it will shorten her life. I said, Unless youve read some significant study, I wouldnt assume being confined to a wheelchair automatically shortens ones life.

She countered, people in wheelchairs get less exercise, hearts grow weak, muscles grow weak. I dont think they live as long.

Ever the optimist, I responded, Yes, perhaps that could be true, but I know people confined to wheelchairs who are in great shape. They even make racing wheelchairs for athletes!

Her eyes said, but Im not an athlete. She looked at me like I wasnt understanding her. The fact is, I didnt want to understand. I didnt want to think that being confined to a wheelchair will shorten her life.

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Multiple Sclerosis, Wheelchairs and Lifespan | Multiple ...