get it back 2 good

[RailroaderRobby]

Hey everyone!

I got my dream job with the railroad in 2005, and then reality tried to strike me down in July of 2006 when I was diagnosed with MS. I was fortunate enough to keep my job, which I'm still employed. There has been obstacle after obstacle. I've been hospitalized four times, and bounced back as best I could. Trying to regain, what I could, what MS was trying to take away. It's been almost seven years, and three medicines later. The fight is never ending.
The last couple of weeks though I have seen possibly where this is headed and thought about what I never thought about before. When I was originally diagnosed, my neuroligist and I had a very long conversation. It was about getting as much time in as possible in my career. We've done very well but........I am fearful of the day when I have to throw in the towel.
I've always tried to stay the course, but I feel maybe I'm going off the path that has brought me this far. Not knowing how this is going to be, and what options I have is too much. Maybe I just think too much, and need to go back to the whole one day at a time thing.
Any feedback would be appreciated, I just need to talk this thing out.

[Jules A]

I think your neurologist was excellent to encourage you to work and save as much money as you can while you can.

That has been my plan also and while I hear what people say about work stress making MS more difficult for me financial worry would be far more detrimental. I have no plan to be stuck living only on disability income beholden to family to care for me.

I figure when I'm no longer able to do my job even on a part-time basis I'll have plenty of time to relax and smell the flowers. I hate this thief of a disease.

[JerryD]

You have expressed the unknown as we all know it. I don't have any idea what is going to become of me. And I dare not dream of what tomorrow will be. MS owns all of that. It is a thief. But I will be patient and hope for the cure. Pray, pray, pray and hope for the cure in the near future. Good luck

[RailroaderRobby]

get it back to good

Thank You Jules A and JerryD for responding! It helps that other people understand. I am very grateful that work for the most part understands what is going on, but a few people don't. I think. Those are the people I need to talk to. To help me understand what my future is with the company. I probably won't be able to drive a train forever, but I'm gonna try.

[CaroleL]

Hello and Welcome RailroaderRobby!

MS is a thief, you've got that right! But you also have it right by saying one day at a time.

The future is always uncertain no matter who you are, or what disease you may have.

Best wishes to you. We're here for you.

[Camsue]

Hi RailroaderRobby

Welcome! You are speaking the thoughts of many. I worked in the mental health field for 27 years and retired on disability when my facility closed . My option was move or retire at 46 so I stayed and retired because I could. I often wonder if that was the right decision, but am very grateful for being vested in Social Security and obtaining a state disability retirement...

I hope your options are great and as JerryD says..we're hanging in there for the cure