Orange You Glad
Carla couldn't have possibly known how appropriate this hop would be for me. Our challenge was to make a project featuring orange and the MS awareness ribbon is orange. The timing made this especially appropriate, I requested August 19 because it is exactly one year since I heard "we need to do more testing to rule out MS." I had been experiencing numbness in my hand that was initially attributed to a pinched nerve but wasn't responding to treatments and an MRI showed possible lesions. I went for testing and at the end of September they confirmed an MS diagnosis.
I'd been considering making myself an orange ribbon wallhanging from Sew Kind of Wonderful ‘s free pink ribbon pattern, for a while and conquer sewing curves in the process; this was the push I needed to get it completed. Now I know it sounds odd to make a quilt commemorating my illness for "orange you glad." I'm certainly not glad that I have MS, but in the year since I've learned many things for which I am glad. I am glad that when the doctor told me they thought it was a pinched nerve causing the issues I kept seeking answers (and that all of the doctors I worked with listened and looked for the next solution.)
I'm glad I had my husband beside me through all the uncertainty; I knew on our wedding day he took "in sickness and in health" seriously but I honestly never expected to be the sick one. He has encouraged me in so many ways and when I look at the worst case scenario he is quick to give me reassurance that it likely won't get to that but some solution that will work if it does-if I get to a point of needing a wheelchair he promises I can have one I can race!
I learned more about making my needs a priority, I learned that I have a lot of friends and family who are more than willing to support me. My doctor said I was "older" when I started to display symptoms so they believe it will be a mild case; I've never been so glad to be called old! I was sure treatment would entail shots and be miserable but in the past few years treatments have improved and I was glad to find that I only have to take pills. I'm glad I have good insurance, when we were working through the process of getting my prescriptions filled we were given a copay of $8000 for one week of medication at one point, under my plan I pay less than $2,000 per year out of pocket for all my testing and treatments.
When I was young and working at our local grocery store we did the MS walk every year; I had no idea someday I'd be impacted by this illness but I'm glad for the work in support of awareness and a cure. This year I did two events virtually a MS run on Thanksgiving and the MS Walk in May, anytime I have the opportunity for an awareness event I plan to participate.
Check out the other bloggers participating this week; I'm sure most of them are more upbeat!
Monday, August 16th
Tuesday, August 17th
Wednesday, August 18th
Thursday, August 19th
I hope being old does indeed keep the symptoms mild! I wish you all the best as you go forward.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best with your treatments and hope the MS symptoms do stay on the mild side! Your ribbon quilt is really nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing! Your ribbon wall hanging is lovely, and your experience and thoughts should be an inspiration to others. I wish you well in the future.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing and inspiring. your ribbon is lovely. I know MS can be difficult to deal with. Have had a close friend who had it. sounds like you are doing the right things. especially digging deeper and getting to the root of it all. prayers for you and your husband
ReplyDeleteWhat a great ribbon and story to go behind it. So sorry for your diagnosis... but what a positive attitude you have.
ReplyDeleteYour ribbon looks great in orange and you nailed the curved piecing. Life can certainly gives us ups and downs, so hang in there and always think positive. Hugs!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Becky, my heart goes out to you! Your orange heart is so perfect! It sounds like you have a great support network around you and that is a true blessing. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you the very best!
ReplyDeleteBecky, I didn't know why this day was important to you, but I certainly understand and am so glad this could be a platform for you as an awareness event. You have touched my heart and I want to thank you for sharing both your beautiful project and your personal story. You are truly an inspiration!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat use of orange. So sorry to hear about your diagnosis, and I sincerely hope and pray your situation will be mild. Thanks so much for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteLovely use of orange. Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.
ReplyDeleteYour orange ribbon is so beautiful! My niece has MS and she travels a lot, works, and has raised four daughters. I think she's trying to cram her life with as much as she can "just in case" she needs a racing wheelchair like your cute husband mentioned. Having support from family and friends is wonderful, and it looks like you have it. You are inspiring in so many ways! xo
ReplyDeleteI think you made the perfect quilt for YOU!!! It's a fantastic quilt! Hopefully, you will have more good days than bad! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet quilt in orange. I didn't know that MS's ribbon color was orange, thank you. Hearing a diagnosis of MS had to be terribly hard. So glad to know that you are experiencing mild symptoms; blessings on your journey.
ReplyDeleteThe perfect quilt for this hop and for us all. The older we get, the more orange we'll need. More and more important to orange ourselves glad. The best for you!
ReplyDeleteTake care and keep up that positive attitude.
ReplyDeletePraying for your MS condition. Your quilt is lovely, and that pattern is one I definitely have on my wish list. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt! Hoping that the MS treatments will slow progression of the symptoms for a very, very long time.
ReplyDeleteYour quilt is awesome and I love your attitude about your diagnosis. I have known several people with MS. Some from a young age, and some who were older. What I saw was the ones that had a good attitude and were deteremined to keep going no matter seemed to do loads better than those with a negative attitude. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeletePrayers and positive thoughts coming your way. Your attitude is wonderful and that is such a huge part of the battle to maintaining your best health. I didn't know that orange was the MS color, you have taught us all about that with your orange ribbon, beautiful job.
ReplyDeleteLovely project for this hop, and so sorry to hear of your diagnosis.. I hope that as time goes on they will find out more on how to help treat it. Take care xx
ReplyDeleteHi Becky, I emailed you that you're the winner of the Benartex Orange fabric! Congratulations! I'll need your address so I can send it to you.
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