Sunday, October 11, 2009

The Bad Patient

I think chronic illnesses should be given to people who are good patients. I am not a good patient. I have trouble keeping up with my various prescriptions, communicating with my insurance company, remembering my doctor's and testing appointments, getting referras before the actual appointment and all the rest of it. I am way too disorganized to have MS.

But I guess it's not just the medical stuff. Would I say I shouldn't be able to spend any money because I don't manage it well? Should I not be a mom because I'm flaky with the school papers? The fact is, I suck with all matters that require disclipline. It's not unheard of for me to pay my bills late, lose school papers, and space an infusion appointment until the day of. It's a situation of my own making. I am not a trust fund baby and I'm supporting my two children and myself on my income alone (unless you count the paltry sum of child support that X pays each month), but there are people with less who get it done and pay all their bills on time.

Is it possible for a leopard to change its spots and become a disciplined person? Or am I doomed to a life of last-minute lunch making, expired prescriptions, and telephone calls from creditors?

5 comments:

  1. Another Lazy Julie in CAOctober 13, 2009 at 5:53 PM

    baby steps, LJ-
    One of the blessings MS has given me is the ability to say 'NO', and the freedom to put myself first. I'm still disorganized, but as I get rid of some of the chaff, I am learning how to organize myself in a way that works for me. If I don't write it down, I'll probably forget. Keep your spots, focus on what's most important, and enjoy the journey.

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  2. Heh heh... Your title caught my eye bcz I, too, am a terrible patient! [just ask my endocrinologist, ha ha]
    These days I keep my brain in a little spiral-bound notebook, otherwise it all crashes & burns!

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  3. My sister in law just got diagnosed with MS. I am going to recommend your blog to her. This is great! Thank you !

    Cabbage Soup Diet

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  4. Dammit! So that's why I got this disease! ;) Well, maybe. I'm a new reader, it's looking like my MS diagnosis will come before the end of this month and hopefully without needing a lumbar puncture.

    I enjoyed the read and will keep in touch. :)

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