At PatientsLikeMe, we believe in getting to know the person, not just the “patient.” That’s why we’ve decided to interview one member each month to find out more about how he or she approaches life. This month we are pleased to feature jtjackson, a two-star member.
What is your favorite time of the day?
My favorite time of day is the morning, about a half hour after being up (between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m.), having my first cup coffee and thinking about what I can do today. I always have so much energy at this time and feel like I can conquer the world. Usually, reality sets in about 11 a.m. that I really do have MS and I need to slow down and rest (due to fatigue) so I am able to function enough to do the easy stuff.
What makes you laugh?
My two daughters (ages 27 and 17) really make me laugh (belly laugh) when they get to talking about themselves, their lives, people they’ve met – they literally do impressions of all kinds of people, from the abled to the disabled (they call them and me the “special” people), and watching them do their thing really makes me laugh… even at me!
What are people most surprised to learn about you?
Most people are surprised to learn that “what you see is what you get” when it comes to me. I’m down to earth, speak honestly and am pretty straight forward about me/you, my feelings about things, about the true positives of life no matter what cards one is dealt. I think most people are surprised that my life’s tune has really never changed, even though my circumstances have.
How has PatientsLikeMe improved your life?
PatientsLikeMe has improved my life by seeing many people who have similar or not-so-similar challenges “living,” I mean truly living, with this disease. Although I have only been diagnosed with MS for a little over a year, it has brought so many changes and challenges that I have dealt with pretty much on my own, and it is truly nice to have a place where I can share if I want to, or just read what everyone else has to share. I feel so “not alone.” Thank you all for being there!
