Tuesday, November 14, 2023, marks my 26th anniversary of the day I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.
Yes, it has been 26 years – well over half of my life.
Over these last 2+ decades, I’ve learned a lot about living with this chronic illness. I have developed strategies to better navigate my day-to-day existence. Strategies to help me manage my energy level or how to handle my pesky neurogenic bladder.
I’ve also accepted the fact that the disease has impacted some of my clothing choices. For example, because MS-related numbness in my hands, I no longer wear shirts that button or shoes that tie.
Even small details like socks make such a big difference in my dealing with the disease. Curious what I mean? Check out my recent essay TED Hose vs. Compression Socks: My Battle of Function Over Fashion that appears on multiplesclerosis.net.
In this article, I describe what pushed me to encounter this accessory conundrum and, with my health care providers’ directions, evaluate the pros and cons of these lower-leg-squeezing footwear options.
“I always thought socks complemented and completed an outfit, plus they kept my feet warm. But these thin compression stockings didn’t look warm or fashionable, so how exactly was I going to incorporate them into my wardrobe?”
Take a few minutes to join me in putting your feet up, relaxing and reading all about it.