Several months ago, I wrote about a bicycle that mimics the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Now, I’ve discovered that there’s an “MS House” that allows a healthy person to experience some of what life is like for someone who lives with MS.
The living room
A TV displaying half-definition pictures is used to illustrate vision problems. An armchair that’s set very low to the floor demonstrates the difficulty of getting up from a chair due to leg strength issues and fatigue. A sign explains that MS fatigue is like sitting down, and you’re so tired that you can’t get up again. An inflatable mattress is on the floor to simulate how someone with MS has difficulty balancing while walking and may be very wobbly.
The kitchen
A heavy coffee mug and an unbalanced tray are used to demonstrate fatigue symptoms.
The study room
A “jumbled” computer keyboard simulates how cognitive problems may make it difficult to find the correct word to use when typing. These problems are also illustrated by an “Alice in Wonderland” book where the same page is read over and over again because, by the end of the page, the reader has already forgotten what he read. Ankle weights appear under a sign that says “Don’t drag your feet,” and then describes how people with MS can feel as if they’re walking through sand.
The bathroom
An infrared heater and a blurry mirror are used to simulate how a hot shower or weather can flare MS symptoms.
On display
The MS House was created under the sponsorship of the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform. It was displayed to mark World MS Day at a meeting of the European Parliament in Brussels, May 30–June 1. It would be nice to find a way to put it on a worldwide tour to broaden everyone’s understanding of what those of us with MS experience in our lives.
I can relate to so much of what you wrote in your post. I have been battling MS for 16 years and it feel like an up hill battle sometimes. Thank you for sharing. I am looking forward to reading more of your posts! I started my blog a little more than a month ago and it has been amazing!!!! Take care!!
Thanks for your comment. As I often say, we play the hand we’re dealt and even a pair of deuces can be a winner if you play it well.
Good luck with your blog.
Ed
Thank you so much for your comment. That is my view on life as well. Sometimes we are just dealt a bad hand but we still have to play!
Wow, this is brilliant! And so, so much that defines my life – I can relate to all of this! It’s like my hubby said “I don’t think they understand” (when talking about some family members), a trip through this house could perhaps change that. I agree – it needs a world wide tour. Actually, it needs to be cloned, and sent on tour.