Injecting object
Injection needle, fridge. Taking out another pre-filled syringe to ward off future multiple sclerosis relapses.
To others? A scary thing, a daily habit they could not fathom.
To me? Now, the fluid of my life. For my life.
It feels cold in my hand, but warm to my heart. The difference between MS flaring up and injecting Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate) is a riddle easily solved: “Yes!”
Warming up the fluid by rubbing it in both hands, softens the impact of the fluid under my skin. Subcutaneous. Latin for “beneath the skin.”
With my MS diagnosis nearly nine years ago, a whole new dictionary was instantly added to my daily vocabulary. Injection needles became syringes. MS relapses, exacerbations. Copaxone became Glatiramer acetate. Under the skin, subcutaneous. Daily self-injecting in those early days, often a war with my head, a battle of the wills.
The needle so needed. The fluid, water of life. Not stopping my illness progressing, but holding back relapses. MS, as always having more than one meaning, one more way of living it.
The needle, plunging into my skin, that one nanosecond which reminds me the needle is there for a reason.
Chronic. Demyelinating. Neurological. Immune system. Relapsing/Remitting. Degenerative. Inflammation. Brain and spinal cord. Progression.
One small syringe, too many tag words attached.
©Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me, 2011-2014. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Willeke Van Eeckhoutte and Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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Suzanne S.
The word strength resonated in my mind as I was reading this.
MTE
Very well written! Here was my take on the prompt:
http://mteagles.wordpress.com/2014/02/24/response-to-writing-challenge/
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librarylady
Loved this. You do what you have to do don’t you? Sometimes I’m surprised by how strong I can be.
Billie
Exactly! It’s not until you meet yourself that you realise how strong you actually can be!
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litadoolan
Agree with Suzanne’s Comment. Exact same response. As I was reading this the word Strength came to my mind. I cannot put it any better than she has.
Billie
Thank you! Very kind of you to say so!
litadoolan
here’s to you!
Billie
😀
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Margie Brizzolari
Your piece resonates with me because my brother has MS. I liked the way you used single staccato words towards the end. All strength to you. Margie
dmauldin53
I can empathize with you on the shots, as I use insulin every day for my diabetes; two shots a day.
Billie
Urgh, twice a day… but if it helps, it helps 😀
dmauldin53
We just have to grin and bear it! 🙂
artfullyadelie
What a wonderful piece! I love how I caught a glimpse of who you are with simply a description of an object that plays such a significant role in your life. My heart goes out to you for all that you’ve endured and your spirited perseverance. Thank you for sharing a very moving (and educational) part of yourself.
Billie
Thank you!
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Willeke-Maya
Reblogged this on Ireland, Multiple Sclerosis & Me and commented:
[Submissive Sunday] “The needle, so needed. The fluid, water of life. Not stopping my illness progressing, but slowing down relapses. MS, as always having more than one meaning, one more way of living it.”
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