wishful thinking; chewing gum; older mothers

March 15, 2002

There is nothing wrong with wishful thinking. None of us truly know that

we do or do not have Shy-Drager (MSA), that is probably the most

insufferable part of it. Instead we are walking manifestations of a

constellation of syndromes and symptoms which become worse over time, until

it is undeniable yet not definitive. When asked to explain what MSA is, I

tell them it is a progressive neurological disorder that can only be

diagnosed at autopsy, and I'm in no hurry.

Chewing gum does help the saliva flow, however it does create more facial

pain and spasms (if I'm tired). It is a good exercise also (coordination)

folding it and stretching it gives the tongue a workout. Why don't they

make pizza, cheese or chili flavoured gum??? I don't have much of a sweet

tooth.

My sister is 41 and expecting her sixth in November, she's very happy that

way. Me, I had my tubes tied at 35, two's plenty. My family always makes

me feel that I'm an underachiever for not having more kids (not Catholic of

me). My grandmother was in her forties when she had my father and she and

my grandfather died in their early fifties, it hurt my father badly. Don't

get me wrong I admire people who have it in them to raise children at any

age. We are all dealt different hands, what counts is how well we deal

with it. I suppose if I were better off health-wise I might have had more

kids, but I would have opted for adopting teenagers, like my daughter

Sari. Much better with teenagers than babies.

aletta mes

vancouver, bc Canada

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