A few months ago my friend and editor, Julie Golimowski, asked me to write about my experience as a quilter with MS. The article is part of a feature on Multiple Sclerosis in the summer issue of Designer Quilts magazine.Since hiring me as a pattern proofreader four years ago, Julie has shown concern about my health and the impact of MS on my life and work. Does the stress of deadlines increase my muscle tension and fatigue? YES. Is my ability to concentrate good enough to check math, diagrams, and wording for ten quilt projects an issue? MOST of the time. Am I able to climb stairs to get to the computer where I do my work? NOT ANY MORE!
Over time, her questions have become more specific. What was my first symptom? NUMBNESS and tingling. Am I in pain? SOMETIMES. What kinds of medical tests confirmed my diagnosis? MRI and SPINAL TAP. What medications do I take? DAILY INJECTIONS and PILLS for everything from muscle spasticity and incontinence to anxiety and depression.
Julie’s interest became more than concern for a good friend when she herself was diagnosed with MS. She revealed her condition to her readers in this latest, and last issue of the magazine. Her husband Joe writes:
Designer Quilts Magazine (formerly Designers’ Quarters) has ceased publication. In 2006, Julie, the editor of Designer Quilts Magazine and my wife, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. MS is an incurable disease that attacks the central nervous system. Lesions in the brain and on the spine cause a variety of symptoms from blindness to the inability to walk. Julie has relapsing and remitting MS which means that her symptoms come and go without warning and it is no longer possible for us to publish our magazine. Sincerely, Joe Golimowski Publisher, Designer Quilts Magazine
There's no predicting the path MS will take for either of us. In spite of that, Julie and I maintain good attitudes. That's half the battle in managing this debilitating disease. It's been an honor and pleasure working with Julie on Designer Quilts Magazine. Now, if we could only edit MS out of our lives.
I'm so sorry for your friend. MS is truly horrible. I made a donation to the MS Society just yesterday. fingers crossed for a cure.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about Julie. It is strange the many different ways MS affects people. I have several other friends with it and one has few symtoms other than being overtired and occasionally needing a cane. The unpredictable symtoms certainly changes a life.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this news - particularly for the health of your friend. I hope that the key to a cure is quickly found to bring you both relief.
ReplyDeleteJulie is so fortunate to have you to "counsel and commiserate" and I wish we could edit MS out of our lives as well.
ReplyDeleteSharing the Sentiment with Love, *karendianne./ Living Life at LeeHaven
I have and continue to support the MS Society... and my prayers are with each person who struggles with MS (diagnosed or not).
ReplyDeleteOh Diane ... I'm so very sorry for your friend - and have such respect for the strength and compassion you possess. It is so very sad that her husband had to write that final editorial - my thoughts and well wishes are with Julie and I also want you to know, that I keep you in my thoughts each day and wish good days for you with lots of love and satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteMy sister was diagnosed with MS when she was 19 years old. She is now 46. She has good days and bad. The big problem is she is not a quilter. As a hobby she roofs houses, installs electrical in pole barns, fixes septic systems and anything she sets her mind to. She work so hard one day and the next can not get out of bed. I wish she was a quilted. I might be able to keep track of her!
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