Today was my monthly infusion for Tysabri, the drug I take to manage my M.S. and ward off relapses. I don’t generally post about infusion days because they are typically uneventful so there isn’t much to talk about. Today was a little bit different.

Today my nurse had the challenge of some uncooperative veins. I don’t know why this is a thing, and she couldn’t guess why either, but for the last couple IVs and blood draws, my veins have been extremely uncooperative. My nurse tried so hard to get a good “poke” in two different areas of my left arm, but for some reason the pain was just unbearable. She could see I was in pain and my eyes were forming tears. She stopped what she was doing and looked at me with such kindness and compassion. She said she didn’t want to be causing me pain. It looked as though it was hurting her just as much as it was me. She was patient, allowing me to collect myself and slow my breathing as she made strategic suggestions for how we could make this happen. She knows how important these infusions are for my health, and she was determined to make sure I got my medicine one way or another.

The good news is that the third poke, on my right arm, went in with ease and with almost no pain at all. I was so relieved. I can withstand a little poking and prodding at the beginning, but there was no way I would have been able to withstand the previous level of pain for the hour it takes to infuse the medicine. No way. So I am thankful that she worked with me at my pace and didn’t give up trying.

I love my nurses at this infusion center. Love them. I’ve been going there for years and they have become like friends. They know me, and they treat me with care and respect. They are outstanding at their jobs. This young nurse was my angel today. She has gone above and beyond for me on numerous occasions, and today was no exception. I am so thankful for her.

The other thing that was remarkable today was that while I was sitting around waiting for my ride to go home, I started talking with the patient next to me. I had overheard her talking about recent trouble she was having with a doctor, and how she had to stand up for herself in order to be “heard”. Having just finished the (fascinating and horrifying) book, “All In Her Head”, my ears perked up. I politely interrupted and gave her kudos for being the “squeaky wheel” in order to get the care she needed. That sparked further conversation and she shared with me her journey becoming disabled 20 years ago, at the age of 42, being forced to leave a career she loved. Her story was so different from mine in detail, yet in essence there were so many similarities. I was truly intrigued and encouraged by her fighting spirit and positive attitude that I left the infusion center feeling like I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I don’t know if I’ll ever see her again, but I hope I do. I don’t think I’ll soon forget her, that’s for sure.

I think the lesson for me today is that I need to keep sharing my stories. It’s people like the lady I met today, that have been through transformative difficulties and are still able to smile and encourage others at the end of the day, that keep us truckin’ along. I pray that I am able to live another 20 years and more, so that I can keep showing people that you can endure hard things and come out the other side stronger. I meet people like this all. the. time. They are everywhere, and you just don’t realize it! Let’s share our stories. Let’s keep encouraging others. We’re in this together, folks. You are not alone.