My MS affects my brain – cognition issues have been challenging for me ever since my diagnosis nearly 13 years ago. About 6 years ago, my neurologist informed me that my latest MRI scan showed one large lesion had now become a “black hole”…and, it is just like it sounds. A black hole is permanent – a dark, lifeless area of the brain beyond repair. Fear is early onset dementia. Hopes are to keep other possible lesions away from this spot and to limit or exclude lesion activity altogether. I keep my brain as busy as I have the energy to muster. I write, play and listen to music. I do newspaper crossword puzzles and read articles/blogs/books – I try most anything to expose my brain to new information…when energy allows. “Black Hole” will be understood by many others with MS.
Black Hole
Dead matter – neurons misfire
White turns black
Empty, void of repair
Overworked cellular
Overtime labor begun
Lesions come, they go
This one lingered, trespassed
De-faced, fade to black
Despite protests
Daunting, treacherous terrain
Threatening nearby white matter
Memory battles – cognitive ghosts
Deceptive, live versus dead
Defend and protect
As Commander in chief
I give the orders
Build a great wall against –
All around this dark enemy
Contain the prisoner
A life-sentence
Within the hole.
MPP2014
Reflection & Renewal 