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Humor helps man cope with MS
Photo
CLOWNING AROUND: Doug Ankerman created the Web site www.myoddsock.com to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and shed light on his humorous moments.
A Poland man with multiple sclerosis has started a humorous Web site.
BY RICK ROUAN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND — Doug Ankerman has found a new therapy for his multiple sclerosis.
Blogging doesn’t give him any physical relief or tell his body’s immune system to stop attacking his central nervous system.
But his Web site, which takes a humorous look at life with MS, does help the Poland resident cope with the disease he was diagnosed with 12 years ago.
“I’ve wanted to help some people with MS with dealing with their diagnosis because I had such a struggle dealing with my own,” he said. “I use my humor to work through my frustrations that the MS has caused.”
Ankerman, 45, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1997. Since then, he has seen deterioration in his motor skills and increases in the amount of equipment he needs for everyday activities. Earlier this year, Ankerman was laid off from his Canton radio job.
The changes in lifestyle, Ankerman said, are frustrating, but it’s hard to tell from his blog, My Odd Sock, accessible at www.myoddsock.com. Ankerman jokes about the size of his head, the various tools he uses to get around and Botox treatment, among other topics.
“I’m just trying to help some people through some difficulties, give them a smile and make them laugh,” he said.
One of the posts details Ankerman’s attempt to become an American Greetings card writer. Since the company did not offer a card to congratulate people on qualifying for Social Security disability payment, Ankerman submitted his own ideas. Gems such as “Your bladder dribbles. Your legs are tight. Now Social Security is looking bright” were rejected, and Ankerman posted a photo of the rejection letter to the blog.
But Ankerman said he learned to cope with rejection as a stand-up comedian in college. At the time, he said he used a hybrid comedic style that could turn off a crowd.
“Facing the rejection of stand-up is the ultimate punishment,” he said. “Any rejection letter you get in the mail, you just file it away.”
Ankerman said that the biggest adjustment to life with multiple sclerosis has been the planning — such as bringing the proper equipment — that goes into leaving the house.
“It’s been probably in the past five years that I’ve had to make some adaptations to my lifestyle,” the father of two said. “It’s hard because I can’t walk distance, so it kind of takes you out of the loop of activities with kids.”
But Ankerman is dealing with those problems by channeling his humor on the Web and trying to help others with multiple sclerosis.
“I think my writing style is quirky enough and fun enough that I can keep your attention. My intention is to make you laugh,” he said.
“If you say, ‘Hey, Doug, you made me chuckle, and you made me smile,’ my job is done.”
rrouan@vindy.com