Keep those toes a wiggling!

When I had my left side of my body basically go numb and I couldn't even pick up my legs when I walked, I walked like Igor. Months later was when I could not even walk one day and Shawn drove me straight to the ER. They started me on an IV of stereoids which lasted about 5-6 weeks. After a short while on the stereoids I could slowly move my body a bit more every day. My father installed me with great but simple wisdom- "Keep those toes a-wiggling". And you better believe I did!! Now even today when my range of motion is a lot better than it was then I still keep them wiggling. It is like the saying "If you don't use it you lose it"? well not exactly but I think now that I can do it I want my body to keep remembering how to do things. I mean when I was in the hosoital they had to retrain me to tie a shoelace and button a button.

When your body has a new disability you have to re-teach your body how todo it, even if it is the simplest thing. So don't take tying your dhoelaces for granted because there are grown people out there who have a disability that prevents them from doing it, which has made me cry because even a 5 year old can do it! But after re-learning how to do it with your disabiity you must remain patient. MS did teach me one very important lesson-PATIENCE!

So this is why I cannot sleep with socks on. I need to have freedom of my toes so I can keep them a-wiggling.

waight gain reasons?

SoI have recently gained a lot of weight since the MS 1st started taking it's toll. I have read in one post online somewhere about people gaining weight from taking Copaxone. There is also the lack of walking around much but this is what I do not understand...I eat less than I used to, eat better, and workout. And it could be because of age. I am healthier than I ever was. I quit smoking, eat better and workout as best as I can. It really upsets me because I look in a mirror and I get grossed out by myself. How can Shawn or anyone find me attractive? argh it is so frustrating. what I can continue to do is eat right and workout as I have been.

knowing limitations

So I get so frustrated when I try to do some things, the simplest of them sometimes too. A few years back I had no sensation in my left hand and was unable to do things that are so simple. Like tie a shoelace or button a button. Now it's hook up my bra strap or help box things up for our move. It is frustrating to known that I may have limitations and to stop there. I mean I am only 28, have to walk with a cane, and be unable to do things.

Walking trouble

so early this morning I had to pee. Not unusual but I couldn't walk or even stand. I'm thinking Oh great not that again. Well Shawn called for an ambulance. They took me to OHSU where everyone does such a great job. Well after a few hours of them inspecting me and the like my legs kept getting progressively better. Eventually I was released because it was determined that because my body was fighting so hard from being sick the past couple days it eventually set up a flare up of my old lesion. It will get better so in total didn't have to stay in the hospital, leave with a prescription. So in the end YAY FOR MORE SURPRISES but you know I am lucky it is not as bad as it could be.

the decision

I think I have decided to go with Rebiff for my change of MS medication. It does not seem as strong and extreme as Tsyabri. Tysabri has a ton of side effects and is a heck of a lot stronger and dangerous. Copaxone was a great starter level but did not stop more lesions. Rebiff would be the next level because it is stronger than Copaxone but not as strong as Tysabri. if the Rebiff doesn't work then I can take Tysabri. Feels good to know my path and to know that it is a logical path and will be the right one.

Soon to change meds

went to see my numerologist and bad news. my hopes of them tak1ng one look @ my MRI, and say1ng, "I don't see any s1gn of MS" d1d not work. Have new lesions so the Copaxone 1sn't work1ng. Just l1ke my IO button, hence the subst1tute. ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGHH so frustrat1ng

Keep wiggling your toes!

I have been remembering something my father said to me after I ended up in the hospital because I could not walk. He said after I called my parents and told them I could walk again. He said as the phone conversation was over "Keep those toes a wiggling". Now I have noticed that I still do this. I figure do even the simplest things because I know with MS you may not be able to do the simplest things. I once was unable to do a button or even tie a shoe lace. The simplest of things. Never take those simple things for granted but know that if you put your mind to it and have patience. I know can walk with a cane, climb stairs, tie shoelaces, and on occasion do a button...if it is a bigger button. Just proof iof you put your mind to it and have patience you can do it!

Dpn't Cry Over Spillt Coffee

The other day I made a great cup of hazelnut coffee and I had to carry the mug over to the futon where I was sitting. Well my hand all of a sudden got shaky and I spill the coffee in a few spots till I make it to the table. When I finally get there I go to set the mug down and end up setting it crooked. Well the entire mug's contents spill all over the table!!! I run to the linen closet to get a towel to dry the table as I shed some tears. But that only lasts a while until I remember I still have
e some coffee left in the pot. ack Was not an emergency! :)

Now today as I noticed something on the floor which I thought was a dish, my legs gave out, fell smack dab on my ass. Shawn is helpful asking me "Are you OK?" My lower back hurt a bit from falling but Overall I was OK. "I can get up but I just want to sit a second." Well I do-until I realize my butt is soaked because I spilled my cup of water on the floor 1st. Will no wonder pain can be a symptom of MS. We fall often and it sometimes hurts. Thing is remember it could always be worse.

I am healthier now that I have MS. I quit smoking, eat healthier, a lot healthier, ride my stationary recumbent 3 days a week for 30 mins and have other exercises I have to do. I have a great husband, friends, and family as a support system! That is what keeps me so strong through all of it. Well I am strong too but it helps!