I’ve started thinking it should be the standard to have our time with multiple sclerosis described with two numbers. It would be similar to blood pressure readings where two numbers have meaning on their own but give a fuller picture of a person’s health when described together. Our time living with MS could be described as the number of years since we were diagnosed over the number of years we estimate we’ve been living with MS.
For me, I was diagnosed Continue reading
I have a love-hate relationship with back to school. Personally, I hate school supply shopping. I direct from my wheelchair, but I still hate it. It is frustrating and energy sucking.
The high schoolers are fairly easy now. They know what they want and some teachers do have their students get particular things. Mostly, it is hands off; however, I still have one that needs a list. He is also on a year round schedule.
Orchestrating the school supply trips can be no fun, when you have Continue reading
Chaos to someone living with multiple sclerosis is different than chaos to a healthy person. Our kind of chaos includes a world of broken nerves hidden deep inside our bodies. The only problem is that there seems to be a sign posted at the entrance to this grand attraction that reads “No admittance to the general public.”
We have no way of showing people Continue reading
The idea of relaxation is simply subjective as everyone has their way of finding a happy hiatus. Some people find a benefit in working on tasks that they enjoy, yet others need to stop working altogether to find pure relaxation. Specific individuals need the assistance and support of good friends to find absolute cessation. Countless people require total solitude to attain relaxation, while many desire groups of friends to achieve an immersive intermission.
There is the idea of enjoying Continue reading
I used to think I could proudly check off the “rest” category in my healthy lifestyle plan because I slept like a champ.
I would sleep about seven hours every night.
Rest is all about sleep, right?
Then my doctor would ask me what I do during the waking hours to rest… um… hmm… I never thought about that actually.
In my opinion there was always Continue reading
I’m a sound guy. I like to listen (though my wife would disagree). My affinity comes from a long background working in radio. Using words, sound effects and music to evoke emotions – that was my gig. It also helps having ears the size of a satellite dish. And no, I cannot get Direct TV – hardy har har.
Since relaxation is the August theme of MS Conversations, I found it fitting to compile a list of Continue reading
That’s funny, relax with MS. Like being drawn and quartered is relaxing. It is possible, I think, to kick back. We often hear about not relaxing and it’s negative effects. Easier said than done. I know.
For me, I relax by trying several things. First, don’t beat yourself up. MS stinks for us all. Just acknowledge that fact. Distraction is a great way to relax.
I admit to putting myself in a “show-hole” frequently. I fall into those Continue reading
It’s interesting to me that the same task can feel stressful sometimes and relaxing others. It really shows that it’s not about what I’m doing, rather it’s how I feel when I’m anticipating or doing it. It’s how I judge the task in the moment.
Needing to cook dinner after a long workday may feel like one more burdensome thing that needs to be done, while spending hours in the kitchen baking or creating a new dish on a weekend might be a therapeutic activity resembling meditation for the focus and relaxation I feel.
The same can be true for Continue reading
By Penelope ConwaySummer used to be my favorite time of year. A time to spend in the sun, taking a trip to the beach, going fishing at the local fishing hole, spending time swimming at the lake, enjoying concerts in the park, and so many other activities that just pop up and sound fun to do. For me, those things are no longer something I look forward to being a part of. My summer has become one more of staying inside with the air conditioner blasting and me hoping for cool days to come soon.
My multiple sclerosis body has a Continue reading
You made it! You are halfway through summer without a hitch. Okay well, beside searing your thighs on the hot lawn chair, you made it.
Here are a few pointers to get your through the rest of the season…
Hit The Floor
You don’t need a gym membership to exercise. Just get down on the floor (carpeted, by the way). Roll around. Lift your legs. Flail your arms. Sit up. Twist side to side. Push yourself up, over and get back down again. How you move doesn’t matter—just move! You’ll give yourself the perfect Continue reading