MS doesn't define me, however!

Multiple Sclerosis doesn't define me as a person, I look at it as though it is a part of me. My personal way of handling MS is to deal with it one step one day at a time. If I have to adjust my schedule, so be it. There is no shame in that.

I have learned to live with a new  "normal", our "normal's" are all different but especially for MS patients. I use a cane to ambulate, a walker or wheelchair. I wasn't comfortable at first with going out in public with my walking/mobility aids. As time went I realized if my "normal" revolved around a mobility aid, and able to get out and do things, whats the problem, actually whats MY  problem.?

When I realized this issue wasn't about others looking at me. it was how I chose to handle it. At first I was defensive, as I became more comfortable in my" new skin", I handled it with humor. Most times when people "ask why do I use a cane", I say ""well I have MS, the common response is," I am so sorry". I usually reply "no need to be sorry I am a pro at this". Most people ask from a place of kindness and concern, so to lighten the mood,  I find comic relief is paramount. 

So as you can see I don't allow MS to define me, I embrace it and roll with it. Thats my personal take on it, and it works for me.

LIVE dont just Exist

"you have MS so i won't include you in this"

"but you look so good, you must just be lazy"

"you dont look sick"

I dont know about you, but I HATE hearing those phrases.

But what gets me upset even more are those who CAN and choose to let their MS dictate their life.  I will admit, I was like that initially.  But my best friend Sharon said to me "Heather, LIVE dont just Exist" 

HUH? 

"Dont let MS say you cant do something.  You can do most anything, you just need to do it a little bit differently"

Find your new normals. YOU know your body and what you can do and the signs that something isnt right. 

Example:  Fatigue and Heat can be an issue for me.  My family was in town and wanted to go to Sea World.  We walked a lot, but I took a break whenver I could.  I drank LOTS of cold water to help keep my core temp down.  When I got hot or felt dizzy, i went into an indoor exibit or a store.  I enjoyed the day with my family and didnt miss out.  Precious time with my Niece and Nephew who i only get to see once a year.

Have you read the Spoon Theory? It was written for Lupus patients but is an excellent tool in explaining to people who dont have MS (or other Invisible Diseases) how simple things can use up our energy for the day, so we sometimes have to plan accordingly.

Wait Heather, you said to LIVE, not just exist...find your new normals.

We are SUPERHEROES in our own right, but we have to be realistic and listen to our bodies.  If our bodies say NO, dont push it.  But at least try.  LIVE!!!

Never give in, always adapt

Hi everyone. I have had Multiple Sclerosis now for 13yrs. If I have learned anything throughout this entire time is embrace MS don't fight it. MS doesn't define us, however it is part of who we are. I believe its so important to understand that.
I may need to adjust things or work around my MS but that is our reality. By adapting and never giving in we continue to LIVE not just EXIST. Its important to have a positive attitude however, they're are time when we are vulnerable, and that's ok, we are human. Those are the times to reach out and ask for help. There is never any shame in saying "can you lend me a hand".
I am personally dealing with a lot beside my MS, I cant deny I am stubborn, but I know when its ok to say" I need a ear to listen to me, a shoulder to cry on".

Never be afraid to ask for help, Never be afraid to live. We may need to do things a little differently than others and thanks fine. Be you and be true to yourself, ALWAYS!!

It's Raining...its pouring

Its Sunday and instead of sleeping in on my day off I was awake at 7am...I got 7 hours or so of sleep so i should be happy.  2 cups of java with my Hazel Nut creamer....awww ....love Sundays...its now 815 (yes I drank 2 cups that fast).... I feel like i have been up for hours.  I NEED A NAP....I couldnt even get up from the chair on the patio to go to bed...i just fell asleep.  After an hour I was awake again.... BUT OH SOOO TIRED....I have stuff to do... I cant sleep the day away....come on Heather, get your act together.  I WAS USELESS... I managed to stay awake until 11am and then took another nap for an hour.

I HAVE BEEN TIRED THE ENTIRE DAY!!!!!

Now I am facing possible Tropical Storm Debby.  Am I tired due to the rain?
What are your tips, tricks to fight Fatigue without medication?

Intro to SecureACure4MS

Hello family, friends, and everyone who is following us at SecureACure4MS

Our Mission

We are a group of intelligent women who have a common thread amongst us, we all have Multiple Sclerosis. Our vision is to provide our members the ability to have the latest Multiple Sclerosis information, resources, articles at their finger tips. We as Multiple Sclerosis patients need to SecureACure4MS, and knowledge is power. We need to keep the words" Multiple Sclerosis"  in the hearts and minds of all people 365 days a year/ 24 hrs a day/ 7 days a week. By maintaining a constant presence IE media, ads, awareness campaigns etc we hope to bring more attention to the plight of the MS community.

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