I was feeling a litte creative today. While viewing the great MSAA website and looking at thier list of MS symptoms... this prayer/poem/wish came to me and I wanted to share.
What amazing people you all are. Every day we face one or more of the many symptoms that come with MS. Yet WE NEVER GIVE IN, WE ADAPT to our situations. I truly Pray everyday for a cure for all of my SecureACure4MS family and everyone affected by MS in the world.
I dont know about you, but 2012 went like a flash. I hope you all enjoyed the holidays and celebrated with your family and friends. I have a lot to be thankful for that MS has brought me.... Heather are you nuts.... you are thankful for your MS...why would you be thankful?
I am not thankful for the disease itself, but it has brought me blessings i would not have had if it werent for this disease...
I am thankful for my amazing MS sistas Elyse and Jen... they make this journey so much easier for us all. They are the most amazing people.
I am thankful for ALL the amazing people in the MS community that I have had the honor to meet either in person, or in our support groups.
I am thankful for all of the SecureACure4MS followers, blog readers, blogtalk radio listeners, twitter followers and those in our Facebook group.
I am thankful for all the amazing friends and people that joined my life. Everyone has made a difference for me.
Most of all, I am thankful for my best friend who has become my sister. 2 and half years ago we were just 2 people on facebook that had MS in common. Today we are the BEST of friends and we look at each other as sisters. MS does have its blessings..Sharon is proof of that. Together we had an amazing year with our not-for-profit SecureACure4MS (which would not have been formed if we had not been put in each other's lives)
2012
In 2012 the MS Community had a new Oral therapy hit the market.
We have a highly anticipated MS Therapy that should have FDA approval at the end of March. This is an oral medication called BG12 made by Biogen (makers of Tysabri) - Be sure you are following us on Facebook and Twitter as we will be providing updates as we receive them.
The FDA has approved Rebif Rebidose and it should be available for purchase in 2013
-Rebif RebiDose was designed with the objective to assist with ease of use and to offer patients an alternative delivery option. In the US, it will be available in a monthly pack in two different doses, 22 micrograms and 44 micrograms, and in a titration pack
Marijuana is still heavy in the news. I have a feeling we will see more legalization of medical marijuana in 2013
Revalesio's RNS60 Protects Myelin and Halts Multiple Sclerosis in Mice
Wikipedia lists the following as Phase 3 therapies in clinical trial... this is exciting to see so much research in its last phases
It excites me to see all of the new therapies on the horizon. I look forward to all the discoveries that are found in 2013.
Just remember...Never give in to your MS... ADAPT!!! Most things can still be done, dont limit yourself. ADAPT... most things can still be done, we just do them a little differently. ADAPT
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy 2013. Thank you all for being part of the SecureACure4MS family.
I hope the only thing people are facing is the Tryptophan coma from all of their leftover Turkey. Thanksgiving is a time to give Thanks for all the blessings in our life - not material things but gratitude's that have blessed our lives. This year has had its highs and lows for many of us. But one thing stays forever, our SecureACure4MS family. Family is forever. Sharon and I are blessed and truly thankful to have you all as part of our family.
Black Friday - for many this is a Tradition. Retail establishments for one day (it used to be one day) put merchandise at a deep discount. Many offer great door buster sales to the first shoppers that come through their doors. For many stores the offers are sooo great that people camp out in front of the store to ensure they are first in line. Here in Florida we had some camping out a full week in advance. Have we gone too far? I am not going to dis those that choose to shop as I hear from many that with all the discounts they were able to complete most if not all of their holiday shopping. Prior to my MS diagnosis I could keep up. But now I have issues starting with the parking lot, and the crowds of people pushing and shoving. I like to take my time and shop, not have to worry that someone is going to snatch up an item under my nose. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
BLACK FRIDAY OR NO BLACK FRIDAY?
I spent my Black Friday decorating the house. I woke up that morning. Had my coffee and a bagel. My grandmother was coming over around noon to help me decorate. I could not wait that long. By 830 am I became SUPER WOMAN
Stockings are hung by Fireplace. I decorated mantles, the ficus tree, coffee tables, dining room. Hung wreaths, swapped out towels and rugs. I was like a Mad Woman on Friday. I was blessed to have my grandmother come over around 1pm and she was like, "you have Most of it up, there isn't much for me to do". She brought her old village set and set it up on one of the cabinets in the dining room and helped me decorated the tree with ornaments.
My parents and brother will be in for Christmas and I want it to look nice. The whole family is coming to the house on Christmas day for dinner (except my baby brother and his family). I want the house to look extra special for my mom since she isn't here to decorate it herself. (she will be in 2 days before Christmas)
I have to say the house looks great.. Between my grandmother and I we accomplished a lot.
BUT,,,,it seems with all good things there comes a BUT
And I knew it but put my "BUT" aside to ensure I created a festive environment for everyone who comes to the house. I took full advantage of the "energy" burst I was feeling and boy am I paying for it. I am super tired and my legs are tight and in pain...
WHY DO WE OVERDO IT WHEN WE FEEL GOOD?
I KNOW the price I will pay for it... so why do I do it?
This is my favorite time of year. Being a transplant from Ohio its VERY hard to get in the Christmas spirit in Florida. There is no snow and most days we are outside in shorts and t-shirts. We in Florida, well at least me, dream of a White Christmas - I love going up north for Christmas. I think EVERYONE in the US should have snow on Christmas Day (then it can go away). I love the music, in fact that is all I listen to until day after Christmas. I love the Hallmark Christmas movies, old classics like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph. And the classic Christmas Vacation. I just love Aunt Bethany and watched this movie 3 times already this weekend.
I love the lights, the decor. The change in spirit, during the holidays warms the heart. People seem to be more giving, more tolerant, more patient (except when trying to find a parking spot at the Mall)
It's amazing what we as MS'ers do and sacrifice for the love of our family and friends. But we have to take care of ourselves. If we don't take care of ourselves we won't be able to take care of our loved ones or may have to miss out on opportunities because of increase fatigue, pain, or more severe, a relapse.
Ask for help - allow for help - conserve your energy - remember what you use EXTRA one day may take away from what you have the next day.
As much as you may really love decorating. Let people help you put up a tree, string lights, put out decorations, bake holiday treats. All of this takes more energy than I realized.
I really like theSpoon Theory. Its symbolic of what we deal with.
My Christmas wish to you all (I know its early) but my wish is for ALL of us to have a Pain free, Symptom Free, Relapse Free Holiday.
