Why I cut my long hair off?

"Eeeeeek!" AsI heard the sound of my six inch hair sliding down the back side of the hairdressers cape as the clippers buzzed. Yep! It was too late to change my mind! I quickly raised my hand and ran my fingers through the back of my head!


"Wow, its all gone!" I thought. As the girl asked me  for the third time, if I was okay with it being gone.

Sensing, she too was just as hesitant on quickly cutting it so short. ....
"Yes!" I said "To late to turn back now, isn't it?" and laughed. "It will grow back fast if I don't like it anyway! No worries! Its' going to be a  big change for me!"

I was pleased when she explained to me how thick my hair is and how full my new cut would look. I was happy as when I started my drug modifying therapy drugs, (DMT's), Copaxzone injections, the first few months my hair was coming out by the handfuls.  Scared the crap out of me! I honestly thought, I would never have a thick head of hair again.  So this was a relief.

Surprisingly, the big heap of hair that she swept up when she was done, made me feel good. Happy to have it off, as I knew it would be so much easier to look after and do in the mornings. Good hair for me is the best way to start my day.

Now, a couple days later, I often catch myself running my fingers through my hair still. A habit I have gained having long hair. But when reaching the back where I used to let it drop as it reaches the end.  Awkwardly, now feeling its shortness, I find my self saying; "Oh yes! Its' gone!"

Still this being so new, I also find myself taking a double take in any one of my mirrors around my house, taking a second take, saying; "What the hell?" Then I quickly remind myself, "You cut it off." Shake my head at myself, smile, giggle a little and go on with what I was doing.

This isn't the first time I have done a drastic cut to my hair when I worked hard to let it grow long. This time, I just couldn't let it grow any longer. It took me so long to do, dry and manage. More energy then I wanted to spend, on just doing my hair each morning. Also, my hands and fingers don't always want to work with me on somedays, with MS. So assuming this is going to make it easier too. I am hoping that the little headaches will not come back, feeling they where being caused from the heaviness of my hair.

You see, I feel I  had a M S pseudo relapse a couple weeks ago.  I knew it a new hair cut would give me that spark and the lift I needed to keep pushing myself, mentally and physically to regain control of my health.

I am so happy with this hair cut. I am glad I stepped out and took the chance to change something that is such importance to me.   I was debating  to do it for some time.  When contemplating cutting it, I replayed  the voices of a few good friends, in my mind telling me, how much better I look with short hair. Thank you for those who are honest and chance to voice their opinions. Plus, thanks to hubby for telling me it looks sexy! ;)

I know doing my hair is so much quicker to do.  Leaving my morning routine quicker and easier. Now it will be easier for my to follow this one saying,  No matter how you feel. Just get up. Dress up, Show up and Never give up!

A change is good!

Have yourself a great day!
MS and living life..... Sherry

Fall season is a glimmer of hope with MS

As autumn/fall arrives, we with MS always look forward to the ability to get out doors and once again push ourselves to be active. A relief of the summer heat, a brighter hope for a new beginning to life and strive for a healthier living. Accompanied by the cooler temperatures changing colours of the leaves.  This feels like, the moment the butterfly realizes he is no longer in his cocoon, and stretches is wings for the first time. 

The beginning of a journey that draws us strength and energy to reunite us with the energetic and happy person we know is still deep inside. I speak for those of us with Multiple Sclerosis that are heat sensitive. 

As each year, or season, weather differs. But once again this fall weather the quick fluctuation in temperatures and weather plays a toll on those like myself and my Multiple Sclerosis. This seems to play a roll in weakening our immune systems that is already over worked from constantly fighting our own systems within ourselves daily.  In addition to the fall having fluctuating temperatures and weather comes contact with others.  Being out more with others,  risks them caring every flue or cold bug that gets thrown into our body, our immune system kicks in high gear and starts to fight off everything it sees foreign. 


Keep in mind, people with MS already have weakened immune systems.  In time my body does start to show many MS symptoms do to its activation and fight within. For myself I see this will continue until the "flue or cold bug" becomes full strength. Usually it also takes my MS symptoms away after the illness is taken its full course.

MS symptoms are; nausea  fatigue,  vertigo, brain fog, possibly causing inflammation and extreme pain. Sadly, it often triggers a relapse, or as some call it, an MS Episode. This can last from 3 days to several weeks or even months.

Sometimes these attacks on our bodies do return back to all regular functions.  Reality is each time we experience these flare ups, we risk loosing any one of them, that I have mentioned. Even the most scariest potential loss for me is; the chance of loosing my site and ability to walk. Not a fun time wondering if a bodily function that has been lost, will again return.

I always try to up my vitamin supplements intake; eat a neutrally denced diet along with regular activity to help counteract and assist in my health and well being.  Doing so also helps me bounce back faster from these ill times more so then if I don't follow this routine. In addition, I also find, keeping close to home and little contact with high risk of germ carriers helps too. I make a habit to I remove my gloves and wash my hands upon returning home when I am out.  This way, I can continue to enjoy outside activities keeping my health in check. 

I enjoy walking the most.  I get my cardio, strength and endurance training all in one.  As, long as I listen to my body and don't over do it. I try my best to monitor my progress and slowly increase my activity. Taking recovery drinks, help me maintain the ability to enjoy my walks on a daily bases.  The recovery drink I take, I believe helps my leg muscles recover.  Just as body builders experience taking a recovery drink after a workout.  It is one of my life savers in my plan to stay active.

Like stress, over doing it, can set me back. Flaring up debilitating symptoms within 3 days after the event. I also find if I stop my regular routine activity of walking any distances for anymore then a 3 day streak, I have to start back at the beginning. It can be quite a juggling act. 


Yes remaining active and healthy like, living with MS, can feel and sound like quite a complex process. For me the achievement pays off. The enjoyment of being outdoors, enjoy the weather of fall, and keeping my ability to walk on my own. I also get so many other benefits from my achievements. Weight loss and tone, feeling happier, calm, clarity and feel more confident. Not to forget the quicker recoveries of MS attacks.  


Backing my belief that, I am in control of my disease and it doesn't have control over me.

I have to live with Multiple Sclerosis and I can't fight it.  It isn't going away.....just I always know it's within, waiting for a chance to brake free. I have been thankful for the fall season, as it really does allow me to take control of this monster, giving better chances to live a fun fulfilling, active and healthy winter season. 

How do you like the season of autumn and does it affect you and your health?

Wishing you well, as always.....

MS and Living Life.