Hello April 2020

Before something great happens, everything falls apart.  Now that is a great quote for this post!

Wow it is hard to believe the time as zoomed by so fast and it is now 2020. How fitting this quote is as it seems my health and wellness fell apart and I look forward in seeing the great things that lay ahead for us.

As my readers could assume that yes I have had health issues and I had to stop blogging for a bit.  I really hope to get back at this blog and sharing how my life is, as I am living with Multiple Sclerosis now?

I have been having relapses and I have had new lesions on my brain.  Now recently in February 2020 my last MRI report has came back saying I have had two lesions that have grown. I have been living with this illness now, soon to be 10 years.  I am struggling physically but still walking without aid of any kind.  So I think I am doing pretty good.

So, yes it seems things have to fall apart before before great things happen.  I do believe this year great things are going to happen for many of us.   Positive mindset is my key this year to any success.

I am hear and I am still fighting back to gain this health and wellness thing.  I will not give up.  It is time I start sharing once again.  I look forward in spending some time here with you as I share things of interest that benefits me with this chronic illness called M S.  Hoping it may help you or others as well.

Thank you,
Sherry

MS Has Made Me

Today I am thankful for my family I have and have put here.....

Let us just say; My in home and out of house ...... family. 

At this time, I have a husband of 28 years, whom I love dearly. 

One; A 25 young business family man, with a thriving, cute, energetic little boy bundle, I call; "Nannas' Super Star".  Who looks just like his Dad.  He's carefree and delightful as both his parents. 

Two; A 22 year old daughter and her mate, with a fur baby. He is not pro-ceived as, "just a dog!" . Having a personality of a well behaved child.

Third; A 21 year old young family man/ volunteer fireman,  of a beautiful, smart young girl,  who is, "Nanna's Princes". Caring and comical like her father and with a cuteness if her mother. 

I can not say enough of how much I love and am proud I am of them all.

They all work so  hard to make ends meet, just as many of your families do. I can not explain how much they  mean to me. But just to say, they are my life, is an understatement. 

I ; wake, breathe eat and thrive from the presents of each of them and their family. They give me the reason I breathe and keep up the fight, not giving up or give in to my daily struggles. Some days I pop in to see them, just to re-energize my being. 

 I can't phrase and give them enough credit for the lives they have created for themselves as well as those who love them and enjoy their presence. I am so proud of not only who they have grown to become but,  the lives they have created with their families  and friends. 

I know I am their mother and I reserve the right to brag about them. You know, if it was not for them,  I don't know I would not be who and where I am today, mentally and physically. 

My husband who thanks me  often and keeps reminding me, that it is I, who keeps our family together.... though tears and laughter. Good times and bad.

Please understand, having a chronic illness like Multiple Sclerosis, it has changed our lives. Once so young and now living their own journey. They are all that I have to hold on to, who give me hope for my future. 

They are who push me forward each  and everyday, through thick and thin. They are always here for me when I need  hand, or just to let me know they are thinking of me throughout their busy lives. 

This is my family. I am so proud and thankful to be gifted to have them in my life. MS has made me slow down, enjoy the small things in life and cherish those around me. That includes, all of my family.

MS fight within is like walking on thin ice.

Photo by Sherry Robichaud

"The stronger you get, the more energy you will have." Says Autumn Calabrese. 

This statement is so true. I look back 3 years ago when I had my MS total under control. That is exactly how my body  functioned and worked for me. 

I felt my body was in a remission state. Being much stronger, had more energy and good mental clarity. I had high hopes that the old me was within reach and just maybe, the old me, was able to return!  

Photo by Sherry Robichaud

Today, once again I am struggling to do the smallest of things. Feeling that pleasant comfort and strength, currently is so out of reach. 

Photo by Sherry Robichaud

Although I know it is just around the corner. Telling myself, "I just need to trust the journey , keep moving forward."

In my mind, I revisit that old feeling quite often.  Thinking about how and what I did to get my body to that feeling of a healthy strong state. How it felt to have that Monster within, locked in the is trunk, with double wrapped titanium chains? Even though today, it seems like a loosing battle against this monster within, I know, I will soon get back control. I will get it contained in his box where he belongs, so he will no longer run rapidly through my body causing uncontrollable, sometimes painful side affects.

I have my plan laid out in motion. Keeping track each day of every approach I take to weaken his strength on me.  I am moving more and more each day. Feeding my body the nutrients it needs to fight back and starve that ugly beast.

Photo by Sherry Robichaud

I am feeling extremely tired right now but,I know, my struggle at this point, will stay for a time.  I will get strong enough to reach for that branch and I will pull myself out of this quick sand. Then, just as it has before, I will begin to gain control of my body and all its ability once again. 

I will continue fight the MS  by walk, reaching my step goals over the holidays on my FitBit. If not out side, I will walk on my treadmill. I am not giving in. I know what I want, and I am not going to stop. When I reach the point of that comfort I describe above, I will continue to build more even more strength. The more strength we have, the quicker we can fight back to keep the monster in his Box. 

It always feels as if we with MS are walking on thin ice and we never know when we will fall through.  Setting us back to the start of our struggle back to better health.

I will keep fighting that silent fight from within.  I "know" I will gain strength.

Wishing you good health and happiness always. 

MSandLivingLife... Sherry

How Apple Technology with MS makes my life so much more enjoyable

I am so thankful for my Apple Products!

I just red a complete blog post, that took me five minutes and I don't remember anything about it! Have you ever had that problem?

Man, I hate it when this happens to me! So, yes I go back and try and reed it again.  Today seems okay but, somedays I find my eyes wont even focus on the letters on the screen at alone the words.  Realizing my eyes are reading but I an not taking in the information.  Also at times my eyes are jumping all over and can not focus on the lettering.   Some days making it bigger does help! It does get frustrating. So, I enjoy the days the monster within isn't trying to play jokes on me.  

iPad

I must say, apple and their I products like my; MacBook Air, iPhone, or iPad, I just couldn't want to live without anymore!  I am sorry people that are android lovers. I don't know much about android, but I am sold on Apple.  Android may have these features?

I absolutely love Apples built in function of  selecting text, then having it to read to me! This helps me write these blog posts.  Helps with my spelling as well as making the content sound the way I want it to for, you the reader.  I am sure there are programs one can use for this use as well for other systems. Plus, for myself, I now find it hard to learn new technology so I prefer to stick with apple products for now.  I started out years ago using Windows.  Apple and Mac products in my opinion at this time, far pass the functions I now depend on.

Selecting Text to read to you! 

You see, often when people with Multiple Sclerosis, M S, have vision and comprehension problems. Sometimes due to a flare up or even just being a symptom, the M S monster within is trying to toy with us on that day. 

I still have so much to learn on this lap top with the new technology of these times. Only if I could have had this when  I was in school, like they do now! I think back, and remember all the struggles I had. Which played with my own self worth and confidence.

I remember, one grade being an exceptional student.  I was reading and writing learning so much then, BAM! Starting the next school year not being able to read a thing. Not remembering what I reed and was struggling with Math. Thinking there was something wrong with me.  I am thankful my teachers noticed, my struggles and gave me the extra attention I needed.  But non of us had a clue it was, possibly,  M S!

Another function I love about my iPhone is  that I can talk into it and it types everything out. Then if it is an email or text, Siri will send it off for me!  Although I haven't figured all my functions on my MacAir, I am happy with the iPhone and iPad being capable of doing what I use it for. I mainly use my iPhone. Looking things up on google, it is a treat to have my phone read all the information for me.  On my bad days it actually helps me remember what is in the article.

Sitting at my MacAir, or what some may call it, [Lap Top] I do find while creating my blog post, I am more creative using my fingers to type. It gives me a more hands on feeling that I am speaking to my readers. 

Speaking of speaking to my readers.  Just as most phones now have the capabilities of creating videos.   Which honestly, is something I would like to implement in my blog posts in the future. For those like me that have bad days, and would rather watch the video instead of trying to reading an article.

I would like to hear how technology has helped you! Please feel free share this with me by commenting in the comment section bellow this post.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

MS and Living Life. 

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

Me a Blogger? MS Blogger? Writer?

Wow! Who would have thought, me a writer? Blogger? Never!
I have become big on self development and self teaching.  So yes, at this point and time that I am at the beginning stages of *blogging*.   I like many had no idea where to start! 

I use to have my own internet web design company in which I taught others how to make the most of their computers in the home or office. Also the giving them an understanding with basics of the Internet and safety.

"Education is one thing no one can take from you in life."

It was a very busy and successful business in a the time the Internet was becoming available locally to the private sector in rural areas. I started it after attending college after I had my family. My teaching method was all hands on. I not only had my own classroom of eight computers but I also went into local businesses. Taught their staff how to switch from type writers to make the most out of their new, (office tool) computer! I was the village go to girl, Guru,  on how to do things on the computer. 

I always have been terrible at grammar and spelling, still am now. *Sigh* I always depended on the computers programmes to correct what it could. It really didn't serve me as well as I had hoped. A wonderful retired school teacher offered me tutoring which helped extremely.  

In time, I hired a wonderful lady, younger then I, in which  editing my writings was a small part of her duties. Just as she taught me so much about English and writing content, I think she too, enjoyed learning about web design and programming. 

I decided to chose to closed the business after the government started offering my main services I provided for free in our local library's. Although it wasn't as detailed, I decided to spend more time to focus in our family business. 

Sadly, my major MS Relapse in 2010, my memory was vastly affected and I had lost  all of what I had known about office work, web design and the computer.  I have to ask my daughter how to do things on them now. More then I would like to for the simplest things. 

So lately I have been dabbling with blogging. Thinking it would be a a great way to record my health. Not only by the seasons but the years.  Having a record of my MS journey, gives me great insight on what affects my mental and physical health. It has it been good therapy and a wonderful learning curve. 

I admit, Its been a process to try and do this type of technology thing again. Often I get emotionally  frustrated with how much MS has taken from me. On the other hand, slowly I am relearning. Which is a positive thing! My husband and I, now see what I use to do and appreciate all that I am able to do each and everyday. 

I know my spelling, grammar and English isn't what it should be to be a "professional" writer but it being a Blog, that's ok. I know I will improve! I am a self learner, determined. In this case I believe, they are all good qualities.

"We are never too old to learn."

Today I am taking a step deeper into this Blogging thing, as I bought a book.  "The Golden Rules of Blogging" by Robin Houghton. Thinking that maybe, just maybe, having a book in my hand might help me remember better, what I am now learning. I also listen to this new in thing called, Pod-casts about blogging as well. 

I am learning new things each day.  I am so excited about this new adventure and wanted to share this with you. What new things are you learning or teaching yourself? 

Wishing you the best in health.....

Remembering summer living as a child in the Almaguin Highlands area ofOntario

As I sit here on my porch overlooking my view, I must say I am loving the sounds of summer in August! The birds, the frogs, the fire-flies, crickets and best of all, until dusk ......... NO FLIES!

My Front Lawn!
Photo by; MS and Living Life -Sherry

As pleasant images flash through through my visions in my mind, I smile, feeling a lump in my throat.  Knowing now,  how my parents gave us a gift that can never be bought, nor forgotten. Reminiscing some of my best childhood memories of growing up living on the Forest Lake River, in the Almaguin Highlands area of Northern Ontario.

Photo by; Josh & Carrie Gilson-Arra Sunset on the Forest Lake River, Ontario.

We moved in the country, when I turned 5. Although  we lived about a 10 minute drive from town.  I remember,  my brother and I complained that our friends lived to far away. When I got older, it was an hour plus bicycle ride over hills and around corners. and often once I got to town, I turned around and headed back home! It was just a long enough bike ride that our friends thought it was too long of a ride to head out to visit us.  Looking back now, I know ..... it was a good thing living a good distance from town.  

So needless to say, it became a time in my life, my brother was my best friend..... for he was not only my bud, but teacher and mentor, I looked up to in many ways. He thought me so many things; from spearing pollywogs with his bow, hook my own worm, how to catch fish, when I tripped and fell, to pick myself up and keep going..... respect others, protecting not only those who couldn't protect themselves but most of all, to love, protect and defend myself. He was always there for me then, when I needed him.  Sometimes, maybe I was a little too aggressive, but I learned how to show others, where my boundaries where. Now looking back, to me that was a good thing!

Photo by; Jessica LaPorte
Lilly-Pads on the Forest Lake River, Ontario.

Although it was a time my brother and I where close, I often spent time to myself.   Learned there where people out there that could hurt you in many ways....But that was okay!  I learned a lot about myself; what I liked, what I could do and thought of a life I may have when I grew older, as we all do. But, this was a time in my life,  I really started to enjoy the country life and all that it offered. I began to like myself and most important of all..... I, felt safe. 

Canoeing the River
Photo by; MS and Living Life -Sherry

Yes, this was a time in my life, it was all about planning out; my next canoe adventure through the lili pads, seeing beavers, calling loons up to our dock, wondering how close I could get them to me before they realized I wasn't their mate.( I know......how mean of me, eh?) *Smirking* .  

Photo by: Sherry MS and Living Life
Sunset of the Forest Lake River, Ontario. The island. 

Oh, I can't resist not to mention that often, I tried beating my record of how many times I could swim around the island I front of our house. I was a strong swimmer at this time and often believed I would become a lifeguard!  (But thats another story for another time.) I had my own competitions of how many frogs I could catch from the canoe in the Lilly Pads and then let them go. I even remember teaching some of our southern friends/visitors, how to catch frogs at night along the river-side and causeway, then having a frog leg fry.  At that time, they tasted like chicken to me, now not so much!

Oh boy how our property and the river itself,  really gifted our family with great memories and of course the best sunsets ever!

I now know why my parents moved from down south to raise a family in Northern Ontario!

Photo by: Sherry MS and Living Life
Sun Set of the Forest Lake River.

What was your best memories of August and this time of year, when you where younger?  I would love to hear about them by email or in the comments bellow.

Remember, enjoy life and .... "It's never too late.....

Why am I withholding my diagnosis of MS?

I have been contemplating on letting it be known and freely voice that I have Multiple Sclerosis, MS for sometime now. I have come to realize that I have become a quiet person and withdrawn myself from society.  I am the same person I have always been. I have had this monster living within all my life. I have kept quiet at times because I am was ashamed or in denial of this stigma of the disease itself. Withdrawing, I feel it has been due to dealing with the impact of the reality of the diagnoses and the fears of what comes with that.  I have learned being diagnosed with MS is not a death sentence but a life sentence that just needs to be managed to substance my quality of life.   The fear of the unknown.

Fear is a liar that crushes the dreams and lives of many.  

Some of you probably have noticed, I have moved my  original Facebook page even and tried to leave MS behind me.  At this point maybe little bit of denial and being labelled with the stigma of becoming wheelchair bound.  I have tried to barrie myself in; fitness, health and wellness only to learn I keep coming back to this dam MS monster. I am learning no matter what I do, everything is affected by it, good or bad. The great thing I am learning is how to control this beast within.  I am learning what he likes that gives him strength and what he dislikes that give me the control I need to live my life.  

I hear and see others that are battling MS, pleasantly, many with great success. Everyone had their own journey with MS.  Each one of us are different and experience things differently.  Which is why they also call it the “SNOWFLAKE DISEASE.”  

Why am I withholding my illness? Hell, I live in a small town and it isn’t like everyone here doesn’t know anyway!  When I got ill  the bad  news traveled through town like a raging fire.

Like they say:"Bad news travels faster then good news these days!"

How would I ever feel I could hide this kinda news? LOL After all, I was the second lady in town who got her A-Z drivers license, the first woman was not retires.   As if that didn't get me known in this mall town but I was not only a Heavy Equipment Hauler but also an Operator!  In the early 2000's, that was not seen in this northern small town as it is now.  

Since my diagnosis, has my life changed? Dam right it has!! I am the same person I always have been, only I look at life differently and the things life has to offer.  I don’t take things for granted anymore.  Everything is a blessing to me and I appreciate more of the small things in life.  

My goal now is to step out of that comfort zone and let my voice be heard.  Share with others,  how even being ill with MS, we can choose our path in life, have goals.

I want to show others and those who are ill that things knock us down and stand in our way of our plans.   But no matter what, we don't have to give up on our future dreams we have but, that we might have to compromise on how to reach those goals !  We need to trust that along the way we will learn more then we ever expected and become better people, with our journey with rougher roads and experiences.  

March is MS Awareness Month.  I look forward to stepping out and stepping up and sharing and teaching what I have learned that MS is like to live with.  Help people understand what MS is and most of all what it is not.  Please give to the MS Research and lets find a way to stop this monster at his first appearance.