Meditation benefits with or without Multiple Sclerosis

Meditation has been practised for thousands of years.  Which is why I thought I would at lest give it a try.  It is intend to alter our state of consciousness without using drugs.  It helps get the core to open the heart and develop a more stable balance and calmer mind.

It encourages and heightens state of awareness and focused attention. People use meditation in; religion, for spiritual  and therapeutic reasons. There are many types of meditation that can be practised with many health benefits.

Living today in our modern world with our hectic lifestyles our body is often in a chronic state of stress, giving our body the “fight or flight" response state within our nervous system.  over time, this dampens levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, our “feel good” neurotransmitters. Low levels of these neurotransmitters are commonly associated with the loss of; pleasure, gastrointestinal issues, weakened immune systems, tension, anxiety and depression.

There are many types of meditation that is practised and are for different reasons.  Guided meditation is for the beginner and I find the easies to follow.  It is guided by voice talking to you you to where your thoughts and mind should focus on, as our minds have a tendency to wonder.  

The three most common guided meditation are: mindfulness, stress reduction and relaxation. Which you can find a short meditation is used at the end of most Yoga sessions, as Meditation and Yoga are often practised together. 

Stated from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society;  "The relaxing benefits of yoga may also help manage the unique challenges of MS, such as lying in an MRI machine for extended periods of time, receiving injections or infusions, staying calm during an exacerbation and focusing when meeting with your health care professionals."

It is also proven that yoga decreased fatigue and other medical conditions.  Reports say that they find improvements in anxiety, depression, fatigue, bladder function, pain, spasticity, weakness and walking. There personal reports and saying that yoga can help sexual function. For general health of people with or without Multiple Sclerosis, yoga may improve arthritis pain, reduce blood pressure, and promote weight loss. 

You can also find free meditation through a search on internet or any of these apps like; Facebook, Mindfulness, Headspace, YouTube and many more.

Have you tried Meditation?  How did it help you? I would love to hear your opinion below. 

Saying hello to 2017

As this year ends and a new year begins, I cross over this bridge. With every step, I will let the negative things flow down the stream.  Saying goodbye to 2016 and its events that carried me through this journey, leaving me with a strong positive mindset.  

With this MS journey of mine, I like many others with this disease have been struggling with depression. My depression was not just from my diagnosis of having this illness, has been from what the illness has done to me from my past relapses.  I often struggle off and on throughout the year. With the lack of sun in the winter months, it is important that I stay consistent with taking my Vitamin D. In my research, it is  repetitive in my findings within MS research sites, which states that with MS and taking this supplement, improves our health and helps diminishes some of the symptoms that we with MS often experience. Such as; Fatigue, Numbness, Tingling, Memory, dizziness, blurry vision, just to mention a few.

Some start the New Year with: "New Year, New me". For me, that saying is nothing but a load of crap!  I do, however, use this time of year to look back and measure how my disease is affecting my health,  my family, my over-all well-being and how it is affecting my life. How I can now improve things. 

Depression had been one of the things I have been struggling with this year.  Which is why I find I haven't been doing my blog posts.  Some of the MS symptoms I have been experiencing this past year has affected me not only emotionally but also physically. Keeping me closer to home.  I know these things usually pass just as many of the other symptoms have. It just seems that it affected me on a deeper level then the symptoms in the past have. 

Maybe, triggering the thoughts within me, telling me; "Yes girl, you really do have MS, now deal with it!" Now get out there and improve your life while you can. You face each day on a positive thought.  Physically do what you can to improve your health, because, you are the only one that can do it.  

No one can do it for you.

What is it you would like to improve this year? 

Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear your feedback.

Sherry

* Please read ~ Disclaimer* 

My MS Update June 2016

Today I thought I would reach out and give you, my loyal readers and update on my health.  I know I haven't posted in a few months.  I am sorry for this as I know with reading blogs' we often like to have regular updates to read.

This picture was to record today's MS Physiotherapy.  I walked 3.75 miles this morning in a hour and a half. A couple years ago, I managed to walk this in an hour.  I am getting there.  Early mornings, and determination, I know I will get there again.

I have been really focusing on my health, physically and mentally.  With spring comes flare ups with my Multiple Sclerosis and some season changes are worse for me then others. I have been reassured by the results of my recent MRI, that my MS is not progressing. I have no changes in this MRI or new damage done since my previous MRI a year ago. This is great news! I am happy to share this with you as it is great news with all the symptoms and what seems as flare ups I have had this last year.  Once again conforming that they are; Pseudo-Relapses that I have been experiencing. Seems just as a relapse only no damage is being done as my Copaxzone daily injections are working. Preventing my immune system from removing the myelin coating on my nerves.

Even though I am experiencing; Extreme Emotions,  Unitary Urgency, face twitching, memory issues, fatigue, difficulty sleeping and a few other things.  I know these will eventually ease off and go away as the season of summer comes to an end.  Mean time I will keep walking as much as I can. Stay cool in my pool or cold showers, try and nap when needed.  I will continue to concentrate on nutrition and hydrate my body with lots of water daily.

Some of you know, MS is not an easy disease to live with.  I believe we have to keep a positive outlook on our life to keep it managed. We all have bad days with or without illness in our lives.  I just try not to make it out to be worse then it is.  I try not to focus on the negative things it has done to me or taken from me...... as it will only make things harder to deal with.

Keep cool and make the best out of each day. Until next time. Take care of yourself!
Let me know how you are doing this summer....
Looking forward in hearing from you.

3 Reasons why I have a hard time in public with MS

Hey, There!

Last night I went to my first WW, (Weight Watchers) meeting in like two years. I was very apprehensive to go.  I had mixed feelings while I was on this twenty-minute drive.  I was feeling very unsure and may be experiencing a little anxiety.  

First of all, that I had to go to a "meeting" just to get this weight off that I gained due to my trial medication for depression. I had been going to Weight Watchers off and on since 2004.  Feeling disappointed in myself that I couldn't lose this extra weight on my own.  In turn, telling myself that; "I shouldn't be so hard on myself. That going to the meetings in the past gave me friendly support from others who want to lose as well. The local meetings did actually help keep me more accountable. 

Secondly, I knew there was going to be a new leader and well as new members. ---- New members? ------ Thinking, that there will probably people going that I had known from the past years. ------ Yes, maybe a little anxiety was going on? Living in a small northern Ontario community, everyone knows everyone. 

Let me explain why I was getting freaked out a little. You see, since my last major relapse. In which I got my original diagnosis of MS, this Monster had also taken parts of my memory.  In scenarios like these, it takes remembering who people are or were. I always see the face, but to remember who and where they lived? How were they apart of my life in the past? Well, the MS Monster has taken a big part of that memory from me. Remembering things that took place, people I once knew and sadly, sometimes even people I have recently met.

Sometimes, I do feel comfortable saying; "I am sorry, but how is it that I know you?  I recognize you. However, I just can't place how I know you?" Which sometimes in these cases, the situation goes downhill quickly.  As the person has no idea that I have progressed in any illness and becomes questionable. You can see the disappointment as  they showing discussed in their facial expressions. Often not even realizing it.  All due to the fact I can't remember them and I should. Oftentimes they quickly expose our dealings and that they were a major client of our families business in the distant or recent past. Sometimes it hearing their story tweaks my memory.

Ninety-five percent of the time I feel embarrassed and upset because of their unknown reaction I had seen.  Not only with myself not being able to remember, but their own reaction of feeling unimportant.  Then I explain why I don't remember them and apologize to sooth their quick judgment. 

Trying to ease the situation, their reaction is to brush it off as though they too have memory issues and that it is all a part of old age. Then they openly explain how we know each other. I have learned that when this happens it is their lack of knowledge of the disease itself and see that they are the one feeling bad. They by saying this are only trying to make me feel better about the whole situation.  Making others feel bad is never my intention at all.  These moments are the ones that make me feel most uncomfortable with having this MS Monster living within me. Other times introductions and meetings go smoothly without incident which comes to such a big relief to me.

Thirdly, when I am out there are when a few people find out what it is that I have they automatically think of someone they know who has Multiple Sclerosis. Then quickly spits out negative comments. I am now aware that they think they are trying to make me understand that they know what it is that I am going through.  Little known to them, that they are only just hurtful and negative comments.   Saying things you should never say to someone with MS.

Comments like: 

• "But you look so good, how can you be sick?"
• "You're not in a wheelchair or have a cane yet, you are doing so good!"
• "I know someone with that and they are; in a wheelchair now, can't talk, and now needs extra care." 
• "So and so died from MS."
•  "My nabour has that and she now can't drive" or "lost her job because she can't work." 
• "All you need to do is eat better and exercise"
• 
  
• "Did you hear about "so and so" they were cured. Why don't you try what they did?"

Knowing their intentions are not meant to be, curl or mean.  However, each case of MS is different.  I understand that they many are truly trying to be nice. Only trying to make me feel that they understand what I am going through and not alone. Speaking for many others with MS these comments are actually offensive. 

I use these moments to try and educate others on what Multiple Sclerosis is and how far they have come with gaining knowledge about it.  How close they have moved toward finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.  I also reassure them that those of us that are our own advocates of MS are on top of the research that is happening at any moment of any time.  Most of us who have MS, know more about what we have, how to manage it and what new treatments have come available then our own family doctors.  Keep in mind.  Our family doctors don't just specialize in one illness but help treat many illnesses.  I am truly grateful for my family doctor and her staff, as they are always there for me and are quick to help when I am having MS issues or a flare-up.

In conclusion to my first meeting. I feel that it turned out well.  We had enough people join that our meetings could run until the middle of April.  Sad that I had to pay for my meeting membership even though I had an online membership.  I did see a couple women that I do know and hadn't seen in a long time. I also got to meet our new leader, who seems quite nice and positive. She is more than willing to answer questions and help us in any way. I am looking forward to our next meeting in a week. 

MS is a life changer!

Today, I start and write with a heavy heart. Not because I have lost a loved one or someone dear to me.  But just realizing myself, of how much Multiple Sclerosis has quietly taken from me.  Their is so many things I want to do, so many things I use to enjoy and took for granted.  

"Don't take any day for granted. "

I look back and I see how I lived life to the fullest.  I loved helping everyone and always tried to make someone smile. I put all I had into what I was doing whether it was taking the kids to do something or helping someone out with something. I put all I had into my career no matter what I was doing at the time. 

"Give it your best or don't do it at all"

Now, that was a place I never gave up on either.  I did so many things I enjoyed. Reflexology, Computer Training, Web Design, Bookkeeping and then I got my AZ drivers license to not only do the office work of our construction company, but I wanted out in the field, out with our customers. I had also gained my the Heavy Equipment Licenses I needed to qualify to work with these machines but, also get them too and from the jobs. I loved entertaining.  We would have BBQ’s and pool parties, evening campfires in the summer. Our friends and their kids would be over and our kids with their friends.  It was like Grand Central Station pretty much most of the time. I look back and see how happy I was and what a great life I had been living.

"Don't look back, you can't go back there. Look ahead!"

Lately, this dam disease has had me really thinking about what it has taken from me. From our family.  Now thinking, I did all of those things without even thinking about how I would get it done, I just did it. Never, thinking about how I would feel while doing it. If I could even follow it through with out being drained. Even possibly pushing myself to of total exhaustion. Ending up sleeping for days or even having a flare up that might leave me disabled in some way. Oh, how my life has changed yes.

Some of our stuff

Today, I experienced my family stepping in changing plans, without me. Plans that I had been looking forward too for days and was so excited. These change in plans, where quick and took me off guard.  My emotions quickly grew within me, as I broke down and cried as I tried explaining to my husband, that they where making me feel that they felt I was incapable and inadequate, as tears ran down my cheeks like a river.

He reassured me that was the last thing they wanted me to feel. That they see what I can handle and what I can’t.  He reassured me, they where under unforeseen circumstances that came up for them, that they where only worried for my health and didn’t want my health to worsen. 

I do however, realized how I need to sometimes,  swallow my pride and except that I have to live with this illness.  That they too are living with this illness. We are learning that, I can not fight it. 

With this, I realize that my family is actually growing up and are only trying to help me out just as I want to help them. This makes me see that the most fulfilling job was raising my children. I must have done something right. Why? Because I see that they know sometimes they now have to also look out for me, just as I have them all these years.

I don’t look for pity, nor for others to feel sorry for me and my family, as we live with this disease. I just am trying to share so others grow awareness of that his is an invisible  disease. For some it can be managed. That is exactly what I am trying to do.

Got this somewhere off the Internet It was on my computer.

Have you something that has changed your life? Let me know in the comments in how you deal with these changes.  I would like to hear from you.

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.

Health Update…a MS monster is blindfolded.

It is now 5 years since my diagnoses or Multiple Sclerosis, MS.  My treatment, each day I self inject a needle to help control the damage that can be done if or while I have a relapse.  The damage is unseen to the eye but is seen through an MRI.  When looking at the MRI, they look at many factors and previous damage the daise had done to my brain or spinal cord, which, these are called lesions  which apparently look similar to tumours.  They compare the current images to previous images,and measure lesions to determine if these are; growing, multiplying, shrinking or can test to see if they are active.  

Growing or multiplying means the disease is causing damage done to the body, which usually the inject a die to see if it is active.  Shrinking….. well, most doctors don’t believe it is something that happens, but have heard of it over the internet boards. .

Well, it has been confirmed that did have two relapses this past winter by my specialist, however the MRI that I did have last month showed them that they where pseudo relapses. Thus, meaning that I am going through the motions of a relapse but it isn’t doing any permeant damage to my body. In other words it is not progressing!  Good news! The injections are doing their job!  

Even though the motions of the MS Relapses is not only tiresome but also; draining.  Often, getting vertigo, feeling extreme fatigue, confusion, pain, brain fog…. numbness, lack of coordination anxiety, and depression.  Often causes loss of; memory, vision, body functions and ability to move one or more of your limbs. Not only this but we tend to become house bound and withdrawal from society, friends and family. Sometimes, others do not understand our withdrawals and take it personally. 

This experience can  be extremely scary not knowing if these functions will partially return or fully return back to normal. These bouts of attacks, on our brain and spinal cord, can last from days to a week to even months at a time. Only with it “the Monsters’ ” choosing, of what it wants us to loose and for how long. Which is why I call it the Monster within.  No one can see what we are experiencing but can only notice some of its  side affects it does to our functions.  When the Monster decides to lay still, only then will we gain our abilities and functions.  

If the monster manages to get through and cause permeant damage to our nerves, chances are we may never get it back.  Even though the brain is capable of redirecting signals  by making new connections, the spinal cord can not.  

I hope this helps others understand a little more about MS, Multiple Sclerosis. I will not give this monster a NAME, as it gives him too much time, energy and attention it doesn’t deserve.

Wishing you good health… and happiness.

Image from   http://www.viewphotos.org/canada/images-of-Guelph-178.html

Photos Blindfolded bear near Guelph, Ontario, by author copyright Marilyn Whiteley

You can live a positive life with MS!

I believe you can live your life with Multiple Sclerosis with a positive attitude.  My experience is when I am positive things go better.  Just think about research.    We need to educate people to let them know MS is manageable!

As yourself; Would more money be given when you put out a positive look on life and how you manage it?  

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. 

Soon a good bye to 2014

WOW! I can't believe it’s been almost a year since my last post! Seems to be the way it goes! Summer months are the hardest on me.  This past year (2014), has really dragged on.  I have really been fighting to keep my Monster In His Box!  It really has been a constant struggle.

As I type  I am thinking about the year that has past. I have found new ways to look at living my life. I have a new attitude maybe learned from the books I have read as well as my daily life’s struggles.  Reminiscing over this past year, brings thoughts of the people that have passed, those who have came back into my life, as well as those that are new aquittances, making my year better and hopeful in looking at the new year that approaches. Hoping to put the new learned things into action.

Although I have experienced medium exasperations and fatigue, off and on thought out this time, I have still got a good report from my Nero regarding my MS.  I have the plans of starting a new approach to my eating.  A Dr Terry Wahls has finally published her Wahls Protocol Book this year in USA, soon to be released in Canada.  I however not only have purchased and downloaded a copy from IBook but also ITunes so I can lesson to the audio version. This is very exciting for me as it promotes a new way of healthy eating, Polio style and active living. The only concern is its wheat, sugar and dairy free.  I have done the sugar and gluten free years before I was diagnosed but the thought of giving up Milk and Cheese.  Now that, I will be a challenge!

Now to you as my reader, I do plan to share more of this journey through out this year.  I have tried to rearrange things to hope share what works for me.

Think I Just Fell In Love Again!

Day 2 of my Challenge to myself; I haven't posted in a while to give people a Fitness and Health Journey Update! 

I do plan on making more regular posts regarding my #journey with #P90X3 and #T25.  I was going to do #BodyBeast, however, with my MS the beast inside has made it a little too painful for my liking.  So I have decided to do these programs instead.  

Yes I pushed myself today with #T25- #Speed101 & #P90X3 #AgilityX ! Finishing with a scoop of #P90XR&R (Results &Recovery) in my #Shakeology! Not sure if two workouts was the right thing to do today, I am sure I will find out tomorrow what the #MSBeast has thought of it!

However, I am very impressed with how #ShaunT and #Tony push you through these #workouts and before you know it you cooling down. 25- 30 minutes each! I am excited to follows Tonys eating plan in the P90X3 manual. 

Today I am feeling much better.  After talking to a fellow coach last night, making me realize I have so many things here available to learn and apply in my everyday life. Not only to better and stay on top of my health but most importantly, to help others do the same. Just in sharing what I am doing. Showing what works and what doesn't work, for me anyway.  #Knowledge and #education is the one thing no one can take from us.

We sometimes close ourselves off to things in life thinking we are protecting ourselves from harm, when we are only closing ourselves off to some magnificent things life has to offer. 

Thanks Coach!

With #CoachSherryGirl
388 Calories Burned

A MS Cure?

I have gotten to believe there is only treatments for MS, not cures.  As of yet! I did find this video very informative and positive.  They figure that do have a treatment that may work to remove those symptoms that we suffer from.  These symptoms do happen with those of us with MS.  However their frequency very from person to person.  I really suggest watching this video not only to understand what MS Multiple Sclerosis  is but to see how far they have come to understand this disease.  I believe we are closer to the cure.

MS Cure? Click here

How low pressure can affects MS

Today maybe a trying day for me,  as it is for others. I tell myself; "I have been given this challenge to show others, how to live and grow, battling this monster, that so many don't understand." I believe having a positive mental attitude is an important key to live a positive fulfilling life no matter what your challenge is.

Today the weather lows are playing upon my head, with not only pressure but, the feeling a tingling sensation across the top of my brain, that seems to toggle off and on where-ever and whenever. 

Yes , it tingles while I get the feeling of my hair lifting as it moves around. Adding a swirling motion to my balance just makes it more entertaining for the moment and makes me thankful for my time I have being healthy and without this presence. 

However, when days like these arrive, like an unexpected unwanted guest, I try to live my life making things seem normal, as it once was. By pushing myself to complete the simplest things around the home and keeping a positive attitude, I believe is not just an example for my family as well as those others me, that there is always a good side to every experience.  I find and not only be challenging but the way I see it, I need to look at what I can do, not what I can't. I know it is just for a while and tomorrow will bring a new day with new beginnings.

I try to live my life making things seem normal, as it once was, by pushing myself to complete the simplest things around the home. I don't want pity or others to feel sorry,or bad for me because my family and I Live with me having MS I just want people aware that things don't aways seem as wonderful as the look and appear. I hope this blog will help others understand more about those living with Multiple  Sclerosis (MS).

I do believe that we attract, what we think.  So think positive and believe things will only get better.  Be thankful for what you have and can do today! I am thankful for all the good in my life!