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.

A gift of walking in the northern Moon light

MS and Living Life

Walking alone this evening allowed me to take in my surroundings.  The moon is shining bright, the snow is glittering, dancing around the shadows of its trees within the picture perfect beautiful landscape before me.

As I breathe, I can feel a fresh bite from the cool air, enters my lungs.  I can not only see the stress exist my body with each breath but, I feel it as my lungs and shoulders becoming lighter with each exhale.

Theres is a  sound of the loud crunch from the cold snow with each step I take, was like music to my ears. Which brought a feeling of peacefulness. A peacefulness, leaving me feeling as though I was in a presence of many Angels surrounding me.

An experience that made me feel and think; "What a beautiful night. What a gift it is to able to experience such beauty! I am so thankful to be able to enjoy this moment on this evening, while living in Northern Ontario." What a gift! What an experience!

People we live in a rushed world.  Don't forget to stop, slow down and enjoy these small precious moments we are given in our lives.

Wishing you all the best,

The return to the Journey to better Health with MS, Part 1

Today's MS therapy  

Today I decided to get off the treadmill and get out side. I pushed myself to walk past my usual stopping point of two miles. The weather and temperature was just right.  I reached the dreaded hill. I kept telling myself that I could make it to the top as I concentrated the the view of the top of the huge hill was approaching. As I reached the top without stopping I jumped in the air and said; "Yes!" Not caring if the workers could see me at the bottom working on the lines on the telephone poles. All I knew is, that I didn't stop until I got there. I had pushed myself like I had use too. This was a type of struggle that I look at as, MS muscle conditioning.  A very proud moment at this stage.

As I reached home, I could feel the burning in my thighs.  This type of pain was something I had not felt in a long time. Making me question myself,  if I did the right thing by going so far? As well as asking myself why I pushed so far in such loose snow?

I was thinking in the back of my mind, by pushing myself like this, it was how I gained strength in the past. Knowing that there would be pain that came with this kind of therapy, I knew gaining strength and endurance of walking was something that would out weigh the pain I was feeling, by far.

As I am now trying to get warm and get rid of this chill of the damp air drinking my recovery drink to help re-nourish my muscles, remembering back a short time ago, how much easier it was a few years back when it was a daily routine I had. I will not give up on this journey of regaining my strength in my legs. This walk use to take me an hour, today it took me a hour and a half. Most important thing is I did it and I made it home. 

In conclusion of today's MS therapy of walking, I am left with mixed feelings. I am happy I managed to reach my goal of the top of the hill, completing a three mile walk. My Fitbit saying almost four miles? 

I am thinking due to the light loose snow in my steps, that possibly, I took more steps, (shorter steps), which made it register to be further with more distance? I also know I have done this in less time in the past but, I am proud that I just managed to get it done and make it home safe! 

This is a massive gain in my therapy for endurance for my leg muscles.  As I want to stop having to set every where we go, while others are standing. Yes my legs hurt but I still thrive to be as normal as I once was.  This decease, creates new normals for people.  I refuse to give up on this.  My goal is to be able to walk at lest 3 miles each day. I will not give in.

Wishing you all the best in good health and happiness. 

MS and Living Life

Desires for 2016; Resolutions.

Well, I am not one to make goals or New Year Resolutions. They always seem to not workout the way I want them too. So, I look at it like this; "Why set myself up for failure when I am meant to succeed?" I want this year to be my best year ever!

I believe I have a wonderful life. I have worked hard for the things I have gained and for those that are around me today. I have done all that I have ever wanted.  I also have achieved more then I ever thought I would up to today. This is how I feel anyway. 

People often set goals up in the new year and achieve them and some don't, disappointing themselves.  Well, for me all I want is to reach the point where I feel strong and healthy. Most of all, keep my illness under control.  I plan on doing this by putting my own needs and wants first before others. 

You maybe thinking that I am being selfish by saying and doing this. I am telling you, it is the totally opposite. You see, in 2015, I have learned that by not putting my needs first, I can not be here, nor enjoy those I love, the way I want to.

So, I will continue to struggle and get my health under control by moving more and eating better. I will continue to learn to be a better person but watching and reading self help information. 

Just as every ending has a new beginning, I will end 2015 and begin with placing myself first. I will be making this lifestyle change.  

What are your desires for 2016? Please sure your desires with me and post them in a comment bellow.

Wishing you and yours a blessed year filled with nothing but good health and happiness in 2016. 

How do you react to life?

 Image by Motivation App at ITunes 

Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it ...Charles Swindoll 

Seems the older I get and the more I learn though my journey of life, I see this quote is so true to its every word. 

Wishing you good health and happiness.

MSandLivingLife 

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

MS Lesson: Put your needs first. Exercise and Stress.

I have been finding that just doing the normal routine things in life have been put to the back burner lately.  I really have been slacking and pushing things off to the last minute. Taking my meds, eating, brushing my teeth and even pushing myself to hold off to go to the bathroom, which, has had its consequences .   Life for me has been busy lately. Not to mention I haven't even thought about the stressful experience of having to go out Christmas shopping yet and its only a few weeks away!

I honestly have been trying to hold off of that holiday stress of the stores and aggressive grumpy people who I think have forgot what the true meaning of Christmas is. For me and my family, so much has changed and taken from us. From loosing so many that we love to me having Multiple Sclerosis, we have love the fact of just being together for a evening, meal and laughter at Christmas. 

Yes, my health is paying for my new habits of over scheduling my days and procrastination! My MS Monster has awoke and is actively playing around within my body like a puppet on a string. My mind can't seem to focus on one thing for very long and wonders off to never never land now and then.  Leaving me feel that I haven't accomplished much of anything that day. These types of days are very frustrating and disappointing.

Today, I look back  to see what I did that the times I felt better. Feeling happy , positive, more active, more alert more like the old me that could handle any unexpected situations that me be thrown in the mix.   I see these where the days and times that I put my needs first before I did anything that day. I got myself into a routine. I took my medications first, exercising of some kind, usually working up to an hour a day, ate and went off with my day. Made sure I ate healthier, fresh enriched foods that helped my body.  I put my healths needs first and had things planned out.

I was successful, much like this morning! Got up. rested, visited with my husband while we had a coffee together and ate.  I ate a banana, like most days, I try to eat something small before exercise. 

Take my pre-workout drink, I go walk or walk on the treadmill. Drink a post-workout drink, so I am not so sore the next day. 

I took my medications after a shower, got dressed as if I where going to go out and to some errands. Although today I didn't have plans to leave the house it seem to have set my day off on the right foot. Placing me in the right direction to have a successful day. This has been something I been striving for and will continue.

We all need to plan out our days by putting ourself first.  If we don't put our self and our needs first, we can't enjoy doing things and be there not only for ourselves but most important others.  I love helping my family and friends and it is most disappointing to me when I can't be there for them. I have learned I have to put myself first so I can be there for others.  

I also find by putting my need to exercise my body each day also helps me deal with not just everyday stress, but major stressors that can send us with Multiple Sclerosis, into a down word spiral. These are unwanted as it not only activates the MS Monster within but sends us into a relapse which can potentially leave us with permeant nerve damage or disabilities. 

It IS NOT a selfish act to put your needs first.  For me that has been a hard lesson to learn; You must put yourself first, so you can live as the happy and fulfilled person you are meant to be.

I would love to hear how you have benefitted by putting your needs to fit exercise into your daily routine.

MSandLivingLife

Today's MS Treatment

As morning sun was rising I could feel it's heat on my back as I reached half way up that dreaded hill. I haven't walked this road in three days now.  So, it was not only a challenge to reach the hill, but to get to its top, was even harder. 

It's been a long time it seems since I used this hill for my treatment againest my M S. By walking this road and hill as a part of my treatment to fight Multiple Sclerosis, in the post I have had success to contol my symptoms and stay active. I felt wonderful and energetic. 

I desire to have that feeling back. I know it's going to be hard to reach that point once again. But, I am not giving up! 

Today I had my Buddy (dog), Moose with me to keep me company. The beautiful weather outside was perfect.  I was sure to take my Recovery Drink upon my return, as it seems to help with the soreness of my leg muscles. 

I am so thankful for this wonderful weather we are having. Have your self a fantastic day! 

MS and Living Life 

Hydro One Power Outage

“Cmon hydro one. get your shit together. Heat and running water would be nice I am sure your families all have warmth and water so get your asses in gear and do your dam job and give us hydro that we pay up the ass for.”  ... was a comment I reed this morning on Social Media, Facebook.

At this day and age of social media, as well as living in a small community in Northern Ontario, I was totally disappointed that people can be still so rude. The following comments on the feed where people, whom feel the same as I.  Feeling shocked and noting this behavior is uncalled for.  They where defending the hydro workers that are working hard to regain our hydro back for us.

First of all, these workers are working all hours to restore our hydro.  Possibly leaving their own families in the dark with no heat or running water either.  Yes it is their job but bashing them isn't going to help get the work done any faster.

Second of all, as mentioned in the article bellow they have also hired other companies to come in to assist in this restoration process. To try and make this happen quicker.

I am sitting here wondering how so many people can be so greedy and self centred as to think ,"they" should get things restored quicker then anyone else?  

We live in Northern Ontario where this does happen! And often!

Yes we pay too much for our hydro services.  However, these people are human and they too are paying the same rates as we are.  They do have families in the dark, no running water, cold and, so on!  I get it!

Let us get this straight people.  Compassion and a little appreciation goes a long way.  Giving these workers a hard time isn't helping anything.  I have friends who do this line work of all ages. Let me tell you some of the stories they have told of how rude people are to them, is nothing but disrespectful.

Stopping and telling them thank you for their work is an act of kindness that so many have forgotten. This small gesture not only makes them feel appreciated but helps them quickly and efficiently complete the job.

Take this outage as a  note to better prepare for the next one. Because it is going to happen.  This Ontario and this is fall and getting close to winter.  Pull together and help your nabours and friends by offering them some warmth. Those who have the capabilities of generators offer a quick shower or a supply of water. Offer batteries candles for lights. Most stories here in our area have back up generators to help provide food and supplies in these times.

Look at this as what did you learn out of this power outage?

Where you ready for it?

What do you need if there where another outage?

Do you have enough supplies on hand like; water, can foods, blankets batteries and gas for your generators?

Do you have enough propane so you can boil or cook with your outdoor barbecue?

Lets get your own emergency plain and supplies in order so you will feel better prepared for out next outage.

So ... I am thankful for having the utilities we do have that makes life so much more enjoyable. 

Leaving you today in positive thoughts to better prepare for unplanned outages.

Please share with me how you plan ahead for our northern outages.

Wishing you well.

MS and Living Life..

Updated Power outage information and image gathered from

Almaguin News

By Rebecca Zanussi

Link from FaceBook Post North Bay Nippissing News Story

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. 

November 5th, Thankful the Beautiful Fall Weather

Today I am so thankful for so much. The weather was so beautiful.  This morning we woke with the sun burning the fog off the water and trees around our pond.

I sat on the porch to drink my coffee as the sun beamed through the tree tops. The birds where singing welcoming its, presence.  The warmth reached out and started the day off just right.  

Oh yes! I got out for my walk!  I managed to push myself up this gigantic hill, without stopping!

Reaching the top always give the beautiful view of Lake Bernard!  Gives a great since of a achievement for myself.  My legs where killing me as I pushed myself not to quit. 

Not to mention I had the company of my daughter with me.  She always seems to be there to push me to exercise and keep my legs moving.  Which is great, because she doesn't allow me to give in to the MS monster within, who seems to think I shouldn't be active.  It is like a constant battle with MS to keep it from laying around on the couch. 

I am so thankful for the sun and beautiful temperatures today of 20'C/62'F.  Also for the company because I am sure I wouldn't have attempted to walk to the top of that hill if I where by myself today.   This did allow me to complete my old three and a half mile walk.  I am also thankful for the recovery drink I consumed after I got home to repair my leg muscles. I know it always helps for the evening and the next days activities.

What did you do today in this wonderful weather? Please let me know in the comments bellow.

Have a wonderful day!

MS and Living Life.

November Thankful Challenge 2015

My
November Thankful Challenge 2015

This November I have decided I will do a Thankful Challenge.  In which I will be posting things that I am thankful for in each post. Soon the holiday season will be near.  Not everyone has a wonderful holiday.  I am thinking this challenge may help prepare and help those face the season with a positive outlook. 

I have learned that we must exercise focusing on the positive things we see and have in our lives, to help fight depression.  It is much easier for people to fall into the routine of seeing the negative things that we experience day to day.  Which then can put us into a down word spiral that never seems to stop.  

It is a fact, you can google, that we can retrain the wiring in our brains to see the positives we experience and see.  I don't mean, ignore the bad things we face in our lives. But, I truly have become to believe that all things happen for a reason.  That reason can be good,bad, Positive, or Negative.  It is a choice, I have learned to make.  I admit it, it can be a hard task to do. With time it has become easier when carried out.

When I feel down or just plain bummed out, I often go to my gratitude journal. Start each day to write three things each day down that is positive that has happened.  Even, if it is the smallest of things.

Like; "I woke up this morning. The sun was shining and I managed to get dressed."

This can be our last thoughts while we lay down each night as well.  Just trying to lay there and think of three things that happened to you that day. Even the smallest of things count!

Within time, you will find yourself finding more important things you will be thinking of pointing out. For instance; "So and so called me today, I actually got allot accomplished today. I had a good laugh today! I am so happy I didn't go to the gym today.  There was a fire there today."

Try this and let me know in the comments bellow how you make out?

Have a wonderful day,

MS and Living Life... Sherry

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.