Vegetable Tip

Remember to cut your greens off of your vegetables before you store them. Keeping the greens on depletes the nutritants from the vegetables. The greens can be then used in salads, Stirfries and morning smoothies! We need to eat to create new healthy cells.

MS and Living Life

Can Infections Cause a MS Relapse?

After searching the internet it took me a very long time to answer this question.

Can Infections trigger a MS relapse?

So, I made a short video in hopes it will help others get this answer more quickly!



Please feel free on commenting! Your input is greatly appreciated!!



Love Sherry

~ MS and Living Life ❤

Extreme Emotions with MS ❤

Recently I have been absent from social media, not because I was wanting to but I have been playing  my own super hero personality, my MS Warrior with fighting another flue bug.  This time a bad sinus cold which had turned into an infection.  Not just in my sinuses I have left it and it went into my inter ears as well. 

Normally, for people who do not have MS, you would go to the doctor and they would give you some type of antibiotic to clear up the infection and you would rest and get better.  Well those of us with MS, well its a little more complicated.  Not only do we go through this process but, in addition, the infection wakens the MS Monster within us with vengeance! Fighting with the force that can through us into a s flare-up or even a relapse.  Relapses can be so severe that can possibly cause us permeant damage.

Our immune system is already fighting and eating away at our good cells and tissues. Once the immune system realizes their is an infection it kick in to a higher gear eating away all cells good and causing us to have a flare up. Meaning the immune is attacking everything in our bodes and our symptoms become active announces its presents physically and mentally. At this time, this is not only felt by us but seen the affects to others by looking upon us.  Slurring speech, dizziness= staggering or bumping into things, memory loss, not able to carry on a conversation, become very weak. Not only do I experience this but I get a brain ache. Yes, it isn’t a headache.  our hearing and vision either diminishes or becomes oversensitive.  I also could hear my eyes blinking in my interear. Similar to hearing your heart beat when you have a high fever.

A few days into my antibiotics, thinking I was getting somewhat better and needed to get outside for some fresh air, I decided to wander down the street to my youngest sons house. If I needed a ride home, I know he, our family and his friends where there and knew they would drive me home. 

I was pleasantly greeted by my granddaughter, Ashley, almost 2 years old now.  She was running toward me as I walked slowly up their drive as she yelled; “Nanna! Nanna! Nanna! Nanna here!” Which made the short journey worth while, just to experience that and a big hug from her as we met. 

We ventured to the back of the house to join everyone talking and visiting.  Within a short time I was feeling over whelmed, and felt an unexplained urge to cry. What the heck is going on I thought, as I was trying to hold it back.  

Within moments my husband asked me if I was alright, explaining I didn’t look well.  I said I don’t know.  Think maybe I need to go home….. and I started uncontrollably started to cry.  Everyone became quiet and turned to look at me .  I said I don’t know whats going on? … 

I don’t know why I am crying? …. I can’t help it!! I don’t know whats going on??? and i cried more!!! 

Extreme Emotions and MS

Everyone looked at me wondering what the heck was wrong with me? You could see the look on their faces. I could feel and read their thoughts; "Everyones enjoying themselves and she’s crying? What the hell?”

I quickly through my hands in the air and explained it must be my MS because of my flare up, I don’t know why I am crying? I am happy to be here? Ashley just made my day.  I am so thankful I could walk here, its not that far but…….Its got to be my MS cause I have done this laughing too? Sorry for crying I explained, the uncontrollable laughing is more inlighting and funny to see!! 

My son, the clown he can be, and caring for me, starts walking over to me.  As he hugs me he says; “ Aw, Mom, we all love you, you don’t have to cry, we understand, your just so happy to be with us!”  and laughs braking the ice.  Everyone starts laughing!  I begin to laugh and cry at the same time….quickly everyone started in too.  Oh, how I am thankful my son has a nack to make an embarrassing moment something to laugh about. 

Looking back, I choose to see how this as benefited not only me but those around me.  Even thought they don’t always see what the MS Monster is doing to me, they can gain some understanding of what I am going through.

This will became one of my great memories.  Similar to the time we where at a funeral for an older family friend. Right in the middle the eulogy of a well known, respected community member of our small town, I broke out laughing and couldn’t stop! People looked on with discuss and some with humour. Some began to giggle. 

Later the family asked with curiosity, what I was laughing about?  I was very embarrassed. I explained that another friend had called us and had somehow locked himself in his garage and we had for got to go let him out.  It really wasn’t that funny.  But now, looking back on it, as it was before I found out I had MS, it was a sign,  or a symptom of Multiple Sclerosis.  

And, just maybe our friend who passed, wanted to give his family something to laugh about at their sad time?

I never really thought too much about these extreme emotional outbreaks I would have, until after my diagnosis.  The news of my diagnosis up set many in our small community. So much so some would later come visit me and offer their help if I ever needed it.  Remembering one supply teacher I had in grade school.  She had taken over the class when my teacher had to take a leave of absence do to an MS Relapse.  She explained to me she now understood my emotional laughing out breaks I would have in class.   I don’t remember doing this, but do remember I tried to be the clown in the class so I could get out of doing some of my work.  Not understanding why I was doing so good in school one day and the next I couldn’t read and had to relearn!   

So, sometimes as playing super hero and playing an MS Warrior with this Multiple Sclerosis monster, we can not control the things the monster triggers within us, but we can turn the experiences into something positive and allow us to laugh at it.  By choosing to see the positive from my experiences, I believe it helps me realize so many blessings I have in my life.  It helps me realize how important it is to look after my health; distressing, getting enough sleep, eating healthy and getting the right amount of exercise is important. But a Must! 

I am learning my health must come first ,above and before all other things , to keep me healthy.

I thank you for taking the time to read about my experiences. 

With all my love, MS and Living Life.

Tuesday Motivation

Tuesday Motivation; Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can! Little by little you will see improvements! 😊 

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?  

Kale and Quinoa Salad

Soooo good! Yummy! 500 calories! 

Quinoa, kale, onions, tomatoes, olives, extra virgin olive oil, Italian spices & Sea Salt ! Seen s picture in FaceBook and I had to have it! 

Having all the ingredients and being healthy and all! All follows the Dr Wahls Protocol Diet for MS ! 😄 
another WahlsWarrior meal! 

Karma and Handicapped Parking

Yes I use a handicap permit "WHEN my Multiple Sclerosis is flaring up causing my legs to hurt or weaken when walking distances due to the heat or extreme cold. Which  can even cause my body to shut down. At other times I will park a far distance from the entrance for others also can have closer parking. This will give me the exercise I need to maintain the use of my legs and fight other symptoms of my MS. 

I have even had a man wave his arms and swear pointing at the a #handicap parking sign in front of my car. Although he fails to look in my window for my permit! But for some, that doesn't matter when you look like your total normal healthy person on the outside !

Often I would like to stop and talk to these people who make me feel ashamed of using this parking and explain to them what my illness is. However, usually this is at a time where I really don't have the time or energy to stand out in the cold\heat to explain my circumstances. I have very right to that parking as anyone, anyway! I realize I use to be that person at one time too just not as rude! Oh God, how Karma can bitch slap you in the face! 

Often I find myself still  pulling out of a parking space, I sometimes I feel stares, see rude gestures and people talking and pointing as I ignore their judgemental behaviour.  Even after 5 years I find myself quickly pulling my handicap permit out of my dash and putting it in my glove compartment so no one can see it when it's not in use.  Thinking; "Girl,don't lower yourself to their level by making an ass of yourself.  Just keep going. You have an illness that currently is invisible to others. You know on these days, your come backs and explanations just won't come out right anyway. ..... When they know better, they will do better!  Then I find myself looking up out my sunroof saying ....Thank you for that Maya. 

People who miss use handicap parking really frustrate me too! It is sad how  society  today is getting very cold, bold, uncaring and judgemental in today's world.  So many seem cranky and miserable. Often I hear sighs from impatient people, seeing scowls and cold stares at others in stores, waiting in line or in aisles.  Some just rude and lacking  common courtesy for others, young and the elder. Like really???  Your life is that bad? 

You really should take some time out and chill! You can't say excuse me or help someone with their cart. Maybe help them with their items, even at the check out? Instead of standing watching and rolling their eyes? If you don't like something in your life that much that you feel the need to be so cold and uncaring, maybe you should change it?  Don't take it out on others! Remember; "What you put out you get back!"  

I always say.... For those grumpy people out there that have missed treated me, I hope God\or higher power, lets me sit back and watch his karma work! Just as he has done to me with this parking issue. 

Boy how I see things can change how we look at things when we are in the other side. This illness has taught me more then what the illness can do! It has thought me not only how others can cause so much hurt and pain but how to; set boundaries, raise my standards, forgive, love, to be a friend, to listen, give without expecting anything in return,  compassion, to care and to except others for who and what they are. Also to change the things I can change and except those things I can't change. 

Most of all its thought me that I can do anything I set my mind to and to believe in myself and the strength I am capable of.  

MSAwareness Month March 2015 

Image from http://cliparts.co/printable-handicap-parking-signs

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. 

YouTube Channel!

Welcome to my YouTube Channel
Please take a moment and visit my channel.  I try to keep all my videos 5 minutes or less.  All topics are to my attitude and dealing with MS.  Hope you enjoy the positive outlook I have and share. I am not a doctor.  I am just sharing what I have learned that helps me.
 Your comments are appreciated. Thanks!

Beautiful Winters Day

I decided after my funky side affects of skiing the other day, that MS through at me, that my thoughts where that maybe snow shoeing may be a little easier on my self today.  I am not sure yet if i have over done it today. My body lets me know within 24 hours if I over exerted myself, bye the MS symptoms that a pear from no where. Like Saturday evening I was overwhelmed and had off and on vision blurriness and was totally existed yesterday.

Today, I did push myself to go snow shoeing.  With the sun shining and it being such a beautiful day out, I had to at lest go for a short adventure. Plus, I thought it would also give my dogs some well needed exercise.  I was sure they would burn some of that energy they had wading in the snow. I was right.  They are all now sleeping curled up by the wood stove!

The beauty of the sun shining through the fresh fallen snow on the trees, I couldn't help myself but to take pictures!  The beauty of nature.  The sound of the dried leaves on the trees blowing in the wind was music to my ears. Isn't it funny how once we get sick and so much has been taken from us, that we some how enjoy the little things in life that we use to take for granted.  I am feeling blessed that I am able to still do the outdoor activities that I enjoyed so much as a young teen. 

Even though I do find it difficult and take many breaks, I know I will physically benefit from pushing my limits, when the warmer months come. Experiencing from winters in the past, not only will I loose some weight but my flexibility, balance and endurance will be improved by then. I am feeling how difficult it has become from over doing it last winter and fulling short on my plan to build myself up. I am determined that this year will not be a repeat of that.  

Once I feel a little more confidant that I can invite some others to join me.  My daughter Sharmaine was my snow shoe buddy a few years back while she lived at home.  Last winter I did manage to get out with my nabour who loves snow shoeing as well.  For the time being pacing myself and getting through the struggles of a new activity always makes me feel I must do in private.  Maybe its the venerability of allowing others to actually see my struggles is uncomfortable for me.  As a woman who started working in the construction field when woman where not excepted in a male dominated work profession.  Now it is no big deal seeing woman excelling in this area. Maybe it's a little of my pride/ego too.

I have posted a few pictures of the beauty I experienced today on my adventure though our property. Until next time.... Never Give Up and know Its' Never too late.....

2015 Playing It Forward

Today I managed to push myself out the door and went Cross Country Skiing, despite the is cool  weather being -12'C w/Wind Chills being -18!. Warmer then it has been mind you.  As this is the first time in 2 years!  The snow is deep and I am thankful my dogs went in front of me following a privies broken trail, to make it much easier for me.  It still was a hard leg workout, however I managed without falling. I feel very proud of myself and is a great accomplishment  being my balance has been slightly off.
My legs are sore and I am hoping my after workout drink replenishes my muscles. I have added a scoop of creatine to also help prevent tomorrows soreness of my activity.  I was only out there for 30 minutes, but seems much longer.  It feels good to get out and do something that I use to love doing as a child growing up.

It has been 3 hours since I have came in to rest.  Hoping that I have not over done it as I am feeling head pressure and my eyes hurt as well as pulsing/twitching. That is okay, I do know its just the MS monster within that is trying to stop me from moving once again.

Looking out as I write this now, it appears I went at the right time of the day, as the wind is blowing trees and are waving and blowing the snow off the branches.

Until Next Time.  Never Give Up and its never too late.....

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.

Winter is a gift from God for us with MS, Multiple Sclerosis.

Day 4 of my fitness journey I Nailed T25 Ab Intervals. It was tough but P90X3 The Challenge was even tougher! Wow!  I was really amazed with this workout.  

I am feeling stronger.  My legs are feeling not only stronger but toned.  My jeans feel like they are fitting different.  Funny how when you get yourself back into a fitness routine you feel yourself walk different.  Like I felt today when I was out, I am starting to carry myself different. I know it has only been 4 days of pushing play but I am on a roll and it is becoming a part of my morning routine.  Just want I it!  I need this!  I need this constancy to help gain strength on this hidden beast in side me.  I was somewhat disappointed in myself for not completing the P90X3 Challenge workout.  I need to listen to my body and I know with my back being as sore as it has been the last couple of days, this workout, working the back, would not be good.  I did however burn 261 calories in my Focus T25 Ab Interval workout, so it wasn’t like I didn’t workout at all.  Plus, I have been pushing myself to complete two workouts the last 4 days.  Cutting back isn’t going to be a set back. I did however feel totally exhausted this afternoon and when I laid down for a rest, I woke a hour and a half later.  So, my body was needing this to repair and recharge.

This disease is a constant fight not only mentally but physically. I will do this!  I had lost 70 lbs, and it is creeping back on, but not for long!! Winter is a gift for us with MS and I am going to take full advantage of it while to goings good.

                

I am on a roll! Workout Check In

Day 3; Think I am on a roll here with my Winter T25, P90X3 Challenge to better health! 

Well I must say today I was pumped to press play, impressed that both Focus T25 & P90X3 actually worked together today on our calendar ! T25 being Total Body Circuit, being cardio and P90X3 was X3Yoga. 

Being the first time I did Focus T25 Total Body Circuit, I think I did fairly well. I struggled to keep up with the modifier, although I pushed myself, and thought Shaun T was tying to give me a heart-attack! Looking at my Hart rate monitor and knowing how I was feeling, I am thinking I may need new batteries in this technology gadget !  It was tough! I had to stop a couple times to pull myself together as I thought I was going to puke. LOL 

I am thinking maybe I had too much in my stomach to do a workout?  I had a cup of Green Tea when I got up followed my 1/2 of a banana with my P90XE&E ( Energy and Endurance). Or maybe I just pushed myself too hard? But,, when I to came to doing my P90X3, X3Yoga I was looking forward to it.

This being he second time in doing the X3Yoga, I was ready for the moves and it did make it easier to move on to the next pose with Tony Horton. I feel he has really done a great job with this program so far.  I am impressed with how he keeps me going and moving even by modifying. Normally in the past doing Yoga was a problem for my MS.  I find Tony doesn't stay to long in one pose without moving on to another. Which is great for me, as I feel, I don't over stretch my muscles and I haven't gotten spasticity in either times I have done this Yoga Workout. Any other time I have tried Yoga my muscles throughout my body shake uncontrollably.

In general, I feel I did pretty good today.  On top of it all, I burned 434 calories within my workouts today! Yay 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

Where is MS taking me or I am I going there because of having MS?

Today was my annual 6 month visit with my neurologist. This visit once again is making me question If I need a doctor who specializes in MS?  (Which he has stated in past visits that in my case it maybe a good idea.) 

I did get a good report saying my Copaxzone needs to continue, as he feels it's working a I have no progression. I also need too increase my exercise, reaching my previous level or higher of physical ability and activity. ( reminding me he currently does not have a MS patient that is as active as I am and doing as well either!) 

However proceeding in my appointment, I started asking him for different tests regarding   New treatments they are finding may eliminate symptoms .....being dumbfounded,  He shook his head, looked at me as though I had 3 heads!  Suggested I go back to my family doctor and look into it further as he had no knowledge if this. I do trust this man and his medical opinion, don't get me wrong here. I appreciated this mans honesty and bluntness, which is probably why I look forward to our visits. Besides the fact he is kinda cute in his own way! LoL 

Now he had me thinking.... What? Isn't he suppose to know about this?   What am I just someone they are putting through the process and  waiting for me to get worse? Each time I go he seems amazed at how I am handling life's situations and it's #stress that is throws upon me. So,  is he waiting for me to fail, hit remission or is he taking notes to #help others who are struggling?  Maybe that is it? 

Thinking back last year at this time he did ask if he could give my name and number to a few patients that may need my TBB Team Beach Body coaching to help them deal with their illness.... 

Still I am left with the questions where and when I can get these few #tests? Just  to see if these simple affordable treatments, they have found would benefit me? 

So my next task, is find this information again, print it out and this time and demand for this to be done!  Why would I want 1 year of simple treatment to eliminate symptoms to give me a better quality of living?

Finding someday I will not have to #injecting myself daily with chemicals  that we have no idea if it is benefiting me by slowing down or stopping this disease from progressing which does create it's own side affects! 

I will not give into this beast!!! I want my life back I once had, at lest close to it! I realize everything happens for a reason. I just want to enjoy my life positively, and that it will! 

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

Does your life depend on it?

Today having more energy then I have had in sometime and am so excited.  I feel my Fatigue Management approach is actually starting to over power this Monster. I always get disappointed when I know I'm loosing my battle and my physical/mental abilities has been compromised and fatigue has set in. In knowing the difficult climb I am in for to regain my stamina and strength.

I love this motivational picture.  As I do believe; "My Life Depends On staying active."  Within the last 3 years of this chronic illness I am finding summer feeds this monster and slowly Creeps out from his box.  This last two years I find by pushing myself with slow intervals of physical activity helps me gain control of this illness with on and off battles throughout the seasons. But with each time, it seems not only to be harder physically but quicker to regain myself.

Starting to become active, is a challenge for the average person but even more so when you have the MSMonster fighting against you along the way.  

What it is like to fight MS? 
My battle with it as I call it; "My Monster in the Box! "

Visualize a big hairy monster (Giant like, like in the movies). Now visualize yourself, wrestling that huge strong beast and trying to place him in a steel cage or box....by yourself.  With thing but your own body and strength. 

That is my experience and struggle with this beast within,  adding this over powering fatigue that over whelms those of us with MS. 

I fight this monster with exercise and a plant basted diet. I start with walking and work my way up to more challenging activities. I do push myself to exercise just like the fitness gruo' out there. However, that monster knocks be down when I have pushed my body to far.  He then show’s himself setting me back, sometimes back to the start. 

I believe that I am doing this for My Life Depends On It. To fight back and stay active. My quality of life.  I refuse to use a wheel chair and pray that I will never have to…. But if I do, you can bet, I will be fighting to get out of that thing and walk again.