Travel Day...and leg cramps.

I made the right decision by coming down to Bakersfield last night. Hubby say we got lots of snow and as it rained first....ice. Not good for driving.

My evening was uneventful and the night quiet. Until 4 am when I was awakened by the worst leg cramps. PERFECT. I hadn't had leg cramps in months and as I'm on Neuontin I was hoping I wouldn't have them anymore. WRONG. Damn, they hurt, and on a travel day no less. Walking can be awkward at the best of times let alone when your legs hurt and the muscles are fatigued from cramping.

Gonna be a long day today. Other than the muscles aching in my legs I actually feel pretty good today. My energy level is good and my mental attitude is positive. I'm really looking forward to my treatments in Texas, although I will miss my hubby!

MS is "Lucky"??

I'm sitting alone in a hotel room. Big snow predicted for home and I couldn't risk being snowed in and missing my flight tomorrow morning. One thing that I absolutely refuse to lose to MS is my independence. I may walk like I'm drunk at times....my speech can often be confused and I may have to use braces and a cane to get around, but I do everything that I can independently. I have a great husband. He knows when to help and when to step back and let me try.

I know he wasn't exactly thrilled to let me go to Texas to see Doc by myself. Especially since I am recovering from an exacerbation and he knows any stress can throw me back into another one. (Everyone knows how stressful just getting through airport security is). However, he also knows how important it is to me that I am as independent as I can possibly be.

I'm very lucky so far with my MS. I'm still mobile, and if one overlooks the leg brace and cane no one would think I have MS. Those of you who know me and my MS history might think I'm out of my mind to say I've been "Lucky". "They" think it was the MS that took my hearing leaving me 100% deaf. Who can call that lucky? I spent time in the hospital, rehab and in a chair three years ago due to the worst exacerbation I've ever had.  I typically go through and exacerbation ever 4-6 months requiring IV steroids. That's "Lucky"?? Who would call that 'Lucky".

I would. You see I have a powerful force on my side. God. Without my faith and the strength God gives me there is no way I would have been able to overcome the obstacles MS has thrown in my path. Through the struggles I've had with MS there have been lessons learned and blessings received. I've met wonderful people BECAUSE of my MS. I've had opportunities and doors opened BECAUSE of my MS. So, while yes, it's true, having MS sucks, I choose to focus on the blessings I've received as a direct result of having MS. Don't get me wrong. There are days when I get frustrated because I can't grasp things, or talk right...or hear or walk without stumbling.  However, I believe it's how you handle those challenges that tells the world who you really are, what your really made of. For me, those challenges also bring me closer to God. Those challenges are a reminder of how much I need Him in my life for strength. I can't "do" MS alone. Even with a husband who is behind me 200% and family and friends with unwavering love and support it's the strength God gives me that keeps me going. So yes, I would say I've been "Lucky" with my MS.

Neurontin

Finally...a decent night sleep. Not a perfect one, but at least I was able to sleep for a few hours at a time. My Doc increased my Neurontin dose yesterday to 600mg TID. We had to do something for the neuropathy I was having in my left leg. It was so bad I couldn't stand anything to touch it, let alone roll over on it at night. As much as the Neurontin helps I don't like the fog" I find myself in until my body adjusts to the increased dose.

Ahh the joys of MS. Just coming off an exacerbation I'm hyper-aware of everything. Working to keep my stress level under control and doing everything I can so my body heals. I still have some additional weakness on the left that wasn't there prior to this last exacerbation, but I also know it will be weeks before things have the chance to heal and come back. One step at a time!

Another Leg of the Journey

Ahhhh...the wonderful world of MS. Just experienced another exacerbation and went through a round of 5 doses of IV steroids. Not fun to say the least. I've come out the other side...a bit weaker but without any serious residual neuro effects. It's a no brainer as to what caused this exacerbation. Stress...pure and simple. In the midst of a bathroom renovation that had more problems than not.

I head to Texas on SUnday for medical treatment for my MS and my back. Getting a new machine (New generation) and am looking forward to seeing what kind of difference these treatments make this time around.

Been awhile

Wow. Can't believe how long it's been since my last post. Life has a way of speeding up and moving at warp speed. Things have been going pretty well. My MS has been under control. With the exception of a few bumps in the road (usually during times of stress) things have been pretty steady. Yes, I have to watch how I walk and I certainly have to watch my stress level, but things are GOOD! It's been a few months since my last round of IV steroids and I've lost 26 pounds. WOOT!

Infusion Day One

Infusion's started. This time I'm only doing 3 days of infusions instead of 5. Thank goodness. I thought it had been longer since my last round of infusions, but found out today the last go around was in April Only 4 months ago :(

Thankfully, my home health nurse was able to get the IV in with only one stick. MUCH better than the 12 of last time. The infusion went well. Tastes terrible as always. Thank goodness for Jolly Ranchers hard candy. Help hide the taste.

Now I have the usual post infusion headache. Don't feel too jacked up. I know that feeling comes later. The steroid fog is already descending as well. I hate this stuff.