The first week of January marked the one year anniversary of my Multiple Sclerosis diagnoses. When I was first diagnosed, I wasn’t really that surprised based on the symptoms I was having that started months before. My first symptom was tingling in my feet, which could have been anything. Optic Neuritis showed up about five months later and I started to worry and did some investigation.
“They” (doctors, fellow patients and their friends) told me that the first year of a MS diagnoses is usually the worst, and I think they were right. Last year was incredibly difficult for me both physically and emotionally. Thankfully things started to calm down for me in the later part of the year. Though I still deal with some of the same physical challenges such as heavy fatigue at times, vertigo, balance issues, light short-term memory loss, heat intolerance and cognitive impairment, my symptoms haven’t gotten worse and I am thankful. I guess the absence of pain is pleasure in this case!
In terms of my physical strength, I couldn’t be better. Though I cant perform certain activities such as running, biking and tennis, I pretty much turned into a gym rat to stay physically fit. Certain exercise machines, weights, stretching and Yoga has made a world of difference in terms of how I feel physically. It has helped with spasms, fatigue, memory and endurance in my day-to-day life.
That glass of lemonade has gotten a little sweeter.
I proud of you for becoming a gym rat. It feels like a sign of dedication to yourself to live as fully as possible. It is inspiring.
I remember seven or eight years ago you telling me balance was an issue with regard to bicycling.
I wonder if Portland realizes yet how lucky there are to have you.
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Carla
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February 20th, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Thank you so much Chris! Balance is still an issue, but at least I can still be active.
I’m glad you are doing better these days, yourself. So….when are you coming to visit??
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Carla,
Being here since you first found out…I read this today with a smile on my face. I am so happy for you that you are seeing some sweetness in that “glass of lemonade”. You are a sweet and caring soul…and know that I wish only the best for you.
Lance´s last blog ..The Energy Of Our Being
[Reply]
Carla
Reply:
February 20th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Hey Lance,
Thank you so much! I’m so glad you were here when I first found out too – You have been an amazing support for me. Its amazing how much we bond though our words.
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I’m so glad your doing well. We never know what life is going to throw at us and have to make the best with what we get.
Lovelyn´s last blog ..Headshot
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Thank, Lovelyn! You are so right about that.
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great posts. Joyce has had MS for 5 years we know of and is doing well. I am riding a 100 mile bike ride this summer in support of the MS Society and of course my son and daughter in law are organizing their walk team again this year! Lots of good change on the horizon for this disease.
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Carla,
I was happy to read this, especially since you sound happy in your post. Good on you for getting through a tough year – I can only imagine how hard it must have been. And look at you now – stronger and wiser. You go, girl!
Daphne @ Joyful Days´s last blog ..Seven Proven Ways to Live A Happy Life
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You are amazing.
I’m glad you’re doing well!
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You are doing amazingly well, and your attitude is contagious and admirable.
Diane Fit to the Finish´s last blog ..Working Out At Home (Gym In A Bag Giveaway!)
[Reply]
Carla
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March 3rd, 2010 at 8:22 am
Thank you so much Diane!
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