World MS Day is May 25, 2011

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological disease that affects people differently. Many people with MS are able to work for years after diagnosis. But many have to give up work, when greater understanding of the disease would enable them to stay.

Help Spread Awareness tomorrow for World MS Day 2011.   Go to worldmsday.org for more information and to Sign the Petition to encourage employers and policy makers to remove the obstacles preventing people with MS from getting, or staying in work.

No Need to Fasten Your Seatbelts

This will be a quick 'drive by'.

I had the weekend to myself, my groom went to Starkville, MS to do some side work.  I paced myself, I did a few things around the house, I rested, I watched television.

I really am becoming aware each day of how much I CAN do- and, not concentrating on what I can't do.  I have so much guilt.  I'm really trying to get past it- well, get THROUGH it, let's say.

When the Neuro Psychologist told me that I was clinically depressed, I thought- No way!  Not me!  I have my moments, but NO.  She suggested I see a Psychiatrist.  One who specializes in people with 'Chronic Illnesses'.  No, I'm not going to do that.  I don't think I need to.  It's a high co-pay for each visit, if they want to put me on MORE meds, I will scream.

This will be my 'therapy' for the time being.  Getting it OUT- and getting OVER it- that's all that needs to be done.  And, this is free.

Care for a Ride?

This one will be primarily for MS related topics.  I find myself not even writing in the my other blog, because I feel like I talk too much about MS.  I complain too much.  It's always moaning & groaning, or so it seems to me.

The title?  drivingMSLisa.  Because you know what?  These days, as much as I like to shout "I may have MS, but MS doesn't have ME!"  Yeah, well, it does.  It does have me.  It drives a lot of my life.  Thus, the title. The sooner I accept it, the sooner I can get on with my life.  Or so, I think.  Many of the symptoms I have, I have had for several years.  I just thought I was getting oldER.  Ya know?  And, some of the things may be just that- but, then again who knows, right?

Here is a list of my current symptoms (you can scroll through- this is really just for my records).

MY MS SYMPTOMS RIGHT NOW: 

- FATIGUE - in all muscles of my body
- HEAT INTOLERANCE - my symptoms are magnified 100x in hot/humid temperatures, I become nauseated, cannot concentrate, feel like passing out
- COGNITIVE ISSUES- memory problems, trouble concentrating, trouble focusing
- SPEECH PROBLEMS - trouble finding words when I speak, slurring, stuttering, etc
- LEG WEAKNESS
- UNSTEADY GAIT / at times, stumbling
- BALANCE ISSUES
- VERTIGO - lots of dizziness, nausea
- SLEEPING TOO MUCH - but yet still always tired
- DEPRESSION - mainly from being in so much pain and not being able to do anything
- PARASTHESIA (MS HUGS) - extreme pain and pressure (like a belt) around waistline
- MUSCLE JERKS / SPASMS - legs twitch
- SEVER JOINT PAIN

So, yes, it HAS me.  But, it doesn't make me less of me.