I am well aware that I need to loose weight. Just exactly how am I going to do that? I have MS and a heart condition. The MS alone gives me fatigue. Let's add pain, sleeplessness, leaky bladder, constipation and migraines! There are days when I have just enough energy to go from my bed to the couch in my family room. I wonder how many calories that burns!! I try to eat right. First I should mention eating healthier cost a lot more money I have noticed. Buying frozen dinners isn't good but when you have low or no energy the last thing you want to do is cook. I would love to swim but a gym membership is costly. With all the budget cuts there is no place in my town to swim for free. They have even closed the pools at the parks in the summer. Some are filled with dirt. I have tried to take my chubby dog for walks but that didn't work. I wasn't sure which of us was going to pass out first. Picture that!!! A red faced plus sized woman walking (ok he was so excited to be out walking he was pulling me around the park) trying to not look like I was starting to "see the light" walking with my adorable Jack Russle Jake. We looked like the poor dog in the movie The Grinch That Stole Christmas. That small dog trying to pull that over loaded sley. Ya thats what we looked like. Plus it's too hot outside now. (thank heavens) So just how are we seriously going to get exercise? Am I going to walk circles around my dinning room table? Ya right it would be like musical chairs. Every few chairs I would sit down!
What do some of you do for exercise? Please if you have suggestions that those of us with serious MS issues can excerise please let me know. I would love to let everyone no.
Today when I got out of the shower I looked in the mirror. I normally do not do this as it tends to lower my self esteem. For some crazy reason I looked in the mirror. I was not sure who that person was!! I quickly thought ....oh good lord There is a stranger in my bathroom! Isn't it strange when you envision yourself a certain way or size. Like when someone takes your picture and you look at it in disbelief. I feel I have a condition just the opposite of someone struggling with anorexia. People with anorexia look at themselves and see and feel fat. I see and feel thin! That is until someone bursts that bubble and takes s picture or like today I looked in the mirror while naked! I know I can not be the only one in the world that does this. I believe there is a skinny woman inside me but sadly the fat woman bullies her and keeps her away!

I hope my story some of you could relate. If not then at least you may have laughed! Have a wonderful day!

To keep our brains active... Here's the trivia.

Trivia: Yesterday's answer: The name of a young oyster is called a spat. How many of you Googled that?

Today's question: which of these animals gives birth to a cub?
A) Hyena
B) Opossum
C) Gerbal
D) Spider
 
Good morning,
I hope you all are doing well. First I wanted to touch basis with you about the power of positive thinking. I know we all have those days when your not feeling good, overwhelmed with stress or worries. I have been there too. You feel like your going to snap because you just can't take it anymore. These are the days we need to try harder to be positive. I honesty believe it can change the way you feel. I know your sitting there thinking she doesnt know the pain and frustration I am in. Your right I don't because MS effects all of us differently. What do you honestly feel you accomplish with being angry, crying or yelling at someone. I will tell you what you get is more stress and people may not want to be around you. I know I have yelled many times in my house. Oh but not because I am always feeling bad but because I was raised by a parent who thought yelling was a form of communication. It's is hard to break that cycle! I can hope my son won't carry on that one! So what I am saying is when I get angry, frustrated or mad weather it's because I am not feeling good or I am mad. It only caused me to raise my blood pressure, get my heart raising all for nothing good! If we remain calm and positive we will feel better. So next time your in pain and you are about to take some medicine. Think to yourself....oh I know this medicine is going to stop my pain. Just try to keep positive thoughts in your mind. Let's not be angry we have been dealt this disease. Let's deal with it and enjoy our lives!

Now here is the info on the clinical trial:

There is a clinical trial that is recruiting 300 people with early Relapsing-Remitting MS to detect factors that might help better predict which patients do better on Nataizumals (Tysabri).
This is an observation study only. They are looking for people who were diagnosed within the past 3 years with Relasping-Remitting and have decided to take Tysabri. 
Eligibility requirements: you must be between 18-45 and diagnosed within the past 3 years and currently take Tysabri. 
* Individuals who test positive for JC virus antibody (indicating previous exposure to the virus that causes PML are not eligible to participate.*
To learn more about enrollment criteria and find out if you qualify please email [email protected]

Here are some MS websites I found and I thought you might want to look at.

Msconnection.org

Msworld.org

Trivia:
Yesterdays answer: B the violin
Today's trivia:
What do you call a young oyster?
A) Spawn
B) Fry
C) Softshell
D) Spat

I hope that you all have a blessed day and remember to please laugh!
 
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My favorite flowers Gerber Daisys
I know a lot of you may have or have had problems getting social security disability. In California we have state disability. This lasts up to a year of benefits. You must exhaust all funds. Otherwise they will deny you. My application was held up because there was less than 50.00 left of available funds. I had to go back reapply for state disability. Wait for the benefit to be paid and released. Then I could continue with my application for SSD. I was a joke. It was just away for them to put off my claim for a little longer. I applied 6 months before I had exhausted my state disability. I knew it would be a lengthy process. I had to go visit a doctor make that two doctors. A cardiologist and a psychologist. Both appointment were very brief. The exam was quite a joke. The psychologists was worse. I remember thinking these people are really doctors? It's in there hands if I am sick enough? Our government seemed to pick the doctors that were going to be the cheapest. They felt like ambulance chasers!
After about another six months I received a letter saying I was denied. I was so upset. I had so many attacks from blind to wheelchair bound and migraines that left me in bed. Our government was telling me I was not sick enough. I was mad!
A friend of my husbands had a friend that used to work for social security. He left because he was sickened by all the people he had to deny. He is not an attorney but he knows the games and policies that SSD uses. He lives in Tennessee. It does not matter if the person or attorney lives in another state. The rules for SSD are the same. He sent me a form specific to MS. It was a form both my doctor and I both filled out. He told me to include a letter from my husband discribing what my life was like now. He does everything an attorney does. If he takes your case and you have a court case he flys in. I was blessed and I was approved this time around.
It was a scary time. I couldn't work and we needed an income from me. It's a situation too many people are in or have been in. It's disgusting that we work hard and pay into the system. Then we are treated like we're trying to get something for nothing.
If anyone would like the phone number for Ted who helped me please send me a message. I will gladly give you his number. If anyone needs help with applying or filing an appeal I will help you too. I have helped a friends friend here.

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Don't forget to laugh!

Trivia:
Answer from the other day. Question was wild alligators are found in two places. The US and ? The answer is China.

Today's question: What are the top 10 best non-chocolate candies?
 
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Not my hands & feet!! Lol
Many of us have plenty of problems with our hands and feet. I do not know every issue we can get. I can speak about my own problems.
I have had to deal with the loss of the use of my left leg for a few months. That was tough and I still had a good leg. My legs and feet are pretty good. I get spontaneous attacks of burning foot syndrome. This is painful. It is a horrible feeling of your feet on hot asphalt. I found that putting my feet in cold water works pretty good. I found another solution. I was thinking one day how when a baby gets a diaper rash they put Desitin on it. I tried this one day. It is messy but it worked. I rubbed it in slightly and put a pair of socks on. It really did cool off my feet. Plus it works to soften your heels too! Bonus! It has been a long time since I used Desitin. You have to buy baby wipes to remove this from your hands after. I buy generic it's the same and cheaper.
My right hand was knumb off and on for about a year. At first it was completely numb. I realized real quick that I am not able to do some things with my left hand. I am just going to come out and say it! I could not wipe my behind with my left hand! I may have a slight "T-Rex" issue. I found that I could use my right hand if I used baby wipes. The damp cloth stayed on my hand better than toilet paper. It was hard to shower too and brush my teeth. I bought one of those back scratchers with a scrounge on the end. You can wash your behind with it! If I am not willing to tell all of you this...then who will??? You know it may come in handy one day. Lol
As for my teeth I just had to learn to brush with my left hand. I learned I had to brush more careful with my left hand. It is easy to fumble while brushing and bump your gums or teeth. I have been having issues with my hand again. It comes and goes. I have noticed at times as it gets numb my fan can hurt my arm. I have to wrap my arm in a blanket. Now there's an image!! Sweating sitting in front of a fan with my arm wrapped in a blanket! Gotta laugh at myself!
I have a question for all of you. As far as my last MRI I had no lesions on my spine. My backs skin is very sensitive. Not in a bad way but just a feel good way. Strongly my husband says the center of my back is usually hot to the touch. Just the center we call it the "wing area". A joke between he and I. Does anyone else have this? He tells me the rest of my backs skin will be normal. Just the back center is hot/warm. Let me know if any of you get this from time to time.
Well it's after midnight and my husband has been asleep on the couch for few hours. Should wake him up so we can go to bed. Saturday and Sundays he will rub my head when we go to bed. I lay my head on his thigh and he rubs my scalp for about an hour. In exchange he gets to watch his silly cartoons on Adult Swim. I will admit sometimes they are pretty funny cartoons. I won't admit cause he may want to stop rubbing my scalp. I tell him he is breaking up my brain lesions! Lol

Have a wonderful Monday everyone. Leave me feedback or topic suggestions. Let me know I am not just talking to myself!
Don't forget to laugh today.
 
Fall is coming and I can't wait! I love the falling leaves. I hate the leaves all over my backyard. I love to decorate my front porch with pumpkins and scarecrows. Plus I love the cooler weather. I am so glad summer is almost over. I am ready to put my Christmas tree up! Lol
Was a good day today. Not too hot outside. My husband cooked dinner. He loves to cook on his days off. He is a great cook but boy he can tear my kitchen up! When I do dishes that means vaccumn the rugs and mop up any spots. I guess I am just a clean freak! One thing I don't like about cooking is the food smell throught my house. I am always lighting candles and spraying Fabreeze to get the cooking smells out.
Sorry for not having an important conversation today. It's been a lazy Saturday. I hope everyone has a blessed Sunday.
Don't forget to laugh!
Trivia: Yesterdays answer: They don't actually have noses they have 4 tentacles.

Today's trivia: wild alligators are found in two places in the world. The US and what other country?
 
This subject was brought to my attention by a blog reader Laura. thanks for sharing your story its just like mine.

If you had asked me this question in 2005 when I was first diagnosed my answer would have been. Sure tell your employer. They think your a fantastic employee and they deserve to know. My answer today after my experience as well as Laura's... The answer is HELL NO!!
In 2006 I was already diagnosed with MS. I had been blind for four months. I was lucky and regained my eyesight in both eyes. I started a new job. With my previous banking/mortgage experience I was hired for a low income housing company. The built and maintained about 100 apartment complexes. Most of there complexes were USDA owned. I worked in the construction side. I use to manage construction loans in banking. I did everything from paying contractors, insurance issues, liens, spread sheets, budgets and obtained bids. I loved this job and not just because I had my own office. I was well respected, valued and not to toot my own horn but I was bragged about by the President of the company. They had Friday morning meetings and 75% of the time I was brought up to the other employees. I started thinking "cool it the other employees are not going to like me".
MS does not like stress. I soon was suffering from double vision. I had to drive and work with an eye patch on. I didn't say anything at first. I just said doctors are running tests. I had steriod treatment over a weekend. My eyesight came back again. All was good again I thought. Few weeks later my left leg was hurting one morning. I had to stay close to the walls when I walked. I was very unsteady on my leg suddenly. Two days later my entire left leg was numb. So now I felt I had no choice but to tell my employer. I just couldn't show up in a wheelchair and expect no questions. My office was upstairs too. No elevator just stairs. I made the huge mistake of telling my employer I had MS.
At first they were so great. What do you need? Can we help? Are you ok? Well I don't know what happened to my great employers but within 3 weeks they turned into assholes! I had to move into a cubical down stairs. That was fine but I did love the peace and quite of my office. I had changed my work habits in no way at all. I was using a manual wheelchair. My insurance had ordered me an electric custom made one. It would take few weeks. It was very hard for me to get around in my wheelchair. Getting into the bathroom door alone was hard. Try to push open a heavy door while wheeling in at the same time. One morning I got to work to learn that my position now had more responsibilities. There was a position that on a full time basis before was now my responsibility too. I was shocked! I was now having to do the work 2 people did. Being over whelmed was an understatement. The new position took 80% of my days. I brought it to a managers attention that I needed help. I was quickly told "are you telling me you can't do your job"? The slap from reality hurt. I said no not at all. I thought to myself "ohh ok so this is how you want to do this"! When my eyes were opened I saw clearly what they were trying to do. They wanted me out of there!
It really hurts when your employer treats you horribly just because you have MS. I guess maybe they thought I was a liability? There mistake was thinking they were pushing me out one day before I wanted to. That evening I went to the ADA website. I learned what I could expect from my employer and what they had to "reasonable" adapt for me.
First I tried to get one day less in my work week. I was told no way! I said to myself ok we can do it the hard way if they wanted. Got my neurologist to write me out a letter. This letter stated that as my employer they were obligated by law to provide me with "reasonable accommodations". As a reasonable accommodation she was requiring that I have every Wednesday off due to medical condition. NEVER allow a doctor to be specific in a note or letter. It's always just "due to medical condition". You are not obligated to tell your employer what your medical condition is, and they can't ask. At first they actually said to me "we are going to have to consult our attorneys and get back with you". Those were there actual words to me. My lawyer want-a-be self spoke up. I said excuse me are you actually telling me you have to discuss with your attorney as to weather or not you legally have to allow this accommodation? It was Tuesday afternoon. I said you do and I will see you on Thursday. They know the ADA laws backwards and forward. As I said most of there properties were owned by the USDA. We (the company) had to do many "reasonable accommodations" for the tenants in there USDA properties. Widen doorway, change out entire showers and add another a/c wall unit. These are examplesthat came across my desk. So you can see just why I was so upset. My reasonable accommodation cost them NOTHING!!! They needed to speak to their lawyers!!! Omg!
They liked to have meetings with me alone. Two bosses and me. I learned to take very good notes. The first thing I did after each meeting was I would send an email. This email would say "I just wanted to go over what we discussed in the meeting. I would email it to both of them and blind Cc myself. I would then print the email and take it home. My employer became nasty, rude, hateful and just plain ignorant! I learned real fast to CYA! Cover my ass!
The stress was really killing me. I worked for them a few months total after I told them I had MS. The day I left I sent a long email to the owner. I wanted him to be aware the people he had running his business may cause him to loose it. A few months later the three people who made my life a living hell were all fired! Karma!
I didn't discuss everything that they did and said to me. My point is that you need to learn the ADA laws. What my employer did was illegal. No employee should be treated this way. I stood up to them as long as I could. They eventually got what they wanted in the end for me to be gone. All the stress they put on me was not worth it. I had so many steroid treatments while under their employment then I have had since my diagnosis! Looking back I should have NEVER told them I had MS. It was none of there business!
If you have had similar experiences please write me a comment here or email it to me. [email protected]
We all need to share our stories and experiences to ensure no one else is harassed and discrimated against. If anyone needs my help please ask me. I would love to!
I hope everyone has a fantastic Saturday! See you all tomorrow. Don't forget to laugh today!

Trivia:
Yesterday's answer: Adults blink about every 5 seconds and babies about every minute.

Today's: how many noses does a slug have? A) 1 B) 4 C) 7
 
I am excited to say a few people are leaving me comments. I can't tell you how great it feels. I started this blog for people with MS to see there are other people out there with your struggles. Some of us might not want to discuss some of our issues. That's why I talk about mine. Sometimes seeing that we are not alone can be comforting. Plus I try to let my humor shine through. Please leave me a comment or I can be emailed at [email protected] put MS blog in subject. That way I will make sure to read it. 
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. It means a lot to be able to reach out to others.
Thanks
Christine
 
It wasn't that hot yesterday so I thought I would venture out to the grocery store at 2am this morning. Aside from the dangerous issue it's very nice out on the roads and in the grocery store. It was me and a handful of stock clerks. Oh ya plus the guy that walked out rather quickly and suspiciously. I was at the register paying when this man exited the store. The bag person says "hmmm I wonder what he was doing", the cashier says "no I wonder what he stole"! I don't blame them I wouldn't run after someone. In today's crazy world you just don't know if they have a gun.
It was my usual sweat feast in the store. I was stupid I wore a sweat shirt. As if that added the finishing touch to my shorts and t-shirt! If it matters the shirts used to be sweat pants which were made into the beautiful shorts. It's strange to me when I see women all dressed up and full make to run to the grocery store. The only way this ever happened to me was if I stopped by the store on the way home from work.
I miss working. I loved it. Plus I had a lot more money back then. New clothes all the time. High heels boy I loved mules. Nothing too high under 2 inches. I am already 5'8 (per hunch back lol) I was a little thinner then too. I have gained about 20 pounds since my permanent vacation. I think that's why I hate asking for help. I was one of those employees that people came to for help. I was good at my jobs and enjoyed most of them. I don't feel useless unless I have to ask for help. I really need to work on that issue. Therapy? No every time I have gone it seems they just want to push another pill down my throat. What happened to therapists that actually wanted to talk about our issues? I wasn't asking to be babied just listen to me. Ok it's getting late (in am for me) I should try to go to sleep. I would like to talk about Social Security Disability next week. Is anyone needing help with this? Please send me a message.
Have a wonderful Friday and remember to laugh.

Trivia:
Yesterday's answer: Octopus blood is blue.
Today's question: Who blinks more babies or adults?
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Just a beautiful picture of the cherry trees in Japan.
 
Water is so important for our bodies to function properly. I have to admit that I used to be a soda addict. It was bad! I drank diet soda all day long. Diet Coke with lime was my addiction choice. I would have to sadly admit that the amount of water I consumed in a day would depend on the amount of ice in my sodas! I decided to quit on day out of the blue. I still have not been able to quit completely. I still have a regular Dr. Pepper. I drink water throughout the day. I feel it refresher my body but increases the amount I have to run ( walk sort of fast) to the restroom! I know it can not just be me this happens to....I get a sudden urge and by sudden I mean it's already coming out as I head to the bathroom. Then I get in there and it's like my bladder is saying..just kidding didn't really have to go. Well except for what leaked out. I sit there waiting as if my bladder is just being shy. I have even tried flushing the toilet in hopes the water sound will help. I end up giving up and head back out to the living room. Then my bladder sends that urge again! Then I head back to the bathroom. The second time is usually successful! It is just so frustrating! Plus as I have said before the incontinence pads are not cheap. I am thankful they are. Ery absorbent. Sometime I feel like a child that just got out of a pool in there diaper! I can't imagine how people even 25 years ago had to deal with this. I am sure they had a few products but I bet they were. It that that good.
With. Y heart condition I have to take diuretics. I had stopped taking them regularly. It's hard enough without taking those pills. My doctor insists I take them every day. Oh did I mention he would like me to take it twice a day. If you have ever had to take this kind of medicine before. You know when it kicks in your chained to a toilet. You urinate and then urinate some more! Twice a day....PLEASE! I take my three pills all at once. Then I am only stuck to a toilet half the day. I mean I am not going to retain fluid a few hours after I took two pills! I don't eat salt licks! Lol
I have no good suggestions on bladder control as I have very little! I can recommend a good pad!
I have a funny story to tell you. An ex-boyfriend that I am friends on Facebook with sent me a message yesterday. He isn't on very often. He asked me was he reading it right that I had MS. I said yes. I was telling my husband about it tonight. I said boy I bet the first thought that entered in his mind when he read that was "ohh boy did I dodge that bullet"!

Don't forget to laugh!
Also you guys know you can comment on my blog right???? I know some can relate to some issues! Speak up! I want to hear what you have to say.

Trivia:
Yesterday's answer: Caves

Today's trivia: What color is Octopus blood?
 
I read that studies show lack of vitamins can cause muscle pain. As you all know I have been sick the past week. Nothing seemed to be working. I felt I was getting worse by the day. Last night I was in terrible muscle pain. I was craving orange juice. I thought maybe some vitamins may help me feel better. Let me tell you within a few hours I was feeling drastically better. I have these pack of multi-vitamins from Costco. I forget to take them. It just never occurred to me that lack of vitamins in my body could cause such pain. No wonder my pain medication and muscle relaxors were doing nothing for my pain. I felt 100% normal when I got up. The first thing I did was take my vitamins.
We have weakened immune systems. We should all make sure we take our vitamins daily. I know after it relieved my pain I don't think I will forget to take mine. Ok maybe a week and I will probably forget. Let's chalk it up to lesions on my brain!! Lol
Don't forget to laugh today!

Trivia
Yesterday's answer: b 760 mph

Today's question: a Speleologist is someone the studies what?