Chain Reaction: Posts

Monday, December 22, 2008

Posts

Dear Blog Friends:

I've realized a few things as 2008 comes to an end:

1. There are so many people out there like me with MS and going through the very same struggles and challenges. And I am so thankful for this great support system.

2. The progression of my disease this year with the major flare-up lasting about 4-5 months and left me with the ongoing new symptoms has put me in a very reflective place. And while I focused much of my time on researching more and learning more on new therapies and other options, I stopped living life. I just stopped. Not good.

3. I got scared and depressed and while I am sure I will go through such "seasons" in the future. This Season of being scared and depressed about MS has come to an end. It has too.

4. I am not saying I won't ever post about it. I will. It is a continual day to day struggle we all have and some days I will need to vent. And I appreciate you reading and your support and especially those of you who are great MS patient advocates and keep us up to date on all the latest and greatest stuff.

5. Initially this was going to be just my MS blog. However, I've decided to make it so much more. It's a blog about ME and MS does not have ME - I have MS. I let MS have ME for way to long - I'm progressing to a calmer and better place - free of the constant thoughts of MS.

6. So I am going to go and enjoy the holidays with my new husband and you may see some changes around here before or after the new year. Better, Happier Changes. This blog will be MY blog and yes I have MS - So I will post about it occasionally.

May you all have a very blessed holiday season! :)

Lanette

4 comments:

Anonymous said...: way to go! you have ms. ms does not have you!; December 22, 2008
Jen said...: Lanette-

You're awesome and one of the blogs I follow. Even if I don't always comment, I'm reading and empathizing. MS sucks, and it seems to drift in and out of my consciousness, but I too am trying to put it on the back burner when I can, for as long as I can.

Enjoy your holidays with your mate and your family and here's to better health and prosperity in the coming year....clink!; December 23, 2008
Synchronicity said...: Oh YES!

I have basically come to the same conclusions. You sound so very mentally healthy...good for you!

Just stopping by to wish you a very happy holiday and my best to you for the new year.; December 24, 2008
Lisa Emrich said...: Lanette,

I've had this post saved for the longest time waiting for a comment. Progressing to a calmer place in which MS steps aside for your life to come forward is wonderful.

I enjoy all you have to share and look forward to more in the new year. Thank you for letting us in.

Lisa; January 05, 2009

Post a Comment

For those who don't know MS first hand - An Important Excerpt from Wikipedia on MS:

The person with MS can suffer almost any neurological symptom or sign, including changes in sensation (hypoesthesias and paraesthesias), muscle weakness, muscle spasms, or difficulty in moving;^[15] difficulties with coordination and balance (ataxia);^[15] problems in speech (dysarthria) or swallowing (dysphagia),^[16] visual problems (nystagmus, optic neuritis, or diplopia),^[17] fatigue, acute or chronic pain,^[18]^[19] and bladder and bowel difficulties.^[19]^[20] Cognitive impairment of varying degrees and emotional symptoms of depression or unstable mood are also common.^[21]^[22] The main clinical measure of disability progression and symptom severity is the Expanded Disability Status Scale or EDSS.^[23]

Multiple sclerosis relapses are often unpredictable, occurring without warning and without obvious inciting factors. Some attacks, however, are preceded by common triggers. Relapses occur more frequently during spring and summer.^[24] Infections such as the common cold, influenza, or gastroenteritis increase the risk of relapse.^[25]^[26] Stress may also trigger an attack.