Brain Train

Hello Family & Friends, I decided last Monday to set some new goals for myself. Last week my goals were to drink 8 glasses of water a day and to start doing this MS Yoga DVD I received for free back in March. So I did all I was supposed to do.

I really like this yoga DVD! It was sponsored by one of the pharmaceutical companies who hired a yoga instructor and a neurologist to speak on the DVD. There are 3 different selections to be made from the menu. The first is called Foundations. This one gets you set up with the basic moves and is set at a gradual pace. I really was impressed that they show all levels of ability in the program. Some were a little more advanced, others were using a chair or other modifications to assist themselves to get into the positions or even modifying them. I never felt like I couldn't keep up. It is reiterated throughout the set by the instructor to go at your own pace, to do what you need to do on that day. So if you feel you can push further then go ahead, but if it's a bad day, then go slower.

The next level is called Transformations. I haven't reached this level since I just started, but I did watch it on fast forward to see what other moves they were adding. It seemed just a little more advanced. It seemed to last longer and repeat more of the movements. There were some new positions that they added also. Nothing seemed too difficult in theory. I look forward to reaching this level.

The last level is called Restoration. This is simply for relaxation and stress relief. I did this one time this week. It was very nice. Good for a day that I am stressed out and looking for a little relief.

I definitely could tell a difference this week in how my body felt and moved. I definitely felt more relaxed and less stressed out. I even feel a little lighter. Maybe it will help lose weight, but that not is the reason I am doing it. I did it everyday except Sunday. Sunday is my big paper route day so sleep is more of a priority.

I saw Dr. Beall on Tuesday and he remarked at how limber I was. I hadn't even told him about the yoga yet. He said to keep it up and that would really help me during a flare and maybe lessen their occurrences. Bonus! He felt I was doing well with the exception of the right hand tremor. That brought some concern from him. He wanted to start steroids to help get rid of the tremor, but I asked if we could hold off. He said that would be fine. I really don't want to do steroids unless I am really bad all over. It can't be good to have steroids in your system that often. I also told him that I didn't fill the prescription to calm the tremors because I didn't want to add another med if it wasn't that bothersome at this point. It is happening more often so I may change my mind on that one.

Also he is filling out a form for me to get a handicapped parking permit. Yeah! There has to be some plus to having MS. Some people were surprised I didn't have one yet, but I thought I had to wait for a definite diagnosis of MS. Apparently they are easier to get than I thought. So once that is finished I will go pick up my permit.

This week, I am adding a multi-vitamin and at least one snack of veggies or fruit a day to my list of goals. I am not giving anything up at this point. Nor do I really plan to limit my available foods. If I want a cookie, I will have a cookie. If I want dessert I will have that too. I figure if I start adding in good habits the other things won't seem as important and leaving them as an option won't feel like I have deprived myself. I will keep you posted on my progress with my new goals.

Lastly, I started having some more difficulty walking again. I was doing very well last week, but last night, I tried to stand up from the couch and fell backward onto it. My feet were almost completely numb and my thighs seemed numb or just odd. I can't explain it really. It was as if my thighs wouldn't support my body. Dave had to help me to the stairs as I took baby steps while holding onto his forearms and he walked backward. I hoped sleep would bring relief. It didn't. I woke this morning and as soon as my feet hit the floor, the night before came rushing back to me. The feeling was still there. I was nervous, but I needed to go to work.

I could've called in, but both my boss and manager are on vacation and they are the only ones who know about my MS. I didn't know how well it would go over without them there. Well I do know. The other manager would've freaked out. I could've woke up Dave too, but I didn't want to ask him. So I went on my own. I moved really slowly and eventually finished. I almost fell a couple of times, but I caught myself.

When I got home I considered skipping the MS Yoga, but I thought it might help. Maybe skipping a day was why I felt like this. It wasn't. I did do it. I took the option to modify my workout based on how I was feeling. I held onto the wall for support and didn't push too hard thru the stretches. I felt like I was gonna pass out or be sick to my stomach thru most of it, but I didn't. I am glad I did it because I want it to be a part of my routine. My legs are still hurting and feel weak, but that is just part of my life now. When I wake up, MS surprises me by letting me know how my body will feel that day. Forrest Gump had no idea when he mentioned the box of chocolates how profound he was being. I really never know what I'm gonna get! No matter what though I will ride this Brain Train and find a way to enjoy the ride. In this Train I am the engineer, so look out world here I come!! Woot! Woot!