Alive Again!
So wonderful to feel so good and alive again! I have MS, and it sure kicked me to the curb for the Winter. I was just plain OUT and down for the count. When you are so fatigued you can barely function, it isn’t a highly fulfilling life. Hard to accomplish much when you are asleep – except to gain weight!
I did finally learn how to knit socks, and for my fine-motor movement-impaired brain, that was a greater accomplishment that becoming a lawyer. Still pleased with that and now addicted to knitting. Thank you to the University of YouTube and the folks at KnitPicks.com for all the great instructional videos. While alone, unable to do much with MS fatigue, it helped me retain some sanity – and now I have a hobby I love. Have you ever worn homemade socks – they are heaven!
Most of you probably don’t know, but the major reason why people with MS end up disabled is not because of movement difficulties. The number one reason is fatigue – you just cannot (and I mean cannot) stay awake and functioning. It had me in its grasp like a python.
I’ve been blessed that my MS has been slow, rearing its ugly head in odd ways throughout my life, then disappearing (another trait of many types of MS). My mobility wasn’t affected and my main difficulty in life has always been fatigue. It sure had me this time, wouldn’t let up and if you aren’t already prone to depression, let me tell you months of withdrawal from life and people because you can’t get out will hammer you with it. Sure did it to me.
When my good friend, also with MS, told me she was about to embark on a new supplement regimen of optimal liquid nutrition, I listened and thought “yeah, yeah, (snake oil) good luck.” But as I watched the undeniable and overwhelming improvement in her entire physical condition, I could no longer deny she might be onto something and decided I have to try it.
Almost immediately, the depression was gone (not lessened – GONE), the fatigue lifted and improves every day. In less than a week, I was up, out and awake. Other physical problems that come with autoimmune diseases like MS, things I’d learned just to live with, disappeared (I won’t bore you with details). Thank God and my friend forever. I’ve rejoined life – and for those of you who never left it, you can’t imagine how beautiful, wonderful, awesome it is. I am so grateful.
And now it’s Springtime to boot! Yes, I’m still knitting socks – but no longer is it because it was the only thing I could do. Now I do it for relaxation and fun (ok – I’m addicted to knitting, it happens).
So blessed to be alive again!
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Paul and Linda,
Thank you so much for your comment and blog post. You have a wonderful blog.
Hello Mary Anne,
I was looking at facebook, and decided to look you up. You sure seem to be a computer whiz compared to me lol. I was reading about your MS symptoms ect. I started laughing because besides the MS, we also have knitting in common.
I too am, knitting socks. Trying to make ends meet. I also sew, and have had a few people needing hems, or repairs done.
I can relate to the fatigue… I had a very hard winter also, I am not on Modofinil, to stay awake, it seems to work. The thing is I hate taking pills. I take a pill for depression, to stay awake to go to sleep. Never did I thing I would ever have to take meds to live a normal life. But I must do what I have to do.
well I will let you go, waiting for my beau to call. He is working in Fort Edward NY, and will be there until June 22th. We live 4 hours away from each other, which makes our travels challenging, but this has been pretty hard on me. Oh well such is life.
Hope to chat this week on Skype, Monday is a write off, needle day “Avonex” Yahoo!!!
Have a great evening
Louise
I wouldn’t say “whiz,” Louise but thank you. We have another thing in common too – I hate taking all the pills. That’s why I take all my supplements in a shake (liquid) that doesn’t drive me nuts with tons of bottles.
I’m on copaxone, so shots are daily for me (just reminded me time to take mine).
What do you knit? I’m addicted to socks now that I’ve learned. I can only use the Magic Loop method, the others drive me crazy.
Look forward to skyping with you! Happy Monday!
Mary Anne