Today, it's simple...
Everyone seems to focus on the negative things.
You know..those things that make your blood boil. Traffic, news cast,no gas at the pump again, that slow lady working the till at the grocery store...
Focus on the things that make you happy...after all...those are the things that will make you smile and help you live longer!
Things that make me happy...
I think of Grace, watching a movie with Mark, coming to work and loving what I do, pasta, The Middle...
What makes you happy?
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Overwhelmed
Today and this past week I have been overwhelmed.
I have busy reading MS studies and different researches performed that are not commonly known yet or even acknowledged in Canada or the US.
I have always have done this and love to have knowledge on things that affect me.
Once you are diagnosed with a disease your wheels are always turning. You are always thinking of hypotheses of possible cures or causes. It's very strange but that's the way it is!
I have so much information to share with you that I really am not sure where to start!
Everything from brain / blood drainage, Chiropractic care proven to help MS patients, headaches, high iron deposits and on and on!
The easy one I think is what I'll post today!
I've mentioned before that I have lots of headaches and I tend to call them my Myelin headaches!
Shared Solutions is the company that distributes my injections as well as the goodies needed for self injections. Every month they send a pamphlet of new information on MS. This month it was titled "Do you have MS and suffer from headaches?" Oh.. me me me..(with my hand held up like a kid in a class room!)
I never realised this was connected. After all.. I only know me not other MS patients symptoms!
Turns out that many of us suffer from chronic headaches commonly known as migraines. The research shows that women are the ones most affected and it tends to be the women who have had symptoms at a very early age (prior to being diagnosed). Also it indicated that these women are the ones that have the most pain. I fit in this category very nicely!
It also indicated triggers that can cause the headaches. From memory I remember aged cheeses, possessed meats (hot dogs), weather changes and red wine. I had never paid attention to what might cause my headaches but red wine I knew.
I've tried red wines many times and one sip gives me an instant headache for hours or even days!
That's today's lesson.
Class dismissed!
I have busy reading MS studies and different researches performed that are not commonly known yet or even acknowledged in Canada or the US.
I have always have done this and love to have knowledge on things that affect me.
Once you are diagnosed with a disease your wheels are always turning. You are always thinking of hypotheses of possible cures or causes. It's very strange but that's the way it is!
I have so much information to share with you that I really am not sure where to start!
Everything from brain / blood drainage, Chiropractic care proven to help MS patients, headaches, high iron deposits and on and on!
The easy one I think is what I'll post today!
I've mentioned before that I have lots of headaches and I tend to call them my Myelin headaches!
Shared Solutions is the company that distributes my injections as well as the goodies needed for self injections. Every month they send a pamphlet of new information on MS. This month it was titled "Do you have MS and suffer from headaches?" Oh.. me me me..(with my hand held up like a kid in a class room!)
I never realised this was connected. After all.. I only know me not other MS patients symptoms!
Turns out that many of us suffer from chronic headaches commonly known as migraines. The research shows that women are the ones most affected and it tends to be the women who have had symptoms at a very early age (prior to being diagnosed). Also it indicated that these women are the ones that have the most pain. I fit in this category very nicely!
It also indicated triggers that can cause the headaches. From memory I remember aged cheeses, possessed meats (hot dogs), weather changes and red wine. I had never paid attention to what might cause my headaches but red wine I knew.
I've tried red wines many times and one sip gives me an instant headache for hours or even days!
That's today's lesson.
Class dismissed!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Strange feeling
As if last week wasn't hard enough...
On Friday night we sat down to watch a movie. I took my injection and all was good...but then I felt really strange...
I was sitting down but couldn't focus. It was almost like my brain was talking o my body but it wasn't getting the message. I couldn't even swallow. This lasted for 20 minutes or so. I didn't like it one bit.
Our first weekend home with Grace after daycare isn't going too well. She has been in more of a bad mood then a good one since we picked her up on Friday. It makes it hard to enjoy the weekend and our time with her.
I've also been in pain again this weekend. Let's hope that gets better and that I'm ready to face the week ahead.
On Friday night we sat down to watch a movie. I took my injection and all was good...but then I felt really strange...
I was sitting down but couldn't focus. It was almost like my brain was talking o my body but it wasn't getting the message. I couldn't even swallow. This lasted for 20 minutes or so. I didn't like it one bit.
Our first weekend home with Grace after daycare isn't going too well. She has been in more of a bad mood then a good one since we picked her up on Friday. It makes it hard to enjoy the weekend and our time with her.
I've also been in pain again this weekend. Let's hope that gets better and that I'm ready to face the week ahead.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Hard week
This past week has been a long and hard one.
I always get anxious if some or many symptoms start to surface. Call it paranoia or even superstitious but I get nervous so I don't write right away!
It all started last Saturday. I woke up feeling super tired. I was in more pain then I had been in over a month and I was just off.
I was also a little bit preoccupied as Grace was set to start at her Day Home on the Monday and I think the slight stress of it made me ill.
This week I was sure I was headed for a relapse.
I was dizzy, hot, couldn't concentrate, tired, severe headaches. My legs were a bit numb and I was getting electrical jolts down my legs.
Grace has now settled in at the Day Home for the most part and I've been able to get 2 whole nights sleep!
I can honestly say that I'm going into this weekend feeling much better and think that next week will be better!
I always get anxious if some or many symptoms start to surface. Call it paranoia or even superstitious but I get nervous so I don't write right away!
It all started last Saturday. I woke up feeling super tired. I was in more pain then I had been in over a month and I was just off.
I was also a little bit preoccupied as Grace was set to start at her Day Home on the Monday and I think the slight stress of it made me ill.
This week I was sure I was headed for a relapse.
I was dizzy, hot, couldn't concentrate, tired, severe headaches. My legs were a bit numb and I was getting electrical jolts down my legs.
Grace has now settled in at the Day Home for the most part and I've been able to get 2 whole nights sleep!
I can honestly say that I'm going into this weekend feeling much better and think that next week will be better!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Answer
The questions was "How many ways can you be tested for MS?"
No one got it!
There are 4 ways to be tested.
- MRI
- Spinal Tap
- Evoked response test
- Imaging of the central Nervous System
Let me think about the next question!
No one got it!
There are 4 ways to be tested.
- MRI
- Spinal Tap
- Evoked response test
- Imaging of the central Nervous System
Let me think about the next question!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What is it?
No one attempted to guess!
That small little thing is like a nail clipper.
After my injection I use it to clip the needle from the syringe.
Like I mentioned, it's not necessary but it makes the bio hazard bin much safer.
An other question...how many needles can it hold?
1500...yes sir! that is not a typo it can hold 1500 needles so I think the thing will dye before it hits 1500!
That small little thing is like a nail clipper.
After my injection I use it to clip the needle from the syringe.
Like I mentioned, it's not necessary but it makes the bio hazard bin much safer.
An other question...how many needles can it hold?
1500...yes sir! that is not a typo it can hold 1500 needles so I think the thing will dye before it hits 1500!
Sunday, October 18, 2009
This one's for Mitch
A few people have now asked me about the needles, the pain, the itch and other things too.
I love these questions because they give me thoughts on what to write about.
Believe it or not...some days I am at a lost as to what to write ;)
Mitch asked me last week how big the needles were and without thinking I agreed with his question.
"So how big are the needles anyway? Like 30cc's?"
I said yes and then he replied "wow that's pretty big!"
When I got home later that evening I was thinking about that conversation and realised that I had never actually checked what the dosage was!
So here goes!
The shot is nowhere near 30CC's! I take 1 ml of Copaxone daily!
It's very small..in fact.. I decided to take a picture to show you!
In the picture there is the Autoject which I use for injection in my arms, tummy and sometimes legs. I chose to do manual injections in my love handles as well as my legs sometimes simply because i find the reaction less irritable. I placed my log pen beside everything to put things into perspective. Then the needle! Look how tiny!
Now the quiz for you today...What is the 4th item in the picture?
To answer you can log a comment!
Hint...It is not a necessity for the injection process but makes things safer if used.
I love these questions because they give me thoughts on what to write about.
Believe it or not...some days I am at a lost as to what to write ;)
Mitch asked me last week how big the needles were and without thinking I agreed with his question.
"So how big are the needles anyway? Like 30cc's?"
I said yes and then he replied "wow that's pretty big!"
When I got home later that evening I was thinking about that conversation and realised that I had never actually checked what the dosage was!
So here goes!
The shot is nowhere near 30CC's! I take 1 ml of Copaxone daily!
It's very small..in fact.. I decided to take a picture to show you!
In the picture there is the Autoject which I use for injection in my arms, tummy and sometimes legs. I chose to do manual injections in my love handles as well as my legs sometimes simply because i find the reaction less irritable. I placed my log pen beside everything to put things into perspective. Then the needle! Look how tiny!
Now the quiz for you today...What is the 4th item in the picture?
To answer you can log a comment!
Hint...It is not a necessity for the injection process but makes things safer if used.
Friday, October 16, 2009
being hot
Most of us don't like to over heat. For me I have always been too hot.
Most morning for as far back as I can remember I have been too hot.
After my shower I get dressed and then I am so hot I feel like I might just faint. In winters I have always left the house wearing only a thin shirt just to cool down. Today and all of this week that still happens!
I wonder if that's part of the MS heat!?
Most morning for as far back as I can remember I have been too hot.
After my shower I get dressed and then I am so hot I feel like I might just faint. In winters I have always left the house wearing only a thin shirt just to cool down. Today and all of this week that still happens!
I wonder if that's part of the MS heat!?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Workin' woman
So this is what it's like to be a working mom!
So far it's been good. I'm very busy at work so I am not dwelling on Grace being somewhere else and it makes the days go by super fast.
I have always enjoyed my work and didn't really remember how much I missed it until my first day back in my chair at my desk! Like I said...blisters!
Health wise I have been feeling very good!
Today I took the C-Train (public transit) to get to work. The brisk walk outside in the cold was great but by the time I have walked and stood in the train and walked to the office I get weak.
It was like that in summer too but it's better in winter because I am not sooooo bloody hot!
I've written about the electrical jolts down my legs when I place my chin on my chest (or look down) this is what happens after I've walked or even run a little bit!
Otherwise..all good!
So far it's been good. I'm very busy at work so I am not dwelling on Grace being somewhere else and it makes the days go by super fast.
I have always enjoyed my work and didn't really remember how much I missed it until my first day back in my chair at my desk! Like I said...blisters!
Health wise I have been feeling very good!
Today I took the C-Train (public transit) to get to work. The brisk walk outside in the cold was great but by the time I have walked and stood in the train and walked to the office I get weak.
It was like that in summer too but it's better in winter because I am not sooooo bloody hot!
I've written about the electrical jolts down my legs when I place my chin on my chest (or look down) this is what happens after I've walked or even run a little bit!
Otherwise..all good!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Vitamins...mmmm
First off...Happy Thanksgiving!
I hope you have all spent time with family, stuffed yourselves silly and are now on the "nod" form the turkey!
By now I think we've all heard that one person in winter time say "I go tanning and feel way better!". I know I have been that person for many years!
I have been busy and forgetful the last few days. Unfortunately my Vitamin D3 is one of the things I've forgotten to take. To make things worst, it's been very cold so time outside is a quick run to the car and back! There hasn't been much sun either.
Today it started hitting me. I was tired, kinda blue and just "blah". I then remembered my oops!
We were at Donna's and I asked her for some vitamins...1 hour later...Ahh! Much much better!
So if you aren't sure about tanning and still feel you need some sun shine...Get yourself a bottle of Vitamin D3 and take 4 a day. It won;t hurt you. We are all deficient in most vitamins!
I hope you have all spent time with family, stuffed yourselves silly and are now on the "nod" form the turkey!
By now I think we've all heard that one person in winter time say "I go tanning and feel way better!". I know I have been that person for many years!
I have been busy and forgetful the last few days. Unfortunately my Vitamin D3 is one of the things I've forgotten to take. To make things worst, it's been very cold so time outside is a quick run to the car and back! There hasn't been much sun either.
Today it started hitting me. I was tired, kinda blue and just "blah". I then remembered my oops!
We were at Donna's and I asked her for some vitamins...1 hour later...Ahh! Much much better!
So if you aren't sure about tanning and still feel you need some sun shine...Get yourself a bottle of Vitamin D3 and take 4 a day. It won;t hurt you. We are all deficient in most vitamins!
Friday, October 9, 2009
back at work
A whole week under my belt!
Well it's official..I'm back at work. Full force ahead!
I have enjoyed my return and am loving being busy!
It's a strange but rewarding feeling to leave the office and know I accomplished something other and changing diapers...so to speak!
The first 2 days were hard. I was tired from both Grace not sleeping and getting back into a routine long forgotten as well as fighting severe heat! I was so HOT...
Day 3 & 4...WOW...
I didn't know I could get this much done in a day!
I also didn't know that we "as computer users" have a callus on our thumbs! Did you?
I had blisters by the end of day 3 from typing!
Thanks Gramma and Mark for taking care of my Miss Mouse!
Well it's official..I'm back at work. Full force ahead!
I have enjoyed my return and am loving being busy!
It's a strange but rewarding feeling to leave the office and know I accomplished something other and changing diapers...so to speak!
The first 2 days were hard. I was tired from both Grace not sleeping and getting back into a routine long forgotten as well as fighting severe heat! I was so HOT...
Day 3 & 4...WOW...
I didn't know I could get this much done in a day!
I also didn't know that we "as computer users" have a callus on our thumbs! Did you?
I had blisters by the end of day 3 from typing!
Thanks Gramma and Mark for taking care of my Miss Mouse!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Answer 5
This one was tricky! But I placed the answers in order of frequency of attack!
There are fours areas in the central nervous system that correlate with MS signs ans symptoms.
1 - Spinal cord at 42%
2 - Brain Stem and cerebellum at 38%
3 - Optic Nerve at 17%
4 - Cerebrum at 3%
I personally have had Spinal Cord attacks.
This is were I have numbness in my torso and limbs.
Brain Stem and Cerebellum too!
These lesion cause imbalance and dizziness.
Obviously I have the now known ON. This was when I lost my vision in the left eye and was then diagnosed.
For the last one...3% makes it rare.. let's pray it stays that way!
Some of the symptoms (I have never had these) are like those of a stroke.
There can me mental disturbances, slurred speech, weakness in the face and so on.
So let me think of the next question...
There are fours areas in the central nervous system that correlate with MS signs ans symptoms.
1 - Spinal cord at 42%
2 - Brain Stem and cerebellum at 38%
3 - Optic Nerve at 17%
4 - Cerebrum at 3%
I personally have had Spinal Cord attacks.
This is were I have numbness in my torso and limbs.
Brain Stem and Cerebellum too!
These lesion cause imbalance and dizziness.
Obviously I have the now known ON. This was when I lost my vision in the left eye and was then diagnosed.
For the last one...3% makes it rare.. let's pray it stays that way!
Some of the symptoms (I have never had these) are like those of a stroke.
There can me mental disturbances, slurred speech, weakness in the face and so on.
So let me think of the next question...
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
I know..
I know, I know.. I haven't written..Sorry!
I am back at work and of course busy!
I am doing well and adjusting is surprisingly easy!
I am fighting fatigue and severe "hot flashes" but otherwise doing well!
I promise to give you the answer to the most recent question and keep you posted soon!
I am back at work and of course busy!
I am doing well and adjusting is surprisingly easy!
I am fighting fatigue and severe "hot flashes" but otherwise doing well!
I promise to give you the answer to the most recent question and keep you posted soon!
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hi ho Hi ho...
It's off to work I go...
So today is bitter sweet for me. I am happy to go back to work and be good at what I am good at!
I also get to feel what Mark and all fathers out there feel every morning of that year mat. leave.
Our Day Home can't take Grace until the 17th so Mark has taken the day off to be with Grace and I get to leave them at home and head to work...this is hard!
Thanks Mark for being so good over the year on this one!
Let's see how we all do today!
So today is bitter sweet for me. I am happy to go back to work and be good at what I am good at!
I also get to feel what Mark and all fathers out there feel every morning of that year mat. leave.
Our Day Home can't take Grace until the 17th so Mark has taken the day off to be with Grace and I get to leave them at home and head to work...this is hard!
Thanks Mark for being so good over the year on this one!
Let's see how we all do today!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Gracie's birthday!!!
I can't believe one year ago already!
One year ago I was very upset about having to have a C-section and miss out on the delivery of my first baby.
One year ago I was upset that Mark snuck out to get a burger at 4am!
One year ago I was thankful to have my best friend in that hospital room with me.
One year ago I held my baby girl for the first time!
Wow...how's things change and go by so fast!
Today we have invited lots of friends to join us. We love to have people around on special days!
Grace will get to play with her friends, make a mess of cake and simply make us happy to see how far she's come in only one year!
Enjoy the little things today! That's what makes life worth living for!
One year ago I was very upset about having to have a C-section and miss out on the delivery of my first baby.
One year ago I was upset that Mark snuck out to get a burger at 4am!
One year ago I was thankful to have my best friend in that hospital room with me.
One year ago I held my baby girl for the first time!
Wow...how's things change and go by so fast!
Today we have invited lots of friends to join us. We love to have people around on special days!
Grace will get to play with her friends, make a mess of cake and simply make us happy to see how far she's come in only one year!
Enjoy the little things today! That's what makes life worth living for!
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Frustration
I went to bed frustrated last night and woke up still feeling the same way.
I woke up stiff and in lots of pain again. I was feeling pretty good and it's been a while with little or no pain. I almost got used to it!
Last night was for a different reason. You see I don't mind giving myself the injections but it's the aftermath that's been building my frustration.
The needle itself is quick and painless. Once the needle is out...that's when my mood changes.
I feel a sudden stinging pain. Sometimes I bleed and if I do I know that's yet another bruise to look forward to. Sometimes within 10 minutes of so I get the "mosquito bite" I referred to a few days back. It gets really swollen and hot and sometimes even painful. Then the ice pack sometimes does more damage then it should. I ice the area after the shot to help the pain subside.
Then of course a few days later I have bumps under my skin where the shots were injected. I get really itchy...bug bite scratch all day kind of itchy. In 7 spots! And the last one are just having sore spots all over.
So that's my bit of complaining for the day!
For the positive...Mark's off for 5 days. I love when he's home!
We'll get to spend time together before I go back to work and plan Gracie's birthday party!
I woke up stiff and in lots of pain again. I was feeling pretty good and it's been a while with little or no pain. I almost got used to it!
Last night was for a different reason. You see I don't mind giving myself the injections but it's the aftermath that's been building my frustration.
The needle itself is quick and painless. Once the needle is out...that's when my mood changes.
I feel a sudden stinging pain. Sometimes I bleed and if I do I know that's yet another bruise to look forward to. Sometimes within 10 minutes of so I get the "mosquito bite" I referred to a few days back. It gets really swollen and hot and sometimes even painful. Then the ice pack sometimes does more damage then it should. I ice the area after the shot to help the pain subside.
Then of course a few days later I have bumps under my skin where the shots were injected. I get really itchy...bug bite scratch all day kind of itchy. In 7 spots! And the last one are just having sore spots all over.
So that's my bit of complaining for the day!
For the positive...Mark's off for 5 days. I love when he's home!
We'll get to spend time together before I go back to work and plan Gracie's birthday party!
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