The first day blogging...

Okay, I know that blogs are nothing new... Seems like everyone is blogging about this or that... However, this is something that is near and dear to my heart... I am doing this maybe because it could be therapeutic for myself, but in hopes that others who have Multiple Sclerosis will see that even though this is a horrible disease, really it isn't the end of the world.....
 Players in this game I call my life are;
John, my husband                                         
Jeffrey, my 23 year old son                            
Courtney, my son's fiance
Krissy, my 18 year old daughter
Micheal, my 16 year old son
Angie, my 15 year old daughter
Scotty, my grandson
These are the people who are involved in my everyday life, and that is why they are being introduced. Others will come as they take part in the daily situations, but these individuals are the ones I will speak of mostly. So with introductions complete, lets get started with the daily - or mostly daily - journal of this little thing I like to call life... MS may be a horrible disease with no cure, but trust me - it isn't a death sentence...

When I first started having troubles, we didn't know what to do. I kept going to my doctor and she was starting to feel as helpless as I was. I told her both specialists that she sent me to made me feel like I was a hypochondriac, which I was not! Being a student of psychology at the time, I knew better. I wasn't looking for attention from doctors - hell, I got all the attention I needed from John! So she sent me to see Dr. Britton, who ran three different tests - which concluded I had Multiple Sclerosis. So, Okay - "where do we go from here? What are my options? What treatments are available to me?" I asked him. I didn't freak out. I didn't cry. I didn't scream "WHY ME?" I was calm, cool, and collected... I think I freaked Dr. Britton out because of being so calm about his diagnosis... What is the sense? None. It wasn't logical to me. It is all part of the human condition to become diseased - it is in our bodies chemical make up. No matter how much we try, we can not avoid diseases! It is impossible... It is, however, in our power to become knowledgeable about different treatment options and make a well informed decision on what is the best course of action for us to take for ourselves... My family took the news harder than I did, and I am the one suffering with the disease! I am the one who has to take the weekly shots, take all the meds every day to keep the symptoms in check!!! Yet, I am the one who is calm and accepting about it... WTF, I don't understand why everyone is upset about it...

So, anyway that leads me to this point in time... I have tried Copaxone - not a good match - I was allergic to the medication! YIKES, did not like the side effects from that medication at all... Now, I am taking Avonex. This seems like a good match for me, except I don't like the needles... But, I only have to take the medication once a week... However, when it is cold and damp, I seem to have more down days after taking my injection - which I do myself... I don't like to feel like a burden to anyone, and like being independent... When it is warm weather, I don't have a down day after my shots... Friday (shot day is Thursday night) I am up and at 'em - ready to rock and roll!!! But I have noticed this winter, Friday even sometimes into Saturday, I am not feeling well and all flu-like icky gross... Goodness, I can't wait until the warmth of the spring and summer get here!!!

For those who may read this who have MS - you have to get this in your mind, MS is not a death sentence and it surely isn't the end of the world. Sure you may not be able to do things you once were at the speed you were used to, but perseverance and determination are all you need. You need to take control of YOUR medical treatment. If you are not happy with your medication, don't be afraid to speak up. It's YOUR body! You are the only one who knows you best - no one else!!! Your doctor can only make suggestions, but ultimately, it is YOU who has the say so. If it isn't working - you can fix it. Remaining positive is a key factor in helping yourself.  You have the power to help yourself. Find a support group or others around you who have MS. Start your own support group. There are things about yourself you would be surprised you are able to do that you didn't think you could do or know you could do. Make a list of your talents/hobbies - you will see that life isn't as bad as you first thought. Then, you always have me that you can respond to - I will check and write back... At least I think you can do that with these blog... IDK, this is my first one... Hugs, blessings and best wishes