Multiple Sclerosis and Swimming

I work out all of the time. The biggest reasons are for weight loss and also to do anything at all the prolongs my future mobility. Multiple sclerosis is a crazy disease. Sometimes I feel like superwoman and sometimes I just want to curl up on the sofa. The latter does nothing to prolong my mobility so I am swimming three times a week to "shake" up my movement regimen and keep my multiple sclerosis at bay.

Wow...I did not realize how weak I am in my right leg. I have swam laps two times and it has kicked my butt. The first time I could not breathe well and I was walking on the tiptoe/side of my right leg and not able to kick so well. I also had a hard time walking the next day. I continually am reminded how multiple sclerosis surprises me.

So, I went a second time and I still had trouble but it was a little bit easier. Now, I am anxious to continue going every other day as I see swimming as a way to strengthen my legs and improve my walking. Anything to make living with multiple sclerosis easier urges me on. I think I may also try using flippers in an effort to see if that further strenghens my leg and ankle movement.

Plus, just think how slim my hips will be!!!

Multiple Sclerosis and Mercury

There has been a lot of controversy for years about mercury fillings and their connection to multiple sclerosis. However, this has been a hot topic lately due to a recent federal lawsuit asking the FDA to stop the use of these types of fillings siting the possible link to multiple sclerosis.

In September the FDA plans to review evidence to determine if there is a connection between mercury fillings and multiple sclerosis. At that time they will also determine if next steps are necessary. For years the American Dental Association has staunchly denied that there is a link between mercury and any disease. I expect that they would not want to admit to it if there was some link as this would not make them look good. It is questionable some I am very pleased that this will be reviewed at length by the FDA and we'll have more solid evidence one way or the other if multiple sclerosis is somehow impacted by mercury fillings.

This has long been a debate in the multiple sclerosis world so it will be nice to finally have some resolution. Meanwhile, I plan to ask my dentist if I have any mercury fillings and I am hoping my insurance will pay for me to have them switched out. Wish me luck!

Multiple Sclerosis and Vitamin D

Have you read all the hubbub lately about multiple sclerosis and Vitamin D? It is now believed that people with multiple sclerosis can improve their health when they take Vitamin D. It is not known to what degree health will improve...more (longer lasting) studies with multiple sclerosis and Vitamin D need to take place.

However, researchers found that Vitamin D impacts cytokines which in turn helps to modulate the immune system. Obviously, people with multiple sclerosis have a compromised immune system so this is all good news. Also noteworthy and relating to this research is the fact that people who live closer to the equator tend to have less incidence of multiple sclerosis (and coincidentially they get more Vitamin D).

The question is how much Vitamin D do you need? I have read all kinds of things including articles suggesting that we take super mega doses. I think the word is still out on that. Vitamin D can be toxic in large amounts. However, I do know that if you have multiple sclerosis, you'll want to make sure that you are not Vitamin D deficient.

Multiple Sclerosis and Organic Foods

In your quest to get healthy for your multiple sclerosis (a healthy body can fight disease better), no doubt you will be trying to eat more fruits, vegetables, dairy and good quality proteins. You want to feed your multiple sclerosis as many healthy foods as possible. I heard this interesting piece on the Today Show the other day. They discussed where you should put your money for the best bang for organic foods (particularly since they are so expensive). Buy organic:

- strawberries
- grapes
- apples
- peaches
- apricots
- spinach
- potatoes
- bell peppers

...because these foods tend to have more pestides that you will more than likely injest if you don't clean them carefully. They also noted, when you can't buy organic you should peel the fruit/veggies. These are all things you have probably increased in your quest to utilized your diet to help fight off some side effects of your multiple sclerosis. Injesting the pesticides is extremely toxic to your health and particularly if you already have a compromised immune system such as that with multiple sclerosis.

So eat good quality foods (I try to minimize processed foods) and put your extra $$ toward organic food when it really counts.

Argh this multiple sclerosis!!!

Okay, last night I had a little sweet tooth and we ate lunch very late so I was hungry before I went to bed. I pounded quite a few M and M's. When I woke up this morning, I felt terrible and my right leg was really bothering me (particularly the knee). This is one of the areas that my multiple sclerosis causes to be weak (isn't multiple sclerosis grand???).

So in addition to the yuckiness I felt already due to both the multiple sclerosis and the eating of the poor quality food...the artificial-product-filled chocolates made my multiple sclerosis worse for a day. Does that stink or what? So I am gaining weight and feeling gross and I have MS. Where is the goodness in this world?

So, my newest vow (I have so many that I have to date them) is to quit eating crappy food as it affects me so much more than the average person because I do have multiple sclerosis. Just say no to poor quality chocolates!!!

I fell the other day!

Okay, it is not like multiple sclerosis is not fun anyway but I fell when I went to my friend's house the other night. As you know, many people with multiple sclerosis experience balance challenges as they are moving about. But I am also noticing that I have some challenges with depth perception as well. For example, when I am stepping off a curb, I look and look and be sure that I am certain of the height of the curb before I step down.

Doesn't multiple sclerosis just amaze you? There are not just a couple of symptoms or difficulties you experience, there are a whole array of things you may or may not see. Okay so this is what happened the other day (I am always so grateful that the people around me know I have multiple sclerosis or I'd be really embarrassed!). I stepped into my friend's doorway and didn't realize there was a landing I was stepping off of...and plop I fell two steps down. Icarramba! I was certain that I sprained my ankle (because, you know, there is nothing like all of the other things that happen in life IN ADDITION to the multiple sclerosis!) but we iced it up and I was fine.

I am glad that I have a sense of humor. Otherwise multiple sclerosis would really stink!