Multiple Sclerosis and Volunteering

Volunteering has really pulled me out of my multiple sclerosis shell. Many times I feel like I want to hide or do things that won't call attention to my multiple sclerosis. I am a little embarrassed about the disease and I am not as functional as the regular person. It is crazy what this multiple sclerosis does to your pysche.

However, I have found that volunteering pulls me out of this shell. It has also made me better able to deal with situations that I am not socially prepared for... I was never good with people who were in chairs or walked with canes. Now being on the other side, I realize that everyone has a disability. With some people it is a little more visible on the outside -- with others it is not.

I ran into an acquaintance I had met while volunteering almost a year ago. She did not remember me but I remembered her. Ordinarily, I would not go up to someone at church (I am always hiding). However, I thought that she might be less comfortable than me so I reached out to her at church and we were both so glad! Hopefully, she felt a little better about herself and maybe stopped thinking for just a minute that she stuck out and I was certainly excited about a future friend.

Volunteering with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society made this all possible. I forced myself to come out of my shell and help them. However, it has paid off much more for me in the long run. So give of yourself, you just might get something back!

Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise

I have raved before about swimming but here I am again - so excited. This morning I swam laps for 30 minutes as I do three times a week. I am continually surprised at how powerful I feel when I swim. This is so important as Multiple Sclerosis seems to strip my power away. Every time I swim, I am getting a more and more powerful kick for the first several laps -- then it poops me out and I really have to focus on kicking. However, it is such a win for me and my Multiple Sclerosis everytime that I swim.

I also started doing pilates once a week to help strengthen my core to stabilize me better. I am trying to have a more well-rounded workout regimen so that I am targeting different parts of my body. I believe the stronger I am, the more powerful I will be to fight this crazy disease. Multiple Sclerosis seems to take so much from my body that I want to do something to build my body back up. I believe so strongly in working out to prolong your ability and mobility with Multiple Sclerosis. I feel how weak my right side is compared to my left and I want to fight it with everything I can.

Another thing that I do is balance myself using Dyna Discs. These are round discs filled with air. I shift my weight from right to left in an effort to help build my balance back up. The more power I have in my legs, the less likely I will be to fall or sway. Dyna Discs are a great tool. You can get them online or at athletic stores.

Don't we deserve more power in what we do? Multiple Sclerosis is hard enough to deal with -- do everything you can to build yourself up and realize your strength.

Multiple Sclerosis - New Drugs

I am very excited for the first time in a long time. Multiple Sclerosis does not seem so scary today (I mean literally today - as it is scary everyday)! I just talked with my doctor about participating in a test of an oral drug for multiple sclerosis. I am very excited as I have the most difficult time with actually giving myself the shot of Rebif three times a week. I love Rebif but the shot trauma is just too much for me. However, I must take the disease modifying drugs as there is nothing else for multiple sclerosis.

I have two concerns with this test and all tests as there are downsides:
1) I need to be off of Rebif for three months prior to participating in the test.
2) I must do monthly spinal taps.

I don't usually do too well with spinal taps because I get the bad headache which just makes the multiple sclerosis worse for a few days. However, I have consulted with my doctor as well as the research personnel and they both assure me that this spinal tap utilizes a different type of needle that makes the headaches less likely.

I am very concerned with being off of Rebif for three months as if for some reason something does not work with the test I will have nothing fighting my multiple sclerosis for three months. That is scary. However, I am so excited at the prospect of doing something to forward research for multiple sclerosis that I will pretty much do anything.

Multiple Sclerosis and Vibration Machines

I have been reading a lot about vibration machines and their possible impact on muscle mass/weight loss. All of which would have a positive impact on my daily life with multiple sclerosis. I was particularly interested in how these machines could be beneficial for those with multiple sclerosis or any type of disability. Because you are not really doing weight-bearing exercises or things that require a lot of strength or balance, this could just be the thing for those who are too disabled to do traditional exercise. This is a great way for people with multiple sclerosis to help gain strength, balance and flexibility.

I am very curious about these types of machines and whether they really deliver. I have researched it on the web and I can't really find anything above and beyond the benefits of traditional workouts and obvious associated benefits. Here are some of the benefits that those of us with multiple sclerosis might find:

- increase in bone strength
- increase in muscle mass
- faster recovery from injury
- improved flexibility and balance
- increase in muscle strength
- improved blood and lymph flow
- reduced back pain
- reduced cortisol (stress hormone)
- decreased cellulite

Now these are all benefits of regular exercise. However, vibration training does all of this in 10 minutes, three times a week versus a traditional workout. It is really the dream workout that does everything and helps you lose weight in just 10 minutes a day. I am seriously considering purchasing one of these machines. I am trying to find information that refutes the benefits and I just can't seem to find it.

I can't imagine something that could be easier for those with multiple sclerosis or again, any disability where movement and functionality is limited.