Dealing With My M.S. Daily
Dealing With my M.S. on a Daily Basis
I am a very early riser awakening at 4:30 a.m. by habit from my cooking Career. First I put on my pressure stockings to control the Edema in my legs by stopping my legs from swelling. Then comes medication and coffee time before breakfast. Vitamins come with breakfast which does consist of Oatmeal with brown sugar and milk with second cup of coffee.
My legs start to get cramps in them which subside when massaging them and by thinking of the more positive things that are happening in my life at that time. This works for some Chronic pains I go thru when I can concentrate enough to change my minds focus. The one thing that does help is writing about my M.S. which changes my focus to many different facets of pain. Medical Staff are always asking for a rating system between 1 as the lowest and 10 being the highest for level of pain and severity. Meditation is also a mindset (tool) I use when I can focus to get to that state of mind for the severe pain.
There are Medications they give us to help control the pain. They work but only to a certain point. They prescribe stronger drugs for the harshest of pain like Morphine which I do not use or need at this point of time.
Some Specialists recommend using Marijuana and prescribe it for us to legally use and grow. Now this is something which does help with most pain and appetite problems. I can give a testimonial on the results of Marijuana as I smoked Marijuana for 35 years with controlled pain including Depression. There some people who are against the use of Marijuana for anything as they have no proof it works for the FDA or it would be legal for everyone.
08/26/09
I have been blessed with the help I have received by asking at the right time when it is needed but you must want the help. Calgary Housing, Aids to Daily Living, Home Care and Family Services have helped me stay living independently in my home. If I did not have these services available to me I would be in some kind home with Caregivers and Nurses around the clock like a Nursing Home.
Home Care provides Coordinators for all of my Services while having an Occupational and Physio Therapist to arrange everything.
Calgary Housing is Subsidized Housing for Low-income.
Aids to Daily Living helps with items like bath rails, shower stools, bed pole and more to stay independent.
Family Services provide Caregivers for minor housekeeping, bathing, putting stockings on, removal of stockings and washing of socks, help with walking and exercises.
The Living Well Program has an exercise program I have been accepted to participate in to help build strength in my legs and arms.
10/04/09
The Community Service Caretakers are friendly and concerned of my well being and health. When their work is done they will visit or do something extra for me if they have the time. I am happy with the help I have been given and appreciate what they do for me and the mutual respect we have for each other.
Lately I cut my hair and all of my help asked me why I cut so much off. I had hair halfway down my back and cut it to shoulder length, in total cutting 8″ off. My sister cut it and kept a lock of hair that was the first snip of the scissors. The reason for cutting it was I was having trouble washing and brushing it.
10/21/09
Today I was supposed to go for my walk in the hall but my legs and arms were to weak. That was the third time as the prior 2 attempts I could only take 10 or 15 steps of mine. When this happens it is very frustrating with the feeling of being worthless and a burden on those who help me. Don’t take it wrong as I appreciate the help and the friendships I have made with my caregivers.
12/13/09
My life has changed to the opposite I was used to living as I always had money in my pocket now I am always broke. It is not just the money part it is the walking and working parts of life I miss most. Working in Kitchens with all the wonderful smell of food being cooked for the patrons. These are 2 of the obstacles I live with and how they can affect my mindset.
01/23/10
On 12/17/09 I walked further than I have for 4 years with a walker. That distance was about 75 meters, I have not walked since I did not have trained Caregivers to assist me. Now I have 2 trained and another one about to be trained to assist me at the Living Well program. The next stage for the Living Well is a Maintenance program to continue the work I am doing now.