tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70729051181260853862024-03-13T14:03:12.605-04:00But you look so goodAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-82874037202627730972015-04-18T09:43:00.002-04:002015-04-18T09:43:12.006-04:00One of the Best MS Videos I have seen in awhile<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AF-VFQtjaqQ" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-8826716648024863952013-08-20T08:11:00.001-04:002013-08-20T08:11:15.206-04:00Multiple Sclerosis? Really?The Tingle<br />
<br />
I awoke several days in a row with a pain at the base of my neck and tingling sensations in my hands(sound familiar). Of course I was a male in his 30's with that feeling of invincibility; I dismissed it as overworking. I will freely admit I was and still am a workaholic. It was not unusual for me to work 80-100 hours a week. I often wonder if that wasn't my trigger (doc says no). The pains and sensations would not go away so I decided to go get it looked at. I begrudgingly arrived and waited what I thought was too long (he was worth it), now after about 15 minutes in his office he looked at me and suspected MS. What a shock! I thought I would hear about a pinched nerve and that I should get some rest. I was convinced as I left the office he was overreacting.<br />
<br />
Crappy Morning<br />
<br />
I awoke a mere 7 days later unable to walk straight and I threw up every time I made the attempt.<br />
<br />
Scary Hospital Stay<br />
<br />
They moved me from ER to a room because it really looked like I would be staying a few days.<br />
The docs started a battery of tests looking for things like cancer or brain tumors and other nasty stuff. Knowing what I know now I don't blame them MS normally does not present like this. I was unlucky to have my first good size lesion on a nerve center that sent crazy signals to all sorts of places in my body. I couldn't see, walk, eat or any number of bodily functions I don't want to talk about. They decided after seeing a spinal scan which was lit up like a Christmas tree (that's the phrase that was bandied about) that I needed a spinal tap. Spinal Taps are scary enough but I was so out of it I don't even remember the procedure.<br />
<br />
The News<br />
<br />
The Neuro I had first visited came to my room and politely told me in his heavy Irish accent that I had Multiple Sclerosis. And I was actually happy to hear this after thoughts of tumors and such. I was promptly started on intravenous Solu-Medrol. After a few days on this powerful steroid I was able to kind of see again and the first thing I see is Maury Povich. Here comes the really frustrating part I could not change the station because my hands were not strong enough, to shut off the ignorant urban slang coming from the TV. Ah well the nurse meant well I looked bored and she left the TV on for me.<br />
<br />
Denial,Denial,Denial<br />
<br />
Thinking about a life without the use of my legs or 20/20 vision was not helping my mood or willingness to really try at rehab. As I made small gains in the use of my extremities, I was reminded of what I had lost by 80 year hip replacement patients walking faster than me. I am kind of a black and white logical sort of person but even when it looked obvious that I had contracted a debilitating disease I had yet to admit it to myself. I remember at one point asking the Doc if I could go home tomorrow and he looked at me with a very serious face and said you know you have something more serious than a cold. About then it hit home in the back of my head some place that I wasn't going to figure my way out of this as easily as I thought. So I knew I had something serious but I held on to my denial because it was my lifeline back to the way I was. I needed that because the outlook wasn't great the Doc said I might not get any better than I was currently. So denying that I would not stay in a wheel chair and I could work again was what I needed at that point.<br />
<br />
Maury and the Great Escape<br />
<br />
OK I promised a Happy Ending (not the naughty kind) so let's get to it. At this point I was hoping to have a dramatic moment to speak about because it makes for a better story. As these thoughts bang around my head I now realize it was just the combination of having my family around me and hanging on to my denial. Now being in denial is not a recommended mental state but it was working for me. I used my denial like motivational tool and that kept me from becoming depressed which didn't work for me at all. I thought if I refused to be disabled then I would not be (ah if it were only that easy). I had physical therapy (pt) at home 3 times a week and I was making small gains which I was able to build on. Taking those first few steps as cliché as it might sound was the key to making a recovery. Now here's where Maury Povich comes in again. I had just finished PT and was feeling pretty good. And again the TV was left on for my amusement and yes again Maury was on TV speaking to the legalities of if a brother and sister move away from the hills, are they still legally married?(I'm kidding but it was something equally as ridiculous). However this time my hands were strong enough to work the remote. But damnit the remote was across the room and so was my cane after PT. With a will of steel and burning desire to change the station; I got up took the 5 or so steps retrieved the remote and banished Maury from my TV once and for all. Now this might not sound so amazing but it was a huge step, and at that point I never looked back. My recovery came rapidly at that point because I think I tried even harder than before. Now what I really wanted to do was to get back to work. My T-shirt shop was not far away but they had asked me not to drive for obvious reasons. But luckily they had not taken away my license just hidden my keys. After seeing the coast was clear I did a few John Belushi moves (aka Animal House), and then made a break for the car and sped off to my shop which I hadn't been to in months. Thank God I had some good employees and good friends they kept it running and even picked up business that wasn't there before.<br />
<br />
The Happy Ending<br />
<br />
I still wake every morning and walk like the tin man from Wizard of Oz, but after my second cup of coffee most people would not know there was anything going on with me. I still have a few bad days but they are few enough that it has not been a problem. The shop has grown to a 15 person shop with embroidery, screen printing and digital services. But the real happy ending was staying home long enough to realize I needed a balance between home life and work. So I don't know if you can call MS a gift but it did help me set some priorities.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-57647867057628937542011-04-19T07:39:00.007-04:002011-04-19T08:11:19.362-04:00MS and the Insurance Bullies<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><i>Received this letter from a friend of mine that has been dealing with MS longer than I have</i></span><div><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">Hello,<br />I am a Multiple Sclerosis patient. I was told I have to change Neurologist as He is no longer able to treat ms patients with Tysabri or Cellcept. The State of New York is making him do this. This is effecting over 300 ms patients directly as well as the good doctor.<br />Ecellus took this good doctor before the State board using ten of his patient files and a second opinion doctor (paid by Excellus) that said his treatments with Tysabri and Cellcept were not necessary. The State agreed and are making him stop treating this population of ms patients.<br />I am a Delphi salaried retiree that had all of my healthcare and benefits taken away through Bankruptcy court. I was being treated with another ms med where I would give myself a injection everyday (under this good doctor's care). When I lost my benefits, I started skipping daily doses trying to save some money by maybe only buying eight to ten months supply per year rather then twelve months. had been n this med for 11 years with very quiet ms symptoms and no major attacks. Well five months after my self "dose reductions", I had another major ms attack. I'd lost the use of my hands. Fortunately with two (usually only one Intravenous steriod treatment is needed) intravenous pulse therapies and almost 16 months later, I have regained enough to type this note.<br />I can tell you my Neurologist is the most competent Doctor I have ever met. He has more degrees then people have shingles on their roof. He developed the first non-invasive test for nerve function in the 70's. He is like Dr. House only square his abailties with the erascible personalty too. He truly is the reason I am not blind and messing myself in a nursing home along with most of the rest of this ms population.<br />The real reason Excellus took him before the board; The sum total cost of annual treatments to this population is just over $25 million dollars and that is why Excellus targeted this Doctor. This actual cost is only going to get exponentially more not allowing these treatments and altering them. Doing this will cause more disease activity and with other treatments are much worse side effects too.<br />I believe the State is allowing this insurance company to do this because of their political power and nothing else. The real culprit here is the Pharmaceuticals allowed to charge these ridiculous amounts for the medicines. Why isn't their more pressure on the pharmaceuticals by the insurance companies as well as the government? This is abuse of the system and the system needs to be fixed so it helps people not hurting them. That will be the real economic win too.<br />Thank you, <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->MS Patient from Rochester, NY <!--[endif]--></span><div><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><i>from Todd,</i></span></div><div><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA"><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span id="internal-source-marker_0.5263978922739625" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><i>I know this gentleman personally, and I don’t know that there is anything any of us could do to change this situation. I think being aware of what the bullies in State Government can do in the name of protecting us is criminal. The takeaway here is that in an era of a more caring health movement I think that the patient should have been considered first. Would it really have been that difficult to find these folks another infusion center before shutting this doctor down? Instead the government (insurance bullies are in the background) shut this doctor down and left the patients to fend for themselves. I don’t know who I get madder at the insurance companies or the government for letting themselves be manipulated.</i></span></div><div style="background-color: transparent; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; "><span id="internal-source-marker_0.5263978922739625" style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial; background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap; "><i><br /></i></span></div></span></div><a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/servlet/the-190/Piss-on-MS-T-dsh-Shirt/Detail" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 130px;" src="http://www.mstshirts.com/media/00/a20791f1266fd8a0937075_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-40330556465712057172010-08-23T11:11:00.002-04:002010-08-23T11:16:35.209-04:00Dragon Tattoo - Book Review<div align="center"><br /><p>I usually like to talk about Multiple Sclerosis in this blog. Well my reading schedule is part of myself prescribed treatment. I am a firm believer in reading books over articles and online, the cognitive exercise of having to remember where you left off the day before has just gotta be good. Today I am not here to recommend a book I am going to tell you which one not to read.</p> <h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dragon-Tattoo-Stieg-Larsson/dp/0307454541/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1282576034&sr=1-1">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson</a></span></h1> <p> I will summarize below, but first I have to say this is one of the better books I have read this year. This book has all the elements – Mystery, Deep Character construction, exotic locale etc. If the publisher had not made me so damn mad I would highly recommend this book. Here is where it all went wrong-About ¾ of the way through I realized that advertising made its way into my book. This is not an ad like you see on TV or read in a magazine, this is an insidious product placement ad. The author instead of saying laptop computer refers to an ibook (Apple product). Well you say the author was just being thorough and trying to paint a more robust scene. I thought so too until the end of the book, when they refer to a computer that had been hacked of course it was a windows machine. That is when it dawned on me that specifically naming these computers was not germane to the story but was in fact a product placement ad. I am a business man and am certainly not opposed to advertising. When I watch TV for free I expect to see ads that is my payment for this form of entertainment. However, when I buy a book there is no expectation of advertisement. My one bad review is certainly not going to hurt the author or publisher but I will never again by a book written by Steig Larsson or published by Alfred A Knopf.</p><p><br /> <strong>Summary</strong>- Mikael Blomkvist, a once-respected financial journalist, watches his professional life rapidly crumble around him. Prospects appear bleak until an unexpected (and unsettling) offer to resurrect his name is extended by an old-school titan of Swedish industry. The catch--and there's always a catch--is that Blomkvist must first spend a year researching a mysterious disappearance that has remained unsolved for nearly four decades. With few other options, he accepts and enlists the help of investigator Lisbeth Salander, a misunderstood genius with a cache of authority issues. Little is as it seems in Larsson's novel, but there is at least one constant: you really <em>don't</em> want to mess with the girl with the dragon tattoo. --<em>Dave Callanan</em></p><p align="left" class="style1" style="text-align: -webkit-center;"><br /></p></div><div align="center"> <p class="style2"><span class="style3">Buy a Shirt,Help an Artist,Find a Cure.</span><br /> Artists that have Multiple Sclerosis have contributed their time to createto t-shirts like the one below<br /> go to<a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-MS-Artists/Categories" target="_blank"> MS T-Shirts</a> and help find the cure</p></div> <div align="center"><br /> <a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-330/Hoping-for-a-Cure/Detail" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.artoshirt.net/catalog/jenn.jpg" alt="Multiple sclerosis T-shirt" /></a><br /> <a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-330/Hoping-for-a-Cure/Detail" target="_blank"><img src="http://tmdesigncorp.com/artoimages/shelton.jpg" alt="Jenn Shelton" width="300" height="265" /></a> <p></p><br /> <p align="left" class="style4">Some notes from the Jenn Shelton - </p><br /> <p align="left" class="style4">My artwork became very important to me after I became diagnosed with MS in 2007. I used to have a career path in Finance, but now concentrate on making abstracts using acrylics as my medium. This painting was done on an oval canvas shortly after my diagnosis. It expresses the various sensory symptoms and what we sometimes have to deal with. The orange represents the desire to find a cure and is used by the NMSS.</p><br /> <p align="left" class="style4"> </p><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-39432819759266700432010-07-17T13:36:00.003-04:002010-07-17T13:44:50.309-04:00Numb by Linkin Park - New Meaning to some of usThis one really struck a chord (no pun intended) What a great job and the words in this song mean something different now. I cannot take credit for this one it was posted to YouTube by this courageous person - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/hayleyukcov">Haley</a> (click to read a little more)<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9PQYvGFxgKo&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9PQYvGFxgKo&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-86354415663605690202010-07-16T13:16:00.002-04:002010-07-16T13:21:24.470-04:00MS don't have me.<div>This came from one of our friends in PA. I don't know about all of you but I can identify</div><div><br /></div><div><i>I have MS, </i></div><div><i>MS don't have me. </i></div><div><i>They told me I have MS today, </i></div><div><i>I just wanted to cry I had nothing to say. </i></div><div><i>Now I know why I am tired all day long, </i></div><div><i>this is why I have to stay strong. </i></div><div><i>My life as I know it has changed, </i></div><div><i>now everything in life I do I have to re-arrange. </i></div><div><i>Everyday I have my ups and downs, </i></div><div><i>but my MS I wear as a crown. </i></div><div><i>dont be afraid to go out, </i></div><div><i>let everyone know what MS is all about.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Come visit us at our <a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/">MS T-Shirt site </a></i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvs8B7VHY_FgDjZ2VIMz2F5G7eTFejvNnPttij_iQp4G6U6igGU-Txxhp1OQSYkWVI1qtFxUSgY4QJFdfUYcaLs1FFa7XZInk0BPCV28cj03zTgm91ov6Ox9ufrVzbmuSX0pso8SSw6_c/s1600/a20791b1261efccf1a3525_m.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvs8B7VHY_FgDjZ2VIMz2F5G7eTFejvNnPttij_iQp4G6U6igGU-Txxhp1OQSYkWVI1qtFxUSgY4QJFdfUYcaLs1FFa7XZInk0BPCV28cj03zTgm91ov6Ox9ufrVzbmuSX0pso8SSw6_c/s200/a20791b1261efccf1a3525_m.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494555247794721906" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-68019201871765067792010-07-10T18:59:00.031-04:002010-07-10T21:14:27.077-04:00Beating the Heat in Spite of Multiple Sclerosis<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Misty-Mate-Personal-Portable-Cooler/dp/B000ZK9GLY"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492424038095953234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M05E1HDXggbyp5sl9qRPzpO9W-VIMNycloXG8rmC1CTzYxgKOhGNidOUKjCpvJPot2LJQV2ycLJQylbCa5j1GbcNc0G1AEwOT42nuyj8NG5Eotgx4ZvT1w3pfFfSguK-TT9UFqJlFHM/s200/31zZlewbLBL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a>Can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen? Doesn't really help when everything you want is in the kitchen. That is my pun-metaphor-cliche referring to this darn weather keeping me from going outside. It was particularly difficult to explain to the kids why daddy couldn't come to the soccer game. That is not a problem anymore since the kids are older and not in youth soccer any longer. However I still would like to go outside during the summer. Thankfully I have quite the collection of heat beating gadgets. My favorite and least expensive is the Misty Mate (pictured above) This inexpensive device has saved the day many times for me. It works best in high heat and lower humidity as it depends on evaporation for the cooling to work. At under $30 it is well worth it.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">Cooling Vests </span></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.texascoolvest.com/cvc.html"><img style="WIDTH: 133px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492427093767032738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb5cS5bxCvvEd-X_340LRVXabJHfGPDcNfnMN7LjRm2jdxBan3Hj70NIEeAlfKkD3BEL33-qNcnTulsY-SHtzra3XU2IJrlSXW1mbY7lrtERGssodLhLBLo76pQbljct9whSysm5a5b7I/s200/HiVizRana1.gif" /></a>---<a href="http://www.arcticheatusa.com/"><img style="WIDTH: 180px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492434857177111602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtGgDfOVFMOeqwbXIB0ua8qazGDAuLCDmpWwZwVqO-GSMbKi3ODirdBhJ1_uk2Wpk5Fx6t8-YtG0qykcDso8tSVDSPt9FGK_9gbUOpjwVGT-_Mr_rfmrr7BnUhRNYTxaDa4XfwlMijjI/s200/35757_104213249630517_100001255275103_26476_8261077_n.jpg" /></a>---</p><br /><br /><p align="left">There are a staggering amount of choices in the marketplace now, the picture on the left I can vouch for as I used it in Lake Mead a few years ago. It did a great job for several hours in 90 degree heat. I bought the one with replaceable cooling packs(I kept them in a cooler), which was handy for the extra trip to the Grand Canyon that day. The picture on the right is made by Artic Online, I have not used it, but my Facebook friends speak very highly about it. It looks very well made and I was impressed with documentation on the site.</p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">CoolMax Polo</span></p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/TravelSmith-Mens-Oxford-Cloth-CoolMax-Shirt/dp/B003BVE4D4/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1278810305&sr=8-2-spell"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492448901402250578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUvzKUDA62zMJLnNvPmcBru2ynDiE34J_DNj2g49d3BHkTy-_UxWfApTwqNZsip2i8VLwYDZj-0frfk4GWsRJoQ-FBFTLT5rbxDkYMluIgEjZtY7Ch1ZVm7ggEGxbCSCbsSQEIjNX3kw/s200/31fkEcY7bXL__SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></p><p align="left">Not only do I embroider these quite often, I wear them too. They really work! As with many of the cooling products they do not work as well in high humidity. Manufacturer description - CoolMax , a Great Way to Keep Your CoolLook and feel comfortable in CoolMax. Our newest polo lets you dress for dinner without sacrificing vacation relaxation. Made of the comfortable, moisture-wicking, wrinkle-resistant CoolMax knit</p><div align="left"><br /><em>Since skiing is not an option anymore for me and it is cold here in NY. I spend way too much time inside during the winter I refuse to spend all summer inside too. If anyone has any suggestions for their favorite product please leave it in the comments below</em></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-56686205490996753302010-04-24T11:18:00.019-04:002010-04-26T09:28:42.077-04:00MS Hug - Not the good kind<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I woke up one day last week with my now patented "tin-man" walk and was also greeted with an old symptom referred to by many as the MS Hug. By the way this is not the friendly hug you would get from an old friend, it is more like a boa constrictor is going to have you for breakfast. I have never been able to find a great deal of information about this symptom, nor have a seen a treatment for it. For those not blessed with this symptom it is a tightening of the Chest/Abdomen area and for some people it can be quite painful. Now the good news for me at least was that this was not a signal for a full relapse, it was a reminder that I worked a little too hard yesterday . So with a little rest I am feeling much better today, not good enough to try out for the Yankees, but that will have to wait for another day. My old </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">neuro</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">(boy I miss him) called it the "girdle", since I am not a cross dresser I could really do without this symptom. Not every </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">MS'er</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> has this symptom and I have run across many who have never heard of it. I went on an Internet hunt to try and dig up some more info. Here are a few helpful articles I found.<br /></span><p> <a href="http://ms.about.com/od/signssymptoms/a/ms_hug_tips.htm" title="Tips for Managing the MS Hug"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Tips for Managing the MS Hug</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> - This one was chock full of good tips I have not seen collected in one article. Great stuff for avoiding and not getting the Hug in the first place.</span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span><a href="http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=show&pageid=1418" title="Multiple Sclerosis Hug or Girdle"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Multiple Sclerosis Hug or Girdle</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> This person gets it. And it was the only place I was able to find a why. Yes I am a little like Curious George I need to know why. Exert -<br /><br /></span><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">"There are tiny muscles between each rib, called </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">intercostal</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> muscles which basically hold the ribs together, but also give the ribcage some flexibility; it's when these muscles go into spasm that we get the MS hug, a friendly description of an extremely uncomfortable and often painful symptom."</span></em></p><p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://ms.about.com/od/signssymptoms/a/ms_hug_pain.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">MS Hug by Dr. Stachowiak</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"> - Great Overview I forgot to include in my first version</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">If any of you out there have found another tip please post it in the comment section</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">And now is time for my shameless self promotion but with a cause</span></strong></p><p align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br />***Listing now includes 2 stickers for $3.75****This is a 4' x 6" Bumper Sticker that we sell in the store, and it has become my favorite since it conveys my attitude about multiple sclerosis(No I am not mad at Mississippi) You can purchase one of these stickers by clicking the image below or by clicking the "Buy Now" button below that. We make monthly donations to many chapters and the National MS Society</span></p><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><p align="center"><a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/servlet/the-202/Piss-on-Multiple-Sclerosis/Detail"><img src="http://www.mstshirts.com/media/00/a20791a128275db585afb8_m.jpg" alt="Multiple Sclerosis T-Shirts" width="300" height="200" /></a></p></form><br /><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick"><br /><input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="EXHYTG7NPQEQQ"><br /><input type="image" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!"><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1" /><br /></form>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-19612902208312830292010-03-28T11:02:00.005-04:002010-03-28T11:16:05.485-04:00Ok with having Multiple Sclerosis in 2010<p><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span> Well I'm not really happy about this disease(full disclosure time) and I would not wish it upon even my enemies. I am glad about the progress of treatments and support that is available in 2010. My DX came just about 10 years ago now(<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/mstshirts" title="My Story">my saga</a>), at that time there was just 3 main drugs available. Here Todd choose A,B or C (Avonex, BetaSeron or Copaxone). Betaseron seemed to work for about 5 years and now I am on a daily injection of Copaxone. There also was little in the way of a support system in place. There were some small groups that only met once a month at my local chapter, but I felt there should be more.</p><p> Fast forward to 2010 and I am happy to report that there is a lot more options and between what is available through the MS Society and online resources I don't feel so alone anymore. </p><p>Want to talk to MS'ers?</p><p><a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx" title="MS Society">MS Society</a>-<br /><br />I really was quite shy after my initial DX, I just couldn't seem to bring myself to talking about this disease and how it affected me and my family. What I came to realize was I couldn't talk to anyone about it because I was still in a state of denial. I give credit to my local MS Society for reaching out to me and inviting me to a men's group meeting. I really enjoy meeting and talking to others now. I think since I have been able to talk about it, I deal with it better. I highly recommend getting involved with your local chapter.</p><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/" title="Facebook">Facebook</a> -<br /><br />There is a very large community available here. If you are wheelchair bound this is a great way to interact with other MS'ers. Get started by going to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/">www.facebook.com</a>, sign up and just do a search for multiple sclerosis. You will be presented with a very large choice of people and groups. Take your time it can be a little overwhelming, but it is worth the time to learn your way around. I really appreciate all the facebookers who lift me on a daily basis.</p><p><a href="http://www.thisisms.com/index.php" title="This is MS">This is MS</a> -<br /><br />I have been to a lot of forums, generally I found that you had to go along to get along. I found this forum to be very refreshing in that there are a lot of actual conversations going on. A sharing of ideas and that occasional pick me up you get from a kind word. </p><p>This is by no means a finite list, just the first 3 that I like. If you prefer more reading than interacting I love 2 sites in particular - <a href="http://www.msviewsandnews.org/" title="Stu's Views">Stu's Views</a> and <a href="http://ohgreeting.ning.com/" title="The MS bloggers over at the Buzz">The MS bloggers over at the Buzz</a>.</p><p>Have a site that you love to visit? Please post in the comments below. Also please visit our <a href="http://www.mstshirts.com">t-shirt site to benefit MS</a></p>Have a Great DayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-84420648204878131642009-11-17T08:31:00.002-05:002009-11-17T08:34:18.633-05:00Don't get Mammograms until you are 50?<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana;font-size:13px;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; ">We were told today that women don't need a mammogram until they are 50. I have a lot of friends that are women, and to risk their health to save a few bucks really concerns me to say the least. What bother me even more is that when you connect the dots our health care system is in jeopardy.<br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Connect the Dots</span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><ul style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Government run agency makes a recommendation that will save money</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Government wants to run health care to save money</li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; ">Government health care will adopt this policy</li></ul><br /></div> If my bullet points are correct then it is a safe to assume that mammograms will not be covered under the age of 50. That infuriates me !! Lets take it just one more baby step further. What if they decide that the current disease modifying drugs for multiple sclerosis are not cost effective. Will I no longer have the ability to afford a drug that has been proven to stave off this debilitating disease .<br /><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> I am all for more people being covered, I am all for cutting costs in our mammoth health care system. Yes we have very expensive health care in America, but it is the best in the world. When someone gets sick in the world, where do they want to go for treatment? I hope I am wrong but I have yet to see a government agency outperform the private sector. Let's all hope that common sense prevails when it comes to these policies.</div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><a id="uefm" href="http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1939896,00.html?xid=rss-topstories" title="Informational link to a Times article" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); ">Informational link to a Times article</a></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> </div></span></div></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-52581594792425912542009-10-09T14:18:00.003-04:002009-10-10T08:43:25.831-04:00Reading is Fundamental<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:medium;"><div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 25px; margin-left: auto; padding-top: 40px; padding-right: 50px; padding-bottom: 40px; padding-left: 50px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 1100px; counter-reset: __goog_page__ 0; line-height: normal;!important; font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;"><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Reading and Multiple Sclerosis</span></b></div> The scariest part of being diagnosed for me was the possibility of losing any mental faculties. Now so far (knock on wood) I have remained stable and even gained a few points based on the neuro-psych tests i have taken. I attribute my scores to doing regular brain work outs. In my opinion reading and working on puzzles are what slowed, stopped or possible reversed some of the damage that had been done prior to my starting treatment. The purists will say there is no reversing damage from MS, I agree but I think I have found a work around. By the way I firmly believe in beginning medical treatment as soon after DX as you can. Reading is no substitute for seeking medical treatment. You can do some <a id="ty5q" href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=reading+reconnect+neural+pathways+reading&aq=f&oq=&aqi=" title="research here" target="_blank">research here</a> that supports my opinion that reading can create new neural pathways. <div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><br /></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Books vs Articles</span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "> My first few years consisted of reading as much material as I could get my hands on. What I didn't realize was in my zeal to absorb as much as I could, I was reading a lot of articles. probably because I could read them quickly and get another one. After a few years I felt as if I should be further along. Quite by mistake I picked up a book before bed and fell asleep reading, now the very next evening I started reading but with some difficulty. I was becoming so frustrated I almost put the book down for good. What dawned on me was I was not struggling to read, it was my inability to process what I read the night before and start reading where I left off. That was my light bulb 6 years ago. With practice I was able to retain the storyline from the night before, I have been reading every night ever since. I believe that this nightly mental exercise is helping all my cognitive abilities. Although there are some days I get out of bed a little slower, <i>I feel sharper mentally than I have in years. </i></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><i><br /></i></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><i><span style="font-style: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;">Free Bonus</span></b></span></i></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size:85%;">All the reading I have done with is with the intention of keeping myself sharp. An Added bonus that I did not foresee was the feel good factor I like to call it. There is the escapism that comes with reading a good book. After being bombarded with the daily grind of work, bills, health care, a daily shot etc.. It is nice to just escape. Many others have spoken to the healing powers of positive attitude. Reading helps me keep my positive attitude by escaping once an evening....</span></span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Buy a Shirt,Help an Artist,Find a Cure.</span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Artists that have Multiple Sclerosis </span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;">have contributed their time to create</span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;">t-shirts like the one below</span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;">Please Visit the </span><a id="lle2" href="http://www.artoshirt.net/" title="Art to Shirt Store" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><span style="font-size:130%;">Art to Shirt Store</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> or </span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;">go to </span><a id="cr9z" href="http://www.mstshirts.com/" title="MS T-Shirts" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); "><span style="font-size:130%;">MS T-Shirts</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> and help find the cure </span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><b><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><b><div id="ayqx" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><img src="http://docs.google.com/File?id=dhdnc68t_4g8fwgkr7_b" style="width: 300px; height: 265px; " /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></b></div></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; text-align: center; "><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><b><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><i><span style="font-style: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: normal; "><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></span><br /><br /></span></b></span></i></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><i><span style="font-style: normal; "><b><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></b></span></i><br /></div></div></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-54018628350012396472009-08-06T09:04:00.006-04:002009-08-06T09:42:49.090-04:00Reduce Stress and help MS Symptoms<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I traded a couple of posts with my Facebook Ms'ers last week, and it reminded me of a grouping of symptoms and the trigger. For me and lots of others stress can trigger things like blurry vision, additional tingling, and my personal favorite the MS hug. The MS Hug or the girdle as my old neuro used to refer, is a tightening in the chest and abdominal region. Here are some of my tricks to reducing stress, these are the ones I use. I’m sure herbal tea and mediation and such work as well if not better, but I can’t meditate in my office.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1) Do not procrastinate - Yes I will admit I was the king of procrastinating and I found myself always stressed about everything, at some point a light bulb went on that said just get it done when presented(ok obvious but it works) </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />2) Make your plans the night before or in the morning - If I start the day with a game plan the day seems to go easier<br /><br /><br />3) Refrain from coffee and other stimulants - Ok guilty as charged I believe in step 3 but this is where I stumble. I did however go to HalfCaf (I mix half caffeinated and half Decaf in every pot)<br /><br /><br />4) Count to 10 and let it go - It is probably not worth hurting your body over.<br /><br /><br />5) Look at the big picture - "Don't sweat the details" cliché but true.<br /><br /><br />6) Pay your bills online - Not for everyone but I find it easier to click than write<br /><br /><br />7) Read a Book - This can take you out of your stressful environment and I wholeheartedly believe it helps re-establish neuro pathways<br /><br /><br />8) Find some solitude - even if you're at work ,take a walk and breathe </span><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><p class="style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="style3">Buy a Shirt,Help an Artist,Find a Cure.</span><br /></span><br />Artists that have Multiple Sclerosis have contributed their time to create t-shirts like the one below<br />Please Visit the <a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank">Art to Shirt</a> Store or go to<a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-MS-Artists/Categories" target="_blank"> MS T-Shirts</a> and help find the cure<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-342/Rapt-by-Michele-Levani/Detail" target="_blank"><img alt="Multiple sclerosis T-shirt" src="http://www.artoshirt.net/catalog/michele3.jpg" /></a><br /></p></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><p class="style4" align="left">Some notes from Michele Levani<br /></p><p class="style4" align="left">"From the time I was a small child, I knew that I was an artist. I loved rainy days at school because that meant recess would be an opportunity to create art! Many times my school teachers would have to stand and watch me draw because they wanted proof that I was not tracing. Throughout my life, art has defined me. When I first became ill, my ability to create what I saw in my mind seemed impossible. I felt that I had lost myself. Because of the encouragement of my family and friends not to give up, I began exploring other mediums and subjects. Today, I feel limitless and more inspired to create. My art still defines me, not my illness!<br />."<br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><p class="style4" align="left"></p><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-49335461495372528602009-07-06T16:21:00.008-04:002009-07-06T17:31:36.408-04:00Is it Time for a New Doctor?<span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Big Disclaimer here – I am not a doctor; this is my experience as a patient only!!<br /></span></em></span><br />You’d think this would be an easy decision. I have a tendency to approach my life decisions like I do my business decisions. If a vendor doesn’t get the job done he’s gone and I get someone who can get the job done. But a doctor to an MS patient is much more personal than that. The more I thought about this the more difficult this became, because I have not had a major episode in years. Then why would I want to replace him you ask? Well one very seemingly innocuous statement. He says- “Sir you haven’t had a relapse in a couple of years, I think maybe we should take you off of Copaxone” At first I like the sound of this (I am really tired of shots); however is this like half full? Half empty?. I think I have not had a relapse because I am on Copaxone and not in spite of it.<br /><br /><br />My mind looked like one of those movie sequences you see. Picture me walking all night…fade to the pier scene…fade to me walking down a city street… fade to the sunrise. Ok not that bad but I did come to a decision. I need a new doctor, but how does one just go get a new one? (It’s not like new shoes you know). Here is why you want to go to meetings at a local MS chapter. I was able to ask everyone I know in the Upstate chapter for the best doctor in my region. Surprisingly I received almost the same answer<br />from everyone. Hey this was going to be easy I’m calling this guy (no names, no hurt feelings). Again easier said then done. I called made the appointment but on my way down there I felt dishonest. I almost didn’t go in I was so conflicted. Wow was I relieved when the new doctor said he would contact my old doctor for my records. All I could picture was me writing a Dear John letter and having to deliver it (I have an active movie like imagination)<br /><br />My point to reiterating this saga is to encourage you to trust your gut instinct when it comes to your health professional. I would also encourage you to contact your local MS chapter and go to a couple of meetings. The information and contacts that you can make are a valuable tool in fighting MS.<br /><br /><br /><br />Please visit <a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/">MS T-Shirts </a><em>buy a shirt, help an MS artist, find a cure</em><br /><em>hosted by <a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/">Art to Shirt</a></em>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-32884604806610082672009-06-11T19:41:00.011-04:002010-03-25T11:50:50.946-04:00Multiple Sclerosis T-Shirts<div align="center"><br /><p class="style1" align="left"><strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/servlet/StoreFront">MS Artist T-Shirt Sale</a></span></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;color:#666666;">I really appreciate the positive feedback I have received from non MS’ers and people that are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, in regards to an up and coming MS artist t-shirt sale. What I have not spoken to is how much this sale will benefit me. See I have an internal war waging everyday. I was diagnosed with MS in 2000 and I am a conservative. So what’s the problem you say? To tell you the truth maybe there is no problem except in my head. I find myself not telling my MS friends that I am conservative(not republican please save the nasty e-mails) also I find I do not discuss MS with my business associates. The fund raising sale I have initiated allows me to donate to a cause I am very passionate about and I get to sell something(it’s in my nature). So I really owe a big thank you to the artists and others that allow me to do this.</span><br /><br /></strong></p><strong><p class="style1" align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;color:#666666;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Last fall while surfing the NMSS site I ran across a section of artists that have MS, I was impressed with the talent of these folks. Now being a t-shirt guy I saw this art on t-shirts instead of canvas. I could sell these and make a donation to NMSS. Bing!(not the search engine) an idea is brewing. After speaking to these artist I thought they deserved to be in the revenue stream as well. Great! I was stoked (my son says that) Now I can directly help a person with MS and make a donation that will help all of us in the future. Tada- </span><a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-MS-Artists/Categories" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:130%;">MS T-Shirts.com</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> was born. In the coming months I will highlight each artist in a little more depth. I am very lucky to have met these folks they are very inspiring to me.<br /></span></span></p></strong></div><strong></strong><br /><div align="center"><br /><p class="style2"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="style3">Buy a Shirt,Help an Artist,Find a Cure.</span><br /></span><br />Artists that have Multiple Sclerosis have contributed their time to create t-shirts like the one below<br />Please Visit the <a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-MS-Artists/Categories" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/servlet/StoreFront">MS T-Shirts</a> and help find the cure<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-370/MS/Detail" target="_blank"><img alt="Multiple sclerosis T-shirt" src="http://www.artoshirt.net/catalog/at-the-back.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.artoshirt.net/servlet/the-370/MS/Detail" target="_blank"><img height="300" alt="Carole Murry" src="http://tmdesigncorp.com/artoimages/at-the-back-mod.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /></p></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><p class="style4" align="left">Some notes from the Karolina Wojdak</p><p class="style4" align="left">"Although i never attended any art classes, I've been drawing since I was a little child. And now I know where were my visions coming from.<br />I've been diagnosed with MS at the beginning of '07, when I utterly lost control over my right arm and eyes, the neurologist assumes I've been ill since '02. I'm still trying to regain my drawing ability, by the help of my family and friends I know I can't give up trying - drawing is my whole life.<br />With my art I'd like to help MS people like me - to finally get the normal life, to get the cure."<br /><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><p class="style4" align="left"></p><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-20353478760750324302009-05-29T10:37:00.003-04:002014-10-15T15:54:41.519-04:00MS Story with a Happy Ending Part 2<em>This is my to hell and back reiteration part 2;<br /><br />to read <a href="http://mstshirts.blogspot.com/2009/05/multiple-sclerosis-story-with-happy.html">MS my Story Part 1</a></em><br />
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<strong>The News</strong><br /><br />The Neuro I had first visited came to my room and politely told me in his heavy Irish accent that I had Multiple Sclerosis. And I was actually happy to hear this after thoughts of tumors and such. I was promptly started on intravenous Solu-Medrol. After a few days on this powerful steroid I was able to kind of see again and the first thing I see is Maury Povich. Here comes the really frustrating part I could not change the station because my hands were not strong enough, to shut off the ignorant urban slang coming from the TV. Ah well the nurse meant well I looked bored and she left the TV on for me.<br /><br /><strong>Denial,Denial,Denial</strong><br /><br />Thinking about a life without the use of my legs or 20/20 vision was not helping my mood or willingness to really try at rehab. As I made small gains in the use of my extremities, I was reminded of what I had lost by 80 year hip replacement patients walking faster than me. I am kind of a black and white logical sort of person but even when it looked obvious that I had contracted a debilitating disease I had yet to admit it to myself. I remember at one point asking the Doc if I could go home tomorrow and he looked at me with a very serious face and said you know you have something more serious than a cold. About then it hit home in the back of my head some place that I wasn't going to figure my way out of this as easily as I thought. So I knew I had something serious but I held on to my denial because it was my lifeline back to the way I was. I needed that because the outlook wasn't great the Doc told my wife I might not get any better than I was currently. So denying that I would not stay in a wheel chair and I could work again was what I needed at that point.<br /><br /><strong>Maury and the Great Escape</strong><br /><br />OK I promised a Happy Ending (not the naughty kind) so let's get to it. At this point I was hoping to have a dramatic moment to speak about because it makes for a better story. As these thoughts bang around my head I now realize it was just the combination of having my family around me and hanging on to my denial. Now being in denial is not a recommended mental state but it was working for me. I used my denial like motivational tool and that kept me from becoming depressed which didn't work for me at all. I thought if I refused to be disabled then I would not be (ah if it were only that easy). I had physical therapy (pt) at home 3 times a week and I was making small gains which I was able to build on. Taking those first few steps as cliché as it might sound was the key to making a recovery. Now here's where Maury Povich comes in again. I had just finished PT and was feeling pretty good. And again the TV was left on for my amusement and yes again Maury was on TV speaking to the legalities of if a brother and sister move away from the hills, are they still legally married?(I'm kidding but it was something equally as ridiculous). However this time my hands were strong enough to work the remote. But damnit the remote was across the room and so was my cane after PT. With a will of steel and burning desire to change the station; I got up took the 5 or so steps retrieved the remote and banished Maury from my TV once and for all. Now this might not sound so amazing but it was a huge step, and at that point I never looked back. My recovery came rapidly at that point because I think I tried even harder than before. Now what I really wanted to do was to get back to work. My T-shirt shop was not far away but they had asked me not to drive for obvious reasons. But luckily they had not taken away my license just hidden my keys. After seeing the coast was clear I did a few John Belushi moves (aka Animal House), and then made a break for the car and sped off to my shop which I hadn't been to in months. Thank God I had some good employees and good friends they kept it running and even picked up business that wasn't there before.<br /><br /><strong>The Happy Ending</strong><br /><br />I still wake every morning and walk like the tin man from Wizard of Oz, but after my second cup of coffee most people would not know there was anything going on with me. I still have a few bad days but they are few enough that it has not been a problem. The shop has grown to a 25 person shop with embroidery, screen printing and digital services. But the real happy ending was staying home long enough to realize I needed a balance between home life and work. So I don't know if you can call MS a gift but it did help me set some priorities.<br /><span class="style3"></span></div>
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<span class="style3">Buy a Shirt,Help an Artist,Find a Cure.</span><br /><br />Artists that have Multiple Sclerosis have contributed their time to createto t-shirts like the one below<br />Please Visit the <a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/">MS T-Shirts</a> and help find the cure</div>
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<a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/"><img alt="Multiple sclerosis T-shirt" src="http://www.artoshirt.net/catalog/carol3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Some notes from the Carole Murry- </div>
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MS is a thief. It sneaks around in the night and takes what is most valuable to you. It can take your strength, your intellect and your abilities. But the one thing that it cannot take, unless you give it willingly, is your hope. Through the National MS Society and projects like this one, we can keep hope alive to one day find a cure for this devastating illness. This painting is special to me because it reminds me to keep looking to the future. To a time and place that is yet unknown. To a day when there will be hope for people who are living with MS. Stay hopeful. MS does not have to take our future.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7072905118126085386.post-91315983887343312042009-05-28T14:37:00.005-04:002014-10-15T15:52:16.353-04:00Multiple Sclerosis Story with a Happy Ending<div align="center">
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<strong>The Tingle</strong><br /><br />I awoke several days in a row with a pain at the base of my neck and tingling sensations in my hands(sound familiar). Of course I was a male in his 30's with that feeling of invincibility; I dismissed it as overworking. I will freely admit I was and still am a workaholic. It was not unusual for me to work 80-100 hours a week. I often wonder if that wasn't my trigger (doc says no). The pains and sensations would not go away so my very smart wife convinced me to go get it looked at. I begrudgingly arrived and waited what I thought was too long (he was worth it), now after about 15 minutes in his office he looked at me and suspected MS. What a shock! I thought I would hear about a pinched nerve and that I should get some rest. I was convinced as I left the office he was overreacting.<br /><br /><strong>Crappy Morning</strong><br /><br />I awoke a mere 7 days later unable to walk straight and I threw up every time I made the attempt. Now my wife knows me, she called me out of work and then called an ambulance. See I have never called out of work (I'm a workaholic remember), so she knew something bad was going on.<br /><br />Smart woman because within a short period of time I could not walk at all and at about the 4 hour point most of my systems were beginning to shut down.<br /><br /><strong>Scary Hospital Stay</strong><br /><br />They moved me from ER to a room because it really looked like I would be staying a few days.<br /><br />The docs started a battery of tests looking for things like cancer or brain tumors and other nasty stuff. Knowing what I know now I don't blame them MS normally does not present like this. I was unlucky to have my first good size lesion on a nerve center that sent crazy signals to all sorts of places in my body. I couldn't see, walk, eat or any number of bodily functions I don't want to talk about. They decided after seeing a spinal scan which was lit up like a Christmas tree (that's the phrase that was bandied about) that I needed a spinal tap. Spinal Taps are scary enough but I was so out of it I don't even remember the procedure.</div>
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<em>To be continued....</em></div>
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<span class="style3">Buy a Shirt,Help an Artist,Find a Cure.</span><br /><br />Artists that have Multiple Sclerosis have contributed their time to createto t-shirts like the one below<br />Please Visit the <a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/"> MS T-Shirts</a> and help find the cure</div>
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<a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/hoping-for-a-cure-t-shirt-by-jenn-shelton/"><img alt="Multiple sclerosis T-shirt" src="http://www.artoshirt.net/catalog/jenn.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.mstshirts.com/hoping-for-a-cure-t-shirt-by-jenn-shelton/"><img alt="Jenn Shelton" src="http://tmdesigncorp.com/artoimages/shelton.jpg" height="265" width="300" /></a> <br />
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Some notes from the Jenn Shelton - </div>
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My artwork became very important to me after I became diagnosed with MS in 2007. I used to have a career path in Finance, <br />but now concentrate on making abstracts using acrylics as my medium. <br />This painting was done on an oval canvas shortly after my diagnosis. <br />It expresses the various sensory symptoms and what we sometimes have to deal with. The orange represents the desire to find a cure and is used by the NMSS.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17985104180769498151noreply@blogger.com0