How Multiple Sclerosis Changed My Life

The ugly invisible-Dragon named Multiple Sclerosis first shows his presence between the ages of 20 and 40. I was 25 years old when my journey of dealing with the unexplained muscle cramps, leg numbness, verbal challenges, sudden lost of sight, heart attack pain and back to nothing wrong at all. My medical history is record of unexplained sensations such as tingling, numbness, rashes, itchiness, vision problems and heat sensitivity, that vanished as quickly as they emerged. For many, who suffer with MS, the onset of MS may be mild , with few and far between episodes (Relapsing Remitting MS), while others, suffers of MS will surface in a very dramatic fast onset of symptoms that progress to very disabling results rendering the individual helpless(progressive), but to be very understood, not hopeless. Research on Multiple Sclerosis has come a long way, and the slaying the invisible-dragon , hopefully, is just around the corner. Always Keep the Hope and Pray for research to find the beautiful answer.

Very Important message, please remember, the information that I share with you here, should not be used in place of a visit, call or consultation with your health care provider. I do not recommend self-management of health or medical problems, without the consultation of your health care provider too. If you are using my information you should also research original sources of authority, including, with your health care provider and even a second opinion. Information obtained here is not exhaustive and does not cover all treatments available for MS. If you have any health care-related questions, please call your health care provider. You should never disregard medical advice. You should always seek prompt medical care for any health issue and consult your health provider before starting a fitness regimen or special diet.

I am only one individual, with my own unique symptoms and remedies that work for my situation. My journey through the maze of MS symptoms included consultations with MS specialist, books, research, more research, and second opinions by other health care providers. I continue to education myself with new research information on Multiple Sclerosis. Keep informed, it is your best defense .

Let's now start with common early symptoms of MS for some suffers.

Common early symptoms of MS may include:

* Blotchy or rash on the chest area of skin, sometimes on the neck.

* Itchy. An itch that is not satisfied when scratched.

* Tingling, like after the leg falls asleep and the circulation starts a tingling feeling(sometimes painful, usually just annoying.

* Numbness, my legs tend to be numb quite often.

* Loss of balance, my loss of balance, I feel. is due to the numbness in my legs.

* Weakness in one or more limbs.

* Blurred or double vision, this is usually temporary. My vision is more like a snowy old TV set picture.

* Heat sensitivity, Very sensitive to heat, artificial or Sun.

Less common symptoms may include

* Slurred speech, such as unable to create a sentence.

* Sudden onset of paralysis

* Lack of coordination

* Cognitive difficulties

As the disease progresses, other symptoms may include muscle spasms, extreme sensitivity to heat, fatigue, changes in thinking or perception, and sexual disturbances( triggered by numbness or muscle spasm).

* Fatigue . This is very common symptom of MS. It may consist of increased muscle weakness, mental fatigue, sleepiness, or drowsiness, during mid day, exercise, or when overheated.

* Heat sensitivity . Heat sensitivity (worsening of symptoms when exposed to heat, such as hot shower, sunshine ) occurs in the majority of individuals with MS.

* Spasms . Muscle spasms are a common and can be debilitating symptom of MS. Spasm usually affects the muscles of the legs and arms, but can be traced to cause of headaches(spasm), face pain (when muscle spasm, etc),and sometimes may interfere with an individual's ability to move about freely.

* Dizziness. Many individuals with MS have complained of feeling "off balance" or faint. Some occasionally may experience the feeling of their surroundings spinning around them, this is referred to as vertigo.

* Impaired thinking. Problems with thinking occur in about half of the individuals diagnosed with MS. This symptom refers to the "process of slowed thinking", short term memory loss, decreased concentration, or decreased memory. Approximately 10% of individuals with MS, have a severe impairment that significantly effects their ability to carry out routine tasks they usually do daily.

* Vision problems. Vision problems are relatively common in individuals with MS. In fact, one vision problem, optic neuritis, occurs in 55% of people with the condition. My vision problems would come when I had a stressful day, blurry vision that was not remedied by glasses. Then my vision would return to normal. Most vision problems do not lead to blindness. However, my cousin, who has MS, only has blindness and fatigue.

* Abnormal sensations. Many individuals with MS experience abnormal sensations such as "pins and needles," numbness, itching, burning, stabbing, spasm, tingling or tearing pains. Fortunately, most of these symptoms are not life-threatening or debilitating and can be managed ,even though they are irritating.

* Speech and swallowing problems. People with MS often have swallowing difficulties. In many cases, they are associated with speech problems as well. They are caused by damaged nerves that normally aid in performing these tasks.

* Difficulty walking. Gait disturbances are very common symptoms of MS. Mostly this problem is related to muscle weakness, numbness and/or spasm. Balance problems or numbness in your feet can also make walking difficult.

Other rare symptoms include breathing problems and seizures.

The invisible-Dragon called Multiple Sclerosis is unpredictable and complex process that rears it ugly head in different patterns with each and every individual struck with MS. The dragon is quite a crafty fellow sometimes hiding any awareness, that something is wrong within a single symptom, followed by months or even years without any returned symptoms. In others, the symptoms become worse within weeks or months.

It is most important to understand that although there is a wide range of symptoms, an individual may experience only a few of the symptoms and never have others. Some symptoms may occur once, resolve, and never return. Because the invisible-dragon MS strikes individual's differently, it would be of no use to compare your experience with my symptoms, that I am sharing with you. You are a unique individual, and only you, and a trained specialist in the field of Multiple Sclerosis, can properly diagnose whether you or someone you know, have this invisible disease.

Challenging the Dragon: The Heartwarming Story of a Man Who Lives in the Shadow of Two Valleys

Meet Jim Haverlock, a man who lives in the shadow of 2 valleys - one a literal valley (Methow Valley, Washington state) and the other a metaphorical one, but no less real (The Valley of the Shadow of Death). For the past twelve years Jim has struggled with progressive multiple sclerosis. "Challenging the Dragon" is his story. It is a timeless one with lessons and insights that will encourage and empower readers young and old.

Twisp, WA (PRWEB) July 4, 2006 -- Meet Jim Haverlock, a man who lives in the shadow of 2 valleys - one a literal valley (Methow Valley, Washington state) and the other a metaphorical one, but no less real (The Valley of the Shadow of Death). For the past twelve years Jim has struggled with progressive multiple sclerosis. "Challenging the Dragon" is his story. It is a timeless one with lessons and insights that will encourage and empower readers young and old.

At the heart of Jim's story is that fundamental human quality: The desire to seek out or tool together ways to survive and yes, thrive in the face of a merciless adversary. Jim's nemesis is a dragon called multiple sclerosis; an insidious disease that grabs and tears at him on a daily basis. Jim's battles and skirmishes are documented in "Challenging the Dragon". It is a struggle rich in lessons and insights that apply to each of us, for surely we all wrestle with our own individual demons and dragons, as well as a host of issues related to our vulnerabilities and mortality. "Challenging the Dragon" is a manual of trench warfare replete with real life, "get down and do it" tactics and methods. Among these: Forays into novel treatments being done in Germany, leading edge umbilical cord stem cell therapy in Mexico, and some wondrous techniques for shoring up broken bodies and souls here in the United States.

"Challenging the Dragon" is available through Amazon, Borders, BookSurge, Alibris and the "Flyin-Blind" web site http://14ushop.com/flyin-blind/ .

About Dreamcatcher Consulting, Inc.

Dreamcatcher Consulting and 1shop4u, Inc. were created by Jim Haverlock on the heels of his being diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis. It serves mainly as a cash flow pump, which is to say a means of keeping "beans and taters" on his table. This reflects his rural roots, having grown up on plains of North Dakota where people must jury rig solutions to vexing problems -- out of sheer necessity. Jim's mightiest challenge came in the form of M.S., which laid hold of him in mid-life. Originally diagnosed as having the always fatal condition called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), Jim not only set out to prove this wrong (which was the case), but to slay the actual dragon (MS) that had sank its claws into him and some day regain his health. This particular road to Wellville has taken Jim on a roller coaster ride through clinical trials and experimentation including most recently umbilical cord stem cell therapy. It has also placed Jim squarely in the arms of a gentle spirituality which is predicated on love, hope, faith and giving.

Contact:

Jim Haverlock
Dreamcatcher Consulting, Inc.
509-997-0204
http://www.14ushop.com/flyin-blind/order-challenge-book.htm

The symptoms, severity, and course of Multiple Sclerosis vary widely depending partly on the plaque is deposit and the extent of the demyelination. Experts generally conclude that multiple sclerosis (MS) falls into two major symptom categories:

* Relapsing-Remitting
* Chronic-Progressive

Experts love to add confusion by dividing Chronic-progressive MS into sub-categorized as primary-progressive, secondary-progressive, and progressive-relapsing.

Recent evidence suggests that the disease starts long before symptoms are noticed, or symptoms are too short lived . By the time symptoms appear, there are often already signs of brain and spinal cord atrophy. MS' cause is still unknown. To date there is no prevention and there is no cure. It is not fatal, although it is intrusive in the victims life. There has been great progress made in treating and identifying underlying mechanisms that trigger MS. Much of Multiple Sclerosis becomes a management of time, fatigue, exercise, and mindset.

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis generally occurs in younger people and is the most common form of MS. As I shared earlier, this is what my MS is referred to. I was in my early 20's when my symptoms appeared in strange times and throughout the year. Doctors had a very hard time figuring out what was happening to me. It would not be diagnosed until my middle 30's. It generally follows this course:

* For most the first experience a single attack of symptoms called a clinical isolated syndrome, which typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 40 years. Once a second attack occurs, the patient is considered to have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. If it was diagnosed at the time of the first attack.
* The characteristics of relapsing-remitting MS is the attack (or relapse, flare-up, or exacerbation), which is about specifically MS symptoms (facial pain, charlie horse like cramps in legs or arms, numbness or bladder instability) that lasts at least 24 hours or typically several days. Such attacks are fairly mild in 50% of people with this form of MS.
* The disease then goes into remission (when symptoms improve or disappear), usually about 4 to 8 weeks. To be considered a remission, attacks are separated by at least 30 days. A person with multiple sclerosis in remission may have subtle attacks and not realize it. For example, hands may be a little numb for a few days, or there may be slight awkwardness in gait or coordination.
* Remissions are almost always followed by relapses, in which symptoms flare-up which for some, can be triggered by stress or heat (summer time).

20% of people with relapsing-remitting MS experience little or no progression after a first attack for long periods of time. Research shows that usually by 25 years most people have converted to a more progressive phase, which requires self management.

Chronic-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Chronic-Progressive multiple sclerosis is when symptoms continue to worsen slowly without remission. 20% of multiple sclerosis suffers (usually those whose first symptoms occur after age 45) have the chronic-progressive form and never first developed relapsing-remitting MS. Chronic-progressive MS generally follows a downhill course, but its severity varies widely. My cousin suffered blindness and can not walk. She has Chronic-Progressive MS, which never give relief of symptoms. Three variants are commonly used to define this group:

* Secondary-Progressive MS (SPMS). SPMS is the natural evolution of relapsing-remitting MS and develops during the first 10 years. It follows a progressive course of nerve and muscle deterioration with occasional acute flare-ups, remissions, and plateaus.
* Primary-Progressive MS (PPMS). PPMS progresses continuously and gradually from the first onset of symptoms and has no remissions. It occasionally levels off, and minor improvement rarely. These MS suffers, tend to be older than average at the time of diagnosis.
* Progressive-Relapsing MS (PRMS). PRMS is progressive from the start with acute symptom flare-ups, but may have some relapses with continued deterioration between them. It occurs in less than 5% of people who suffer from MS.

Because the natural courses of primary-progressive and progressive-relapsing MS are similar, many experts believe this distinction is unnecessary.

You should consult with your health care provider if you have any of the signs and symptoms that may be associated with MS. Also , report any signs or symptoms that may not be associated with MS, but may concern you. It may not be MS, but because of the nonspecific nature of this disease, it is best to let your health care provider help make that determination.

Several of the symptoms of MS( which I shared earlier) may send you to a hospital's emergency room.

* experience of visual changes and/or painful eye movements. You could have optic neuritis, one of the most common early signs of MS. Early treatment and intervention with corticosteroid medication may alter the course of this disease. This was one of my symptoms was blurred eye site without pain. I remember sometimes I needed to wear my prescription glasses and other times I did not need to wear them at all.

Vision problems are relatively common in people with multiple sclerosis (MS); however, it is very rare that it leads to total blindness.

The type of Vision problems associated with MS:

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve, the nerve that transmits light and visual images to the brain and is responsible for vision.

According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 55% individual with MS will have an episode of optic neuritis. Frequently, it has been found to be one of the first symptom of MS. Although, optic neuritis is very suggestive of MS, it is not a diagnose, alone , for the criteria of MS.

The symptoms of optic neuritis may be the acute onset of the following:

* Blurred vision
* Graying of vision
* Blindness in one eye (usually)
* Shadow or cloudy vision

Loss of Vision

It is rare for both eyes to be affected concurrently. Pain is a rare occurrence. Loss of vision tends to worsen before improvement is seen (no pun intended). I for me, vision loss can last a hour or a couple of days. For some individuals it can take about 4-12 weeks to recover normal vision. Treatment may include intravenous and/or oral steroids.

Double Vision

Double vision occurs when the pair of muscles for a particular eye movement are not coordinated due to weakness of the eye muscles. Double vision usually resolves without medical treatment, as you will find with many of the symptoms of MS.

Temporary Blindness

Temporary blindness in one eye may occur during an acute exacerbation* of MS.

* An exacerbation, also known as a flareup, is a sudden worsening of an MS symptom or symptoms, which lasts at least 24-hours, and separated from a "previous exacerbation" by at least one month.

Temporary blindness is most often due to optic neuritis.

* sudden changes in personality, loss of strength in the arms and legs, or any respiratory difficulty, this should signal you to go to the emergency room for an evaluation. Though these symptoms are common with MS, they can also be signs of other serious diseases, such as stroke, infection, or chemical imbalances, etc.

It's important to recognize the early symptoms of MS. How Well Are You Managing Your Symptoms?

Fatigue is a big problem if you have MS. Manage your life style will help you win against the disabling result of fatigue!

* Stay Cool (I carry frozen bottle water with me at all times. When I become overheated, I will melt to the ground. The water instantly cools me off).
* do low impact exercise ( I love Ti Chi)
* let others help when possible (I know, I am independent too, others help is a blessing!)
* Take it easy, do not over do it

Thinking and memory problems are often early signs of MS. In the early stage, my train of thought would jump off the track, never to come back. I could not even remember what I was talking about. It was so frustrating, but episodes would come and go. Panic, by the way makes it many times over, worse!! I found that the research by Dr. Barry Sears on fish oil, very, very worth your while to read up on. I truly believe, that knowledge is your biggest and greatest defense!

The pattern of multiple sclerosis varies from individual to individual. No one can predict how any individual's condition will progress.

There are several theories regarding the cause, or causes of Multiple Sclerosis, although the answers still remain a mystery and subject of research.

Genetic factors certainly play a role in MS, to a certain extent. However no single gene is likely to be responsible for causing MS. Rather, the most popular current theory is that the disease occurs in people with a genetic susceptibility who are exposed to some environmental assault (a virus or a toxin) that disrupts the blood-brain barrier. Immune factors converge in the nerve cells and trigger inflammation and an autoimmune attack. Still, a number of different disease patterns have been observed in MS patients, and some experts believe that MS may prove to be not a single disorder, but may represent several diseases caused by their own similar yet different process.

A 2001 study found, that the T-cell immune factors in type 1 diabetes target the same self-antigens as in multiple sclerosis (MS). both diseases have been associated with protein in cow's milk. Even with knowledge , many questions remain unanswered.

It is not known why MS develops in different locations that cause separate disorders. Nor, why some autoimmune events occur in everyone but not everyone develops an autoimmune disease.

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors most likely plays some role in which the individual is susceptible to the MS process. Still, the risk for an individual to inherit all the genetic factors contributing to MS is less than 5%.

Infectious agents, most likely viruses, are the top suspects for triggering the autoimmune response in individual's genetically susceptible to MS.

* The geographical distribution of MS. The number of MS cases increases the further one gets from the equator in either direction.

* Multiple Sclerosis clusters. Four separate clusters of multiple sclerosis outbreaks occurred between 1943 and 1989 Island area, located between Iceland and Scandinavia. During World War II, this region was occupied by British troops.

Infectious Agents are on the radar and teasing a strong suspicion. Although many infectious theories have been investigated, no one viral agent has emerged as a proven trigger. One possible thought is that different individuals may be affected by different organisms that infections may or may not cause MS, depending on genetic disposition. Organisms that rank high on the suspect list are those that can affect the central nervous system. The following are three primary suspects:

* HHV-6. Herpesvirus 6 (a form of herpesvirus that causes roseola, a benign disease in children) is also known to cause encephalitis (brain inflammation) in patients with impaired immune systems. A number of studies have reported higher than normal rates of HHV-6 infection in MS patients, and some experts believe that may be important in MS.

Other herpes viruses can also infect brain cells. They include herpes simplex 1 and 2 (the causes of oral and genital herpes), varicella-zoster virus (the cause of chicken pox and shingles). I partially believe that mine was the result of childhood chicken pox. I was very sick, with the lesions on my ears and even in my mouth.

Whatever the cause, the knowledge, the understanding and managing your symptoms will add to the quality of your life! Educate your family and friends, this is a new journey for them too.

Lifestyle Changes, my way.

When I found out I had multiple sclerosis, I read everything I could about what experts, research and studies had found. My research lead me to Dr. Barry Sears. His research made it great difference for me. I was not able to walk, my speech was unconnected and my short term memory was gone. It was very scary for me, I grew depressed. Dr. Sears did research on MS using his omega-3 fish oil capsules. I share this because we all come upon something in our life that makes such a great differences, we need to share. With that said, we should make every effort to keep up with our general health. A healthy diet, sufficient rest, establishing ways to conserve energy, and develop an emotional support network with family, friends or fellow mates.

I say healthy diet, not to be misunderstood for fad diet.

Healthy reasonable diet to fit your special life style may include:

* Drink two quarts of water a day and if at all possible try to avoid caffeine-containing beverages, which are actually a diuretic. This will help keep constipation mild ( urge incontinence may be triggered).

* Eat a diet rich in fiber, particularly from whole grains (especially bran, oats, or flax), fruits (particularly prunes), and vegetables. Although, I was one, who could not eat too much fiber. I have sluggish bowel a symptom of my MS. Fiber can be murder for me, Yikes. Always check with your family health care provider if any symptoms worsen. Fiber is not always the best for answer.

* Low-fat diets have not proven to have much effect on MS but are, in any case, generally healthy. I found, due to my MS, I tend to have a lot of allergies. Low-fat diet cut out a lot of the things I had begun to be allergic to.

* Fish and fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish, have been associated with protection against inflammation and some reduction in symptoms in people with various autoimmune conditions. Such fatty acids are also available in supplements as docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids. Be sure to research Dr. Sears and his omega 3. Standards for optimal amounts and forms of omega-3 fatty acids have not yet been established, however. Some experts recommend that people with MS eat three fish meals a week.

Exercise:

Exercise is an important component in managing MS. People who suffer with MS and manage to find some form of exercise, are less likely to develop certain complications, osteoporosis, permanent muscle contractions, ulcerations of the skin, or abnormal blood clotting. MS symptoms can temporarily worsen during physical activity, however, so any program must be planned carefully. Check with your health care provider to determine the best form of physical activity. One study reported that physical rehabilitation for 3 weeks in a hospital setting was significantly more effective in achieving functional independence than home exercise. Tai Chi, swim-ercise, and exercise, always keeping mind not to over do-it(i carry cold water to drink to cool me from within).

Some suggestions include:

* Exercise programs must be designed to stimulate working muscles, but at the same time avoid overload and overheating, which can block nerve conduction.

* Stretching and range-of-motion exercises are important because they can relieve muscle spasticity and/or cramps.

* Pool exercises are particularly helpful. Water supports the body, and cool water dissipates heat.

* Specific exercises that strengthen and increase the endurance of muscles that control breathing functions may be helpful. However, it is unclear if such exercises reduce lung complications over the long-term.

* Gradually, patients may be able to build up to more complex exercise programs.

Cooling Methods

Body overheating causes immediate fatigue for us MS suffers. Although this effect is resolved within a few hours of active cooling, the effects of fatigue may linger with slow improvement and improve stability. The following measures may be helpful:

* Use air conditioners in the summer

* Keep the home slightly cool in winter

* Avoid swimming in heated pools

* A portable helmet that uses cold liquid to cool scalpe and neck and therefore lower core body temperatures may help MS symptoms during daily activities

* Cooling suits are being investigated

These suggestions are great and often can be of great benefit, however, I have found them to be bulky and and heavy. I found that ice cool water keeps me from overheating and it is good for me.

Prevention of Influenza

MS symptoms worsen during a cold or the flu, probably because of increased immune system activity. Experts recommend that patients with MS receive a flu shot in the fall. I found that the flu and colds c symptoms are twice as bad and I am sick for two to three weeks.

Try to stay away from crowds during the flu season. Keep your hands clean and away from your eyes, nose and mouth. I clean the doorknobs with a disinfectant daily during this season.  Now, the common cold once non-threaten, will become pneumonia, since the diagnose of MS.

I was very fastidious about keeping a minute by minute journal. The obsession to make sense of this senseless disorder-Multiple Sclerosis, was leading me down the self-destructive path of lost hope, anger, depression and defeat. I was very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and details with my personal experiences, observation of events, physical loss adjustment, blurriness of vision, cognitive, memory issues and fatigue that had robbed me of my full scheduled calender and active, joyful life.

"Active life", was putting my life journey in too simple of terms. I was a single mother of two lively and active baby boys, with a full schedule of appointments with a commercial modeling contract, a full time job as a Business Manager, and scheduled time for Recording a Christian album for my worship team. If you can imagine, I had journeyed through the first part of my life, spontaneous, creative, lively, spirited, and vivacious with blessings from the Lord! Even after battle wounds from a divorce, born out of infidelity and betrayal, I was able to spring forward, cheerful and felicitous. I was intelligent enough to understand that blame, finger pointing, anger, hate, and sinful thoughts of revenge only would cripple me. I had the class to rise above the hurt and pain, leaving the fault in the trash to burn away. The other woman did not steal my husband. I would never bestow such power on another individual regarding my life. Even though young, I was wise enough to realize it was not the other woman that destroyed and ignored the wedding vows that I valued. The fault seem pointless, and I did the same "class act" as we see today, with Elin Nordegren, and Demi Moore, divorce the one responsible in breaking his half of our wedding vows. I was a young, hurt mother with 2 baby boys to raise.

My children's health and happiness became my new vows to honor, as my new journey in life began. "It was unbelievably liberating," , with the power of prayer, and my freedom from lies, betrayal and pain. God had empowered me with the ability to raise my children faith and love. And yes, every precious moment, I would write in my journal, about my fears, my prayers, my hopes and my dreams.

Yes, My journal became my dreaming and blessing catcher. My professional degrees in Psychology and Family, Marriage Counseling, taught that writing your feelings and experiences down, was always a Therapeutic process. Many people know this fact, even without a formal education. Writing it down is a very therapeutic process and it helps rid the body of the emotional toxin released in the body when there is stress or anger.

My world was turned upside down 10 years ago . The diagnose of Multiple Sclerosis; left me numb, angry, scared, vulnerable and confused. Because my fatigue was so overwhelming; "I thought surely I will die in my sleep." I was blessed to be surround by humor, and love, as my Love would tease me, "oh, guess the Lord did not want you now, your still here". I had written often; "please Lord come and take me home". He must see that this was no life to lay dead tired even after 9 to 12 hours of sleep every night. God blessed me with the ability to have the strength to write, rant and vent.  Writing is a process that is harmless, yet a great release, second only to prayer. When I had good days with enough energy, I would do research on my computer. I was searching for answers to the why, when, where and what in regards to Multiple Sclerosis.

Today, I define my MS as a manageable disorder that has brought me closer to God, family, friends, a richer spirituality, and an appreciation for life's fragility. I refuse to waste one drop of my precious energy on hate, anger or revenge thoughts. I have learned, with prayer, to keep my stress level to almost non-existent. The very first thing in the morning I pray and write in my journal and the last thing every night, I pray and write in my journal.

If I serve to help just one person, I am blessed. I would describe myself today as a Humble servant, Gregarious, Fortunate, blissful, Blessed, and content. I pray for God's Will, not my own. I hope for world peace and understanding. I have faith in fellow man. I believe God gave us all the ability to acquire knowledge and wisdom. I will use my wisdom and share my knowledge to help others afflicted with this life changing disorder.

I do not place rules on my writing. I allow myself the time and choice to write as many times a day in my journal as necessary or not at all.  Sometimes I write, only to say, "Thank you Lord, you know my heart, please carry me and take my burden. Amen"

There is a strange phenomenon that occurs, I call the "panic tremors" sensations, during particularly hot days or stressful days. This internal shaking seems to blossom into various other annoy sensations, such scalp itch, face tickles or side tickles. I used to ignore these odd little sensations, until a follow MS survivor shared with me, that when she ignored a tickle sensation on her leg, she had 6 welts from a spider biting her. So, I do examine any tickle sensation.

These sensations make the restless leg syndrome seem like peaceful rest, with compared to the constant stimulation of the head, neck, arms, stomach, legs, feet, and hands.

So allow yourself to get away....away from life's pressures, mean-spirited individuals, negative people, the world.....find peace in the beautiful views that we are all blessed to share......mountains, oceans, lakes, forest, fields, streams and anything beautiful and calm. To hear your heart beat, hear your own thoughts, and just except those little annoying tingling sensations for a brief moment.....just breath.

This is part of my lens is to bring you links, programs, and Hope, by sharing in this very lonely process of Multiple Sclerosis, so that you find that you are not alone by sharing and hearing others stories regarding their personal struggles and courage to succeed. Yes, there is success with dealing with Multiple Sclerosis! Everyone that I know, including myself, have felt the lonely, isolating feeling that diseases, like MS can create. Knowing that there are others, who have been there, are there and have learned to manage symptoms to create a normal, happy, healthy life.

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