A Daring Adventure

Jack, thank you for your encouragement and for bei...

2011-09-09T21:50:27.224-07:00

Jack, thank you for your encouragement and for being there for the kids ... I'll follow up with email ... I have the 'pedals' all set up ... thanks to you both!!

Thanks, Beth ... I'm so grateful that the red-...

2011-09-09T21:45:44.158-07:00

Thanks, Beth ... I'm so grateful that the red-headed birdie has you in her life!!

How about an even more unexpected nudge from an ev...

2011-09-05T17:12:56.027-07:00

How about an even more unexpected nudge from an even more unexpected source?

During some of Beth's discussions with our daughter when we were in AZ, we discovered that you enjoy walking during the coolest part of the day...and it makes both of our children nervous.

Last year, we purchased a small piece of exercise equipment for Beth's ex-husband. He suffers from MS in an advanced stage and is wheelchair bound. His use of this equipment has reduced the potential for blood clot formation in his legs, and has helped him with muscle tone in his legs and arms. He uses it at least three times each day for his legs and arms, and has said it is a great benefit to him. We purchased this equipment for you, and it should be delivered to your house sometime in the next week.

There's nothing like a walk in the open air. This piece of equipment would provide an alternative if the need arises.

You are a gifted writer. Keep up the blog for those who could benefit from your experience and the ability to put it into words.

Jack

Glad to see you posting again after such a long ab...

2011-09-03T17:51:17.747-07:00

Glad to see you posting again after such a long absence! I whispered into a red-headed birdie's ears to encourage you.

I agree with Mary. You need to have a frank and honest discussion on the topic. Just because you have it, does not condemn you to a wheelchair next week. And there are no promises that your dating partner may not develop some other affliction that you can face together, should you choose to move forward together.

A relationship worth developing into a long-term romantic partnership begins with open, honest communication, discussing fears and truths. In the end, if you are fortunate, you will spend your old age with that parnter, holding hands while sitting in matching rocking chairs (or recliners) and merely enjoying each other's companionship.

Keep moving forward! Best regards - Beth

Wow! Well stated. For years I hid behind my MS onl...

2011-07-24T22:17:47.076-07:00

Wow! Well stated. For years I hid behind my MS only to discover that one of the best ways to manage it, at least for me, was to face it head on.

Thank you for this outstanding post.

susan@msathlete.org

For me I tell before it's goes too far partly ...

2011-02-03T08:02:28.082-08:00

For me I tell before it's goes too far partly because it hurts some much if the person thinks I was keeping it from them and now doesn't trust me any more. It's easier for me to spot pity sooner, pity and friendship at first look the same but feel different. But that's just me.

Hi, You've got an incredibly great blog. Most...

2010-10-21T04:22:33.905-07:00

Hi,

You've got an incredibly great blog. Most people tend not to fully grasp what mind power can do to one's achievement.

Never stop dancing. My husband and I started to t...

2010-10-03T18:20:08.116-07:00

Never stop dancing. My husband and I started to take Ballroom lessons 3 years ago. We are getting very good and it's one of the best things I've ever done.

I'm really feeling this right now. I will NOT...

2010-03-30T20:40:59.027-07:00

I'm really feeling this right now. I will NOT give up my life. I WILL find my leggs and balance again. All is not lost. Life is calling... gotta go

I saw your new post. I'm guessing that I was ...

2010-01-03T18:22:52.888-08:00

I saw your new post. I'm guessing that I was the unexpected source. Good! I'm so glad you accepted my "nudge".

I am an insufferable insomnia, without the Prednisone. Have been all my life. I do not take anything prescribed for it. I'd usually just deal with it - often going days without sleep. I understand the aggravation, frustration, and just being tired. About a year ago, Jack MADE me go to the doctor who gave me a prescription for Ambien, but strongly suggested that I try Melatonin first, because the prescrption remedies have severe rebound, whereas melatonin does not. Rebound being that - as soon as you stop taking it - your symptoms return.

Melatonin is naturally produced by your body. You can get a bottle of 250 - 1 mg capsules at the health food store for about $13. My doctor thinks my body simply does not produce enough. Please check with your doctor that this wouldn't adversely impact your condition or treatments. I typically only need one pill to help me sleep. Within an hour, I'm asleep.

Hope this possible MS bout goes away. Yes, you are fortunate to have a case that is more often in remission than it is active.

For Xmas, we gave my ex- motorized bike pedals. It allows his legs to move without his providing the locomotion - thereby not contributing to his feeling tired, while keeping blood clots from developing in his legs. I think you are still energetic enough to exercise on your own, which will go a long way to fending off problems like his. Something to keep in mind if that changes.

I offer these thoughts and experiences to you, because I know how much my son worries about his Dad....and I know Matt and Meghan worry about you, too. We're their Moms - we are supposed to be invincible! :-) I offer them with the best of intentions....

Best regards - Beth

I love you. You are positive and beautiful and rad...

2010-01-01T23:31:09.573-08:00

I love you.
You are positive and beautiful and radiant.
Keep being happy.
X

Beth - thank you for the note. You're right, I...

2009-12-27T15:06:45.326-08:00

Beth - thank you for the note. You're right, I have been silent at this blog for too long. I appreciate the nudge. My thoughts are with Billy's dad and his struggle ... Tess

Tess - You should not give up on this blog. It i...

2009-12-26T13:27:47.927-08:00

Tess - You should not give up on this blog. It is helpful to more people than just you. You have more support for this cause than you realize. Please pick it back up. Billy's dad has MS too. He was diagnosed in 1995....he now walks with a cane (on good days) and works from home. We try to help him when we can (and he'll let us), for Billy's sake. The Copaxone is not enough anymore. He gets 3-days of IV treatments in addition to the daily Copaxone.

And disparities in treatment exist for many other diseases as well, based not only upon insurance coverage, but region of the country. - Beth F. (yes, that one)

I am so glad I found your blogs and to get to know...

2009-11-02T13:22:59.286-08:00

I am so glad I found your blogs and to get to know you a little better, Tess. I love this post. We all have crosses to bear it would seem, some more rugged than others, but you carry yours very beautifully.

Oh I need more days like this - focussing on the m...

2009-09-30T10:55:16.381-07:00

Oh I need more days like this - focussing on the moments.

Not pitiful. But methinks you're perfect the w...

2009-07-02T04:36:59.808-07:00

Not pitiful.
But methinks you're perfect the way you are.

Damn vanity - should be stabbed with a fork.

I am glad that you continue to live your life, ins...

2009-07-02T04:34:47.900-07:00

I am glad that you continue to live your life, instead of giving up or not getting up when you fall down. You amaze me. Plus, can I please have some carrot cake? :)

Your determination amazes me. You teach me so muc...

2009-07-02T04:26:13.954-07:00

Your determination amazes me.
You teach me so much, you inspiring lady!

Thank you
x

Good for you Tess, keep on spiting fate! Harry

2009-05-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

Good for you Tess, keep on spiting fate! Harry

Good for you Tess! Keep on spiting fate! Harry

2009-05-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Good for you Tess! Keep on spiting fate! Harry

Isn't it interesting how a fear can settle so deep...

2009-05-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Isn't it interesting how a fear can settle so deeply even when you know the odds are heavily tilted in your favor? I have been so blessed - yet there are moments when 'What If' screams louder than reason.

Hugs,
T

MS stealing your vision forever is VERY RARE---you...

2009-05-03T07:27:00.000-07:00

MS stealing your vision forever is VERY RARE---you will see many sunrises.

I have no words for you. Only those who have walke...

2009-02-08T18:37:00.000-08:00

I have no words for you. Only those who have walked where you walk can "get it".

But I will acknowledge it. You have lost a big part of your life, and your feelings are valid.

You have been heard, at least by one.