Multiple sclerosis

No easy answer

I have a complicated relationship with food, particularly the kind that used to moo, oink or cluck. I became a quasi-vegetarian years ago. A college thing (like torn Levi's or law school?). Gave up beef, pork and chicken. Even went to a demonstration. No, I did not join PETA. To this day, I'm not militant… Continue reading No easy answer

Multiple sclerosis

TV is bad for you

Well, it's bad for me. Because on House last night, there was a patient with mysterious symptoms and delusional behavior. Well, that's every episode, practically. But, SPOILER ALERT!!!, they thought he might have multiple sclerosis. But not any old kind. The bad kind, they called it. Marburg Variant MS. Yes, I went straight to the… Continue reading TV is bad for you

Multiple sclerosis, Uncategorized

Take courage

Another song that gives me goosebumps. Andrew Bird is spectacular. The message is hopeful: "Night's falling. But take courage. 'Cause you're not alone." I love that music can tie us to a specific time and place and feeling. And that it expresses what we can't sometimes.

Multiple sclerosis, Struggles

The new normal

MS is so intrusive. It came over without an invitation, plunked itself down on my couch and decided its stay would be an extended one. In my overtures, I have made it clear it is not a welcome guest. I guess you could say we are in a battle of attrition - I really want… Continue reading The new normal

Multiple sclerosis, Struggles, What was I thinking?

Hot and heavy(-handed)

I feel like I should come with my own warning label these days. CAUTION: Do not let this woman around heavy objects. Or hot objects. Or sharp ones. Actually, just roll her up in bubble wrap but leave her head visible so she can breathe. With a curling iron in my bad hand the other… Continue reading Hot and heavy(-handed)

Multiple sclerosis, Uncategorized

This is (my) spinal tap

Of all the medical-procedure horrors one can imagine, for me a spinal tap ranked up there with the sadist dentistry from Marathon Man, labor, and black market organ removal. Or plastic surgery. Just the mere name of it is unnerving. And then I was told I needed one. I was a little trepidatious about this… Continue reading This is (my) spinal tap

Multiple sclerosis

I get by with a little help

This month isn't just about tryptophan-induced naps or frenzied 4 a.m. shopping or car rides over the river and through the woods. It's about taking the time to show gratitude, an area I could probably use some practice in. I have an amazing support system, starting with the oft-mentioned husband, who is a saint for… Continue reading I get by with a little help

Multiple sclerosis, Nick

Guest post!

Nick has taken over the blog today to write about MS from his perspective. I love this man more than my luggage and am grateful for him each and every day. And he's a damn fine writer, too. Jennifer accuses me of being naïve because I’m constantly looking to the future and thinking about how… Continue reading Guest post!

Fitness, Multiple sclerosis, Struggles, Uncategorized, What was I thinking?

Namaste

Looks like I'll be dusting off my mat and limbering up to align my chakras — after reading this article in the Los Angeles Times, I think I'll be giving yoga a try. That's because I haven't found an exercise or activity that has helped me cope with the physical ravaging and mental draining that… Continue reading Namaste

Multiple sclerosis, Nick, Struggles

What a prick

No, not my husband. Although he is the one administering it. When I first found out about my treatment options for MS, it was a daily shot or an every-other-day shot. No namby pamby pills for this disease (Oh, but wait! There are pills, too.). It's hard-core you suck it up and give yourself a… Continue reading What a prick