MS Strength

It’s not too late to raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (U.S.) by participating in one of their walking and/or biking events. MS walks start up again in September and October in different regions of the country. You can walk as an individual or as part of a team, and you can also volunteer at the events. Check out this link to see if any are in your area: Walk MS itinerary.

Bike MS, another fundraiser, is for bicyclists who are complete novices as well as Lance Armstrong types, and everyone in between. There are easy, moderately difficult, and challenging courses. Again, you can bike as part of a team (many companies do this) or individually. You can also volunteer and encourage/provide snacks for the bicyclists at different stop points.

For both fundraisers, you can have people sponsor you, or just donate individually the day of the event. The choice is up to you. I’ve volunteered at both outings and they are very upbeat and inspiring. It’s great to see so many people out raising money for multiple sclerosis.

In the year 2000, I suffered a definite new attack in the summer as I was finishing ultrasound school and starting my clinical experience. My left leg again became tingly, somewhat numb, and weak, but this time it extended from my toes all the way up to my hip. At times I felt like I had a lead leg! This went on intermittently for about a month, and I didn’t reveal this information to anyone but my close family members, who also thought it had to do with having had Lyme disease. I had no specific primary doctor at the time, since I believed myself to be relatively well, and my mind went back to the last general practitioner I saw who did no further investigation after the negative EMG (nerve) test. I went on with my ultrasound clinical experience as my left leg eventually returned to “normal.”

Today I had a great time at a family member’s dance recital. I have to admit that I love going each year because I enjoy the pretty costumes, the toddler ballerinas, and the talented older dancers. I also love the fluid dance movements and the stories that are expressed through the dancers.

Staying on this subject, I think it’s vital for people with multiple sclerosis to participate in some kind of physical activity, whether it be walking (aided or unaided) down the street to take in the scenery, doing some kind of organized or individual exercise program, or working with a physical and/or occupational therapist to maintain mobility and flexibility. Water exercise is another great way for folks with MS to work on physical abilities, because what seems daunting on land (walking, moving limbs, and so on), becomes easier in the water because of buoyancy. Neurologists and physical therapists highly recommend water exercise for those with impaired mobility.

A great source for modified exercise programs—- yoga, aquatics, tai chi, and so on—- is your local YMCA. Another option is to contact your local hospital, because they often sponsor programs for people with MS and other conditions. Plus they have a network of social workers with access to community services.

I am working on my MS mobility by taking walks with my husband, buddies, and parents; bicycling around our neighborhood; and on not-so-good days, just being glad to get some of the housework done. It’s all movement.

P.S. I caught a baby striped bass this weekend in the river, so that brings the season’s fish count up to seven (I’m still a beginner, so I like to keep track!)