I have MS {Please stop looking at me like that}

Wowzahs!! It's only been forever and a day since I actually wrote up an update on my health. Here goes...

 I feel okay! I actually have a cane now...to help with balance issues. You know. And so that I get those 'looks' from people. Those pity looks, you know the kind. YUCK!! Stop looking at me like that!

 I know you mean well. Really, I get it. It's hard to know what to say to someone who feels sick half the time. But when you say, "Oh, I know someone with MS", I really don't know how to react to that. Or the "Yeah, I get tired a lot too - it's hard, hey?" ....Yes. Yes it IS hard. It's a daily struggle!! Sometimes I'm so tired, I don't even know what to do with myself. I can hardly walk. What people don't understand is that I'm not JUST tired. Like, it doesn't help to just sit down, or walk slower (oh don't get me started on the 'walking slower' comments). Fatigue is a huge part of my MS. Fatigue basically starts a downward spiral with me. My legs start to hurt and become a little bit more numb, my head starts to throb, sometimes I get a migraine, sometimes not. My eyes get fuzzy. I start limping, and my balance goes all wonky (hence the cane).

 *sigh* I also need to say something here, that I'm sure will offend a few of you. Or a lot of you. But I have to say it. I'm really not interested in these 'natural' things. Melaleuca, fennel seed, turmeric,  whatever. NO THANK YOU.

What a lot of people don't understand, is that I NEED to be on a medication to slow the progression of this disease. My neurologist explained it to me this way:"It's the difference between walking for the next 5 years, or walking for the next 25 years."

 That's pretty huge to me.

All of these herbal drinks and pills might make me feel good right now, yes. I understand that. BUT - they aren't going to heal me. They aren't going to slow the progression of this disease. It's not like a bad rash or a few bad headaches every once in a while. I do take vitamins to help boost my immune system, because with MS I'm basically susceptible to catching everything. My husband had a cold a couple of years ago...and I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia for 4 days.

All of that being said, I DO REALLY APPRECIATE everyone who has offered, and still offers, to help. People offer to bring me meals, to come and hang out with me, to take care of the kids for the day. THAT is huge for me. THAT is the kind of help I need and love. :)

 xoxoxo