Coming Into Existence...

 

Written: April 23, 2018

I had finally transferred these beauties to pots today to allow them to grow and stretch beyond their limited walls of a small pot. They were planted shortly after my diagnosis and still going strong. I have begun to think that these plants are a perfect view of what my life journey has been like so far. It took these plants a while to germinate and develop. They had to absorb the water and nutrients from the soil to grow. My new journey has just started just like these plants. I had to absorb the new information and begin to make changes to my life which would allow to me grow as an individual. I have to step out into the sun to open and brighten my vision. I crave the sun and warmth just like these plants do. We both are working towards coming into existence with our faith and path through the proper environments. If these plants can overcome being watered when I remember, then I believe that I can overcome any obstacle that I encounter.

The past 3 months since my diagnoses of MS has been so relaxing with very little stress. I do not know when the last time was that I felt like I had some control over my life. Who knew that you could feel so much more like yourself after knowing what exactly is going on with you? I have spent the last few months focusing on my eating, exercise and living life to the fullest. There were no doctor visits or required tests that needed to be done. I cannot express how nice it felt to be doctor free. Unfortunately, the honeymoon phase of no doctors must come to an end. May is just around the corner which means back to more tests to see how things are doing. I went to the blood laboratory today to have my blood drawn for a routine checkup. They are testing my blood cell counts, liver, kidneys and vitamin D levels. Once I walked into the laboratory all the memories of doctor visits came flooding through my memory bank. It reminded me so much of why I dislike going to the doctors. The nurse who took my blood didn't have any sense of humor and corrected me on several things that I said. I wasn't sure if he was having a bad day or not. Before I left, I told him that I hope that his day gets better and left him with a smile. I like to try my hardest to keep a positive mindset and why not share it with others. On May 11, 2018, Beau and I head back to Bend, Oregon for an MRI and of course a visit with the doctor to chat about things. I am beginning to get a little nervous, but I know that we are working towards making a difference for my health.

I am slowly beginning to have a routine of what needs to be completed throughout the day to ensure that I am not in pain or too exhausted. I start my day at 7 am every morning with some type of breakfast. I know it sounds early for a full breakfast, but it helps a lot with the medication. Throughout the day and for lunch I have increased my fruits and vegetable intake with very little chips or sugar items. I have found out that after eating a large amount of sugar I do not feel well the next day. I have cut out as much of sugar as possible. Water is my favorite beverage with Gatorade every once in a while. I manage to get a workout in either it be Pilates, Salsa Dance Class or Weightlifting. By 7 pm I am back to eating a large meal in preparation for my last dose of medication. It may sound very scheduled and robotic, but I have noticed a difference and more stamina doing it this way. My skin is still very sensitive due to the flushing, but I think that I have found a moisturizer that works and also a magnesium lotion that I use at the bottom of my feet. It helps remove the toxins that may be creating inflammation. I have not flushed very much because of it. I am very thankful for that because it tends to hurt worse than a sunburn. This is routine is not finalized and can change at any moment. I always have to stay flexible because one day it could work perfectly and the next day that same routine can trigger something.

 


One last item... I have found an MS Support group here in Klamath Falls. My dance teacher Becky met another individual that has MS, and they mentioned the group. Becky and I went to the meeting where I were greeted with support and care. It was nice to meet other individuals that have MS and chat about things that we find to work and not work. It is nice to also be able to talk to individuals that are experiencing the same things and understand it because they are going through the same thing. I look forward to meeting with these beautiful individuals once again the first week of May before I head to my doctor's visit. Maybe they will be another support system.

Life just seems to get better each and every day. I may still be battling moments that bring me down, but I always find a way to overcome the negative. I will continue to be positive; I am eager to learn more about MS and what I can do as an individual to better myself. I am not giving up; I have found dance again and will continue to be strong.