Putting Training Wheels Back On...

Written September 30, 2019

On Friday September 20th we made our way back to Bend, Oregon once again for my 6-month MS follow up appointment. We have really begun to enjoy these 3-hour road trips because it allows us to slow down and remember that we have each other no matter the situation. I am not going to lie; I still get nervous going to any of my doctor appointments but this one always reminds me that there is hope.

The visit was short and sweet. We talked about what I was up to, how my symptoms were and if there were any concerns. My doctor then proceeded to do the physical exam which includes reflexes, movement, eye coordination, grip strength (stronger than previous), my 25-foot walk which was even faster. My doctor said she never wanted to get into a competition with me because I am very competitive. After passing all of those tests we decided that since a year has passed since last MRI that we should check and see how things are going. We scheduled that for Friday September 27th which meant we made another trip to Bend but we took it as a blessing to have alone time. When I got my very first MRI in 2017 shortly before I was diagnosed, we stopped at a park not too far from the doctor's office where I walked barefoot in the grass for 10-15 minutes before my tests. Ever since then we have always stopped at the park and let me run wild in the green grass prior to any tests. I honestly believe that doing that allows me to ground myself before sitting in a machine for an hour and half to two hours.

Today Monday September 30, 2019, I got a phone call from my doctor telling me that my MS is STABLE... NO new lesions or NO active lesions. I cannot tell you how much it warms my heart to hear such positive news. Knowing that my lifestyle changes, staying positive and continuing to live life to the fullest reminds me of how blessed I am for my body to adjust and heal the way it does. I know that I can beat this, and I will continue to fight back.

On another note... Putting my training wheels back on means that I am finally at a point in my health that I have begun to take ballet classes again. I have to retrain my mind, body and soul.  I was hesitant and definitely extremely nervous. I was to a point where my nerves were shot, and I was shaking. I have always been a ballet dancer and it has been the best source of discipline for my type A personality. Not only is it a good workout but it has been my outlet to relieving stress. I had to make sure that I understood that I was not going to be at the same level of dancing ballet as I was 3+ years ago. I had to keep an open mind. I have to relearn how to do things especially with my left leg which has more coordination issues then the right. My first class kicked my behind, my legs swelled up a bit with some pain, but I know it was for the good and not for the bad. My brain definitely had a challenge trying to recall the steps and then remember what to do next. It's a good thing that the other dancers have been training enough that I can follow them. I still struggle with jumping but that does not mean I am going to give up. I just need to work a little more on training my leg muscles. I know that I can do it, I just have to learn to be patient. I am truly blessed with the love and support I have from not only my family but the studio instructors and students. They watch over me like a hawk but together we will accomplish so much more than I could ever dream of. Oh Yeah! I still am taking tap too.

Living with MS does not mean you have to give up your dreams. Keep your head held high, take time to love yourself and be the true you. You can accomplish anything that you put your mind to.