Hi Lisa,
I agree with Just2tired that too much anticipating relapses means lost normal time. It may also mean lost fantastic time. It would be too bad if we miss a chance because we are too cautious.
I know it is hard not to look over your shoulder wondering if an attack is lurking. We all have to be careful, but we also have to be careful that we are not creating an experience that may lead to regret. It always sounds to me as if you enjoy life.
You and Pippin have a good - and fun- day.
As always, Lisa, a wonderful analogy about earthquakes and MS. Yes, we should never be in fear with our MS, or give in and hide for the rest of our lives. We should live openly and with a purposeful life, knowing that we have MS and, as that saying goes, MS does not have us!
Being the cat lover that I am (we have two, Max and Newton) I am glad all of your beautiful cats bounced right back. They are amazingly resilient animals. Sometimes I watch them stretch and wish I could duplicate their stretches for myself. (Although the cat pose in yoga is taken from them, and I can do that!) Anyway, our cats keep us mindful and alive with their unconditional love and constant source of strength and comfort. Eh?
Another wonderful post, Lisa!
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Well, Lisa, I have no earthquake experiences to report since I was diagnosed in 2003. You have made a valid point about MSers possibly anticipating that next relapse and perhaps unconsciously making it actually happen! I know I have. But I have learned that with MS, if I spend a lot of time anticipating symptoms or relapses, I really lose a lot of "normal" time. I am not saying that one should not be careful or take care to prevent an exasperaton. I am watchful continuously of any changes that may foretell a problem. It is how I deal with that information that counts. I just adjust and adapt to a less stressful routine and after time goes by I realize that the relapse never happened! It is a matter of each of us being in tune with our bodies, and what our limits are. If I have to cross that line and go beyond my limit, it is generally for a very good reason and I accept that there will probably be consequences (i.e. more pain, less mobility, etc). I call it my "price to pay" for any activity that takes me across my limit line. As a Reiki Master I am usually very in tune with my body, although sometimes things take me by surprise. It really is not hard to be in tune with your body either - just take some time to meditate on yourself every day and pretty soon you will almost be able to feel the blood rushing through the blood vessels! lol
My latest big surprise is this: My husband took me home to Kentucky to visit with the sisters and family I have left. I was fearful that the flight would undo me, but I just forced myself to relax a little and used Reiki during the flights. I had told my sisters that I would probably need at least 24 hours of bed rest after arriving, and guess what? I was actually in better shape than my husband was! I was up and ready to go the next day and so happy to be able to see everyone. As you may know, Kentucky is really hellish as far as heat and mugginess goes-something we are not used to in Washington. But I actually handled it very well and did not overheat except once or twice during the whole trip! I am convinced that by adjusting my attitude and preparing myself mentally, the physical problems that should have gone bananas didn't. The trip home was so much different-I woke with a migraine the day we flew out. The crowds and noise immediately sent my pain soaring, and halfway to Chicago I pretty much lost feeling in my legs. By the time we got to Seattle, I had lost control of my bladder. Poor Tom had to travel back with the Queen B**** of the Universe. Interestingly enough I did not actually relapse until I had been home for several days. And it didn't last long. I accepted all that because I accepted the price I may have to pay for the activity.
Accept, bless, and adjust are my mantra words. It sure makes life a lot easier.
Love and Blessings to all! I hope you all have a wonderful winter!
Jan