Isn't it annoying that stress has a negative impact on our health? I mean if we're already dealing with emotional and mental strain, we clearly need endorphins not ulcers! Why isn't there an immuno-modifier that can address this issue? And since we're talking about lacking immune systems, let's talk about stress and MS, because that combination is truly unjust. When you have stress and MS, it begets more stress and more MS, leading to even more stress and more MS! I pause to throw a dirty look at who or what ever is behind that serious misjudgment in human design.

So for whatever reason you are dealing with more than your share of stress. Maybe your best friend is moving, your 10 year old is having night terrors and your pet ran away from home. And wouldn't you know... all of this is happening during the summer. Thanks Murphy (of Murphy's Law fame)! Summer is the season when the entire northern hemisphere joins together in a celebratory game of Frisbee. Well, not the entire hemisphere. When you are paralyzed by neuron swelling heat, chances are that you're hovering at the sideline. And when your legs give way and your face is planted in the dirt, no one can hear your muffled call for a change in venue.

"Meditation anyone?"

Nope, you're on your own for this one. But once inside, the cool conditioned air shrinks those neurons back to "normal." Deep Breath. Ok, you're cool, you're refreshed and your neurons are comfie cozy. But in spite of the temperature shift, you can't stand long enough to make dinner and you're too dizzy to even think about the dishwasher. What's up with that?  Cue the music and start the clip reel with that oh-so-familiar soundtrack. "OMG, I'm progressing." "Will I ever be able to do these things again?" A script perfectly synched with images of a wheelchair bound you trying to get around tight corners in your home that no longer fits your needs. When out of nowhere, you excitedly yell at the dishwasher. This is an attack!!!

"Phew",you say to yourself.  "I'm not worsening. All I need is some Solumedrol and I'll be back to my version of normal in no time."

Okay, enough with this thinly veiled second-person speculation. I'm the one who snivels in the summer, I'm the one who lives in constant fear of progression, I'm the one who is excited about the steroid panacea.... and I'm the one who went to the neurologist clicking my metaphoric heels knowing that I will be treated and that there is an end to some of these scary symptoms. Call neurologist, make an appointment, and breathe. I'm not progressing, phew!

So there I am, on the examination table. Having just performed my neurological-dance. Touch your nose now my finger, now your nose and my finger, walk on your heels, now your toes, etc. etc. etc. waiting patiently for my doc to write the script for my infusion when he hits me. (Figuratively of course!)

 "This isn't an attack, Amy - it's stress."  And before the "sssss" sound had completely left his mouth, I interrupted with a louder than intended "Are you kidding me!!?"