Multiple Sclerosis

Hello Everyone,

Do you or anyone in your life suffer from Multiple Sclerosis? I have a special friend living in Arizona who deals with Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms. Managing the symptoms can be very difficult but can greatly improve the quality of life. The fatigue, spasticity, weakness, pain, along with various other symptoms can be overwhelming.

One of the most disabling symptoms is fatigue. Living with chronic fatigue is tiring and the lack of energy affects the muscles making it difficult to feel rested. Neuromuscular fatigue is one of many types of fatigue an individual with MS experiences. Lassitude is a type of fatigue that in essence means an individual feels exhausted, slow to move, and lethargic. Acknowledging the different types of fatigue caused by the disease and the need for help and treatment involves learning how to deal with one of many symptoms experienced on a daily basis.

I have a deep sense of admiration for people dealing with MS. These patients must learn to use practical coping techniques so they can accept and manage changes and adjustments experienced within employment status, increased independence along with physical challenges and condition.

Clinical trials have shown that proper exercise can increase fitness and reduce fatigue. A Physical Therapist or a Physician can develop the proper Multiple Sclerosis Exercise. However, just like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue patients, exercising to the point of pain means fatigue and increased weakness! Patients must PACE themselves and follow the proper type, duration, frequency, and intensity as prescribed by a physsicical therapist or physician.

As to following a specific Multiple Sclerosis Diet, there are no conclusive scientific studies proving any kind of nutritional therapy affects the course of MS. You can find information about multiple sclerosis on Multiple Sclerosis News at http://www.allaboutms.com. The site offers information about basic nutrition, symptoms, practicing a healthy lifestyle, and individual and family challenges encountered on a daily basis.

I hope and pray God continues to give anyone suffering from MS the patience and strength required to live with MS.

Praying and wishing everyone a fatigue and pain free day!

Thanks Everyone

Hi Everyone,
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I would like to thank everyone for stopping by and taking time out of your day to read my posts. I enjoy stopping by other sites, researching, reviewing and reading other sites. There is always something new to learn.

On another note, I have been exercising with my younger sister. It is my humble opinion that any exercise activity beyond stretching softly, easy yoga moves and a small amount of quick steps is the extent of exercise acceptable for any individual with my health challenges. I do not feel better or stronger after extreme or harsh exercises. I have to pace, complete soft stretches, yoga, and only work on completing short step exercises. For those individuals that believe additional exercise will strengthen chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia patients.....they are crazy!

I do feel better after I have completed soft stretches,  simple yoga moves, and a few step exercise routines. If I overdo, forget it! The rest of my week is ruined. As a child and teenager I could not complete long harsh exercises because I felt worse. I was a band member in high school and always exhausted after practice. I could not figure out why some people felt better than I did or why I hated physical activity. It was because it was exhausting.

Anyway, I am trying to loose a few pounds and enjoying my time with my younger sis. We are not overdoing. She would have to carry me to the car and drive me home after our routine exercise program!

Tip of the day: Only complete soft stretching, easy and slow yoga moves and pace yourself. I hope and pray you had a pain and fatigue free day.

Gaining Strength One Day at a Time!

Hello Everyone!

I am sorry I have not posted since July! I am getting stronger and feeling better.  I was able to check out a couple of stores today, Steinmart, Kohls, and Walmart. I was beat after Walmart because the last stop was actual grocery shopping. No fun. Grocery shopping is not my cup of tea.

I started of at Steinmart finding the coolest ring (pearl and silver bead shaker. ring), two pairs of sandals (7.94 a pair- on clearance!), and a blouse. The shaker ring is silly, cheap, and fun. Allow yourself silly thoughts, buys, finds, etc....it keeps you smiling:) Jerry found five blouses at Kohls (they cost anywhere from $4.00 to 8.00). Three of them were nicely decorated t-shirts and two were dressy blouses. They were having a 70% off sale! This is my kind of shopping.

My oldest son gifted money with rules: (I listened and enjoyed!)


Do not use the money on bills,
Spend the money on yourself and buy something that makes you smile,
Be kind to yourself and enjoy spending the money on yourself.

My birthday is tomorrow  and I am already having a great Friday the13th! I love having birthday's on Friday the 13th because they tend to turn out great.

After my shopping spree I came home and took a nice long nap. Tomorrow I am scheduled to visit my PCP. I think I have thyroid problems based on the symptoms I am experiencing. I will keep everyone updated. Please do not ignore any new symptoms you may be experiencing.


Today's lesson includes taking time out for yourself, splurging on occasion, pacing, resting, and paying attention to new symptoms.


I hope and pray you enjoy your day, pace yourself, rest, listen to your body, and splurge or do something goofy! Do whatever it takes to laugh, smile, love, and share your heart and experience with someone. Write to me and let me know what you are up to. I would love to hear about your day!

Soft hugs and warm wishes from Viv:)

Making it One Day at a Time

Hello Everyone,

It seems these days I feel like I am making it one day at a time. It is a constant struggle to stay motivated with the extreme fatigue I am experiencing. I lost my purse and that seemed to get me down. I am simply concerned about my medication and the possibility of someone else using it.

I believe I am having some thyroid issues therefore, I have requested an appointment with my PCP.I am also scheduled to visit my pain management doctor.

The house chores are weighing me down. Cooking and cleaning seems harder these days and it is taking longer to complete chores. This gets overwhelming and depressing.

I think it is time to go visit my beautiful grandchildren. The twins are so happy, full of love and enjoy life. When you are a child and have wonderful parents who love and nurture you, it is easy to enjoy life and make others around you feel loved. They remind you to smile, laugh, love, and share positive emotions.

Anyway, my plan is to remind myself of the following to help me get motivated and continue on my daily journey of living life to the fullest:


* Discovering your inner peace - is the process of creative goals and visions, making them a reality.

* Realizing what, when, and where, then determine the steps required to start managing and achieving those goals...one step at a time.

* Keep an open mind and be receptive to new ideas.

* Be realistic and let yourself feel joy.

As I meditate, I must clear my mind, breathe deeply, give myself a break, accept my shortcomings, pace myself, and remain receptive to new ideas on how to complete simple chores one day at a time. Wish me luck!

I hope and pray my daily experiences encourage you to accept yourself, pace yourself, and set realistic goals. Spend time with people that encourage love, laughter, and joy.

Invisible Illness CFIDS/FMS: Alternative Pain Management

Invisible Illness CFIDS/FMS: Alternative Pain Management

Alternative Pain Management

Hello Everybody,

What is a TENS UNIT? A T.E.N. unit stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. During my rehabilitation the physical therapist introduced the use of a tens unit. The unit works to alleviate pain by sending mild electrical pulse through the skin to stimulate the nerves beneath. The unit is lightweight and easy to carry. I was able to attach the unit to my belt or place it within a front pocket of a sweater, jacket, or pants. These portable units are very convenient and an effective way of managing pain. The units are battery operated and rechargeable.

These units are not a permanent solution for chronic pain. The muscle stimulator is for customized muscle rehabilitation and chronic and acute radiating pain relief. The tens units are used in parallel with physical therapy and not a substitute for regimented physical rehabilitation therapy. The tens units ease pain and sometimes result in less use of drugs.

The tens unit is prescribed by the pain management doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist. The nurse or physical/occupational therapist explains the proper use of the tens unit. Continual use of the unit will require extra electrode pads, electrode conductive preparation spray (can use alcohol wipes), and battery and battery charger. Units and accessories are available via the Internet or at a medical supply retail store. Quality electrode pads contain gels with non-irritating gels that are sticky providing comfort, reusability, and performance. You can find a unit, the LG-TEC Dual Combo TENS Unit and Muscle Stimulator.

Talk to your doctor about obtaining a TENS UNIT. Using the unit does enable you to decrease the use of medication. It is an alternative, safe, non-addictive, and effective treatment for chronic pain.

I hope and pray you are able to control your fatigue and pain.

Allergic Asthma and Non-allergic Asthma

Hi Everyone,

It sounds like there are a number of people suffering from allergies and asthma these days. I know, nothing new however, I am concerned about my family and friends, so here goes:

There are two broad categories of this disease—allergic asthma and non-allergic asthma and the symptoms are the same for both. With allergic asthma, allergens like animal dander, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen, smoke, and certain foods can trigger an attack. Non-allergic asthma is prompted by things like anxiety, stress, exercise, cold air, dry air, hyperventilation, viruses and other irritants. Common food triggers for asthma include milk and wheat.

There are other causes of inflammation, symptoms can range from mild to severe and can present in different ways. Sometimes patients have shortness of breath, chest tightness, and some people just have coughs. One thing that all types of asthma have in common is chronic inflammation. Inflammation can be triggered by chronic bacterial and/or viral infections, heavy metal overload or a hyper-permeable intestinal lining. Some people suffer from a combination of these problems. Ask your doctor to test for bacterial and viral infections. He may end up prescribing antibiotics and anti-virals.

The doctor can test for heavy metal contamination and some people possess a genetic vulnerability that renders them unable to process the onslaught of modern-day toxins. So what happens? Metals build up in the body and cause inflammation. If you have been exposed to mercury and lead, your immune system is thrown off and skewed towards chronic inflammation, allergies and asthma. While some people may not have the heavy metal toxicity, but rather are lead or mercury burdened. Keep in mind that even lower levels affect function.

It is important to address the underlying inflammation by decreasing environmental exposures to allergens, heavy metals, toxic chemicals, bacteria and viruses in the body that lead to chronic inflammation. In addition, patients must assess for food allergies and alter their diet accordingly. Some doctors believe in nutritional supplementation because many asthma patients are deficient in certain vitamins, such as A, D, and B6. Some patients are lacking minerals, particularly magnesium, zinc, selenium and chromium. Other supplements include amino acids and essential fatty acids. Probiotics can be extremely helpful in restoring the immune system to its proper balance.

Detoxification is an important element and medication is the final component in treating asthma. The key is to address food allergies, modify your diet accordingly, then take supplements that would improve your overall nutrition. Building up the immune system and healing your gut will improve your health.


When I was taking Liquidity, I felt much better. I have noticed an overall difference in my health. I am on a quest to find another product that offers the proper supplements without the bad taste or high cost. Maintaining my diet is not enough, I need to get back on my supplements and I need to encourage Jerry to follow in my footsteps.

Meanwhile, think about what I have written and please consult with your physician. I hope and pray this information has helped someone today. Together we can work at taking control our health!

God Bless and I am sending everyone soft hugs:)