Anger · Craziness · Family · Fear · Health · HELL · Hope · Love · Medical · Multiple Sclerosis · Primary Progressive MS · Ramblings · RANDOM · Silly · Strength

5am… Oh Mr. Sandman!

Nights like these are beginning to piss me off. Mr. Sandman must have lost my freakin’ address. My night has been watching movies and trying to sleep.

I realized after reading yesterdays blog, I really haven’t gotten out of bed for a while now. I’ve been thinking about the ‘why’ I haven’t. If I am truly honest with myself, I know the reason… “What’s the point?” I could get up and sit in my wheel-chariot, but then my ankles become kankles, and I really hate that. I’m no longer able to drive, so I can’t just get up and go out. Unless I have help, I can’t even get out of my bed to get in my chair. So, again, “What’s the point?” I feel safe here. I really hate being out in public. I’m in a body I hate, and frankly I don’t like people. I’m not me anymore.

Some might say I’m feeling sorry for myself. Well DUH! I’m fucking human, of course I do at times. Anyone dealing with a progressive illness is lying if they say they never feel sorry for themselves. It’s human nature. I also feel anger, sadness, emptiness, loneliness, and the list goes on. My body is broken and it’s messing with my head. I try so hard to find the ‘positives’ of life, but when you can’t even sit up in bed without someone pulling you up by your arm, positivity is hard to find. Then the fear sets in. Will tomorrow be the day I wake up and my body no longer moves at all? Every night that thought crosses my mind. I’ve lost 2 dear friends, younger than me, to complications of PPMS. It’s fucking scary. And please don’t anyone say it could be worse! This IS my ‘worse’. Death would be easier. I’m so tired of fighting this all the time. But, I’ve never been a quitter, so death is not an option. But, I’m just so fucking tired!!

I know some of my emotions right now stem from the loss of my mom. But honestly, there’s nothing wrong with telling it like it is… the cold hard truth. So many people with with debilitating illnesses keep their inner thoughts to themselves for fear of what others might think. Yes, I think of death, and how much easier it would be. Will I go there? NO! But, the thought is in my head at times. It’s much healthier to talk about it then keep it bottled up inside. People with disabilities unite!! It’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to feel sorry for ourselves, it’s okay to be angry as hell. We need to vent it out in order to heal our minds. Honestly, if the ‘healthies’ and/or others don’t like it or want to hear it, fuck them! They’re not worthy of us in the first place. You really do find out who your try friends are when illness [serious illness, not a cold 😛 ] strikes.

People tell me all the time to think of the good things; family and my friends who love me. DUH, I know this, but I’d also like a little quality of life. No one but me lives in my body. No one but me feels my emotional and constant physical pain. My body no longer works, I can’t do anything without someone there to help me. My independence is gone. When my kids are in school and hubby is at work and I’m home alone, it’s terrifying. I can’t get out of bed or do anything for fear of falling and hurting myself. It feels like i’m in jail.

There’s a line from one of my favorite movies, Last Holiday, that sums it up. “I would like to be cremated. I spent my whole life in a box. I don’t want to be buried in one.”

I know kind of depressing, but my feelings in a nutshell.

 I’m not getting better. I will keep progressing. Scary part is that progression at this point is heading towards total paralysis. Oh joy!

I am looking in to a new neurologist. After 16 years with the same one I feel he’s getting a bit lax. I’m also looking in to a wheel-chariot that has a reclining and raising option. I’ve been looking for clinical trials for PPMS, but most say the patient needs to be able to walk 20 feet to qualify. Are you fucking kidding me. I even looked in to a trial for incontinence, and didn’t qualify. SERIOUSLY!! I’m the incontinent Queen for fucks sake. If they can help me, they can help anyone! 😉 There’s all kinds of new medications for RRMS. Shit, if they could find a medication for the progressive form, that works, they could control RRMS completely. Get on it you researching fools!!

Well peeps, it’s now after 6am. Think I’ll find another movie to watch. Preferably something boring that will put me to sleep. Where’s my ole economics professor when I need him. lmao

A quick note, I’m reading some cool spell books. Who knows i may be able to cure myself. I believe in the power of nature and balance. Damn, I’ve tried everything else, it can’t hurt to give this a go. I’ll keep you posted.

Ta-Ta for now. Love and Light

Family · Health · Hope · Multiple Sclerosis · Primary Progressive MS · Ramblings · RANDOM · Strength · Stupid Stuff

Feeling a bit nutty…

I know, what’s new right? I’m needing a change, so first thing I did was pretty up my blog here with a new design. Love how WordPress has so many cool options.

Not sure if I shared that I am yet again a foster fail! I suck at it. My worry is, what if the people who adopt him are not good. What if they don’t like the fact that he likes to sleep under the covers or between their legs? I actually had NO choice this time as my hubby fell in love with him. Hmmm, so this time it was Rog who was the foster fail!! HA!! 😛

Sleepy Boy Gatsby
Sleepy Boy Gatsby

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Yesterday we finally broke down and got new tires my on crip-mobile. They were getting bad, but when you have no dinero what can you do. Thankfully, Sears has that deferred pmt plan so we have 12 mos to pay it off with no interest. We’re heading out of town soon and there was no way I would let us drive that distance on ‘iffy’ tires. Especially not with my kids in the car.

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I’m trying really hard right now to focus on other things and fight off the depression. It’s a long hard battle. I usually come out on top, but this time seems different. I can’t quite put my finger on it. Normally I ‘joke’ my way out of it, but nothing seems funny right now. I know it will pass eventually… at least I hope it will!

Peace Out peeps! xo

FUCK · Health · Multiple Sclerosis · Primary Progressive MS · Ramblings · RANDOM · Sarcasm · Silly · Strength

Warning: Pissy Bitch Alert!!!

I know, what’s new? 😛

Here’s the deal, I have pendants ready to be added to chains and crystals ready to added to that. Last night I made the prettiest cameo necklace and then realized the chain I used was antique copper and the pendant was antique brass. DOH! I spent so much time on it and was so discouraged… took pics, got em all ready, and went hmmm, doesn’t look right. Looked at hubby, threw my hands ups, and rolled back to my room. I think it was karma [or the Norco] as I should not be out at my table right now. My legs, left mostly, will not stop swelling up. I’ve been keeping them elevated and everything and they/it will not go down. HATE kankles!!! I do not want to tell my neuro because every time this has happened in the past, he sends me to the ‘Big House’ [hospital] for a 3 day IV Solumedrol vacation. I WILL NOT do steroids any more. Sorry!!

The worst part is the pain in my right shoulder going down my arm. After a few minutes at the design table the pain starts. Might be a tendon or something. Too scared to find out and no way to get to the doctor. It’s tough on Roger to take so much time off work for me, and not fair to him. I must say, I’m really loving my Norco right now.

My Precious!!!

What sucks is I cannot sleep on my left side, hip pain. I can’t sleep on my back, DD [degenerative disc] so, I have to sleep on my right side. Soooo not fair!! Someone cut me a break please!!

Yes, I’m having a “Pity Party”, and all are welcome!!

I’m just so tired of being sick and tired. This was not supposed to be my life. I know, it is, deal with it, right? Easier said than done. I’ve had people say that it happened to me because I am so strong. They say that if it had happened to them, they would have crumbled. Um, Thanks, I think. I’m really not as strong as some think…

On a lighter note… yes I know, Random! A little funny for your day/night:

Classic! rofl

Or, as the Fabulous Vicki would say…A good day is when I don’t roll over and crunch someone’s toes!! 😉 Click on her name and visit her blog, it’s awesome!!

Peace Out!! xx

Hope · Love · Multiple Sclerosis · Ramblings · RANDOM · Strength

Tracy’s MSkateer’s – MS Walk 2012

My fabulous team:

Love these people!!
Sabrina, dd Shelby, and Roger
The Fabulous Bobbi
Handsome men!!
Some of my favorite girls!!
Love these peeps!
The Three Amigos! 😉
YAY!!!!
The most awesome Mascot!

Thanks to the best MS Walk Team ever!! Love you all and ty from the bottom of my heart… or the heart of my bottom! 😛

xoxoxo, Tracy

More piccies!!

Gorgeous birds!!
Family
Get to walkin'
All done and medaled up!!

 

Family · Multiple Sclerosis · Ramblings · RANDOM · Religion · Sarcasm · Strength

Fight or Flight?

We all know what this means. In a crisis we either fight or we run. Which would you do? Lately I’ve been running or rolling as it would be. And I’m not a ‘roller’! I’ve always been a fighter. And definitely not a quitter, which is also what I have been doing as of late. I know that the fight is inside of me. I was physically attacked many moons ago in front of my apartment building. I fought and the guy ran away. So, I know the fight is there, I just need to find her again. This is not to say there will be many days I want to quit, but I am looking for my little fighter again. I know that if my PPMS were a person I would have kicked the shit of out her a long time ago. Fighting the MS will be tricky as ‘she’ is not a tangible being. But when has that stopped me before?

Look out Bitch!!

The past week has been very rough and it is not over yet. Hands still shaking, legs still weaker than normal, transferring is tough, fatigue is kicking my ass. I’m still quite depressed, as being in this fucking chair is really getting old. The first thing I see when awakening is my chair and it is the last thing I see when I go to sleep. A HUGE reminder that I am crippled. I think it is so hard because I know what it is like to walk, to be able to go when I please, have Independence… ALL of which was ripped out from under me, literally!

I am hoping the ‘fight’ in me comes back. I cannot make any promises as I have no idea what each day is going to bring. I am terrified of going to sleep as I never know when waking if my body will have finally succumbed to the MS. Will I wake up totally paralyzed? What then? I know there will be days and blogs where my pain will come through like a punch in the face, so be prepared.

I only have myself and my inner strength to count on. I know I have family and friends, but this fight is solely up to me. No one can ‘fix’ my emotions but myself. Some have suggested counseling… sorry but talking to someone in high heels and who is healthy is NOT for me. I do not care how many books they have read or how many people they know in a wheelchair, they are not living it so they have no clue! This is FACT not fiction!

Well the hands are getting weak and my head is staring to nod, so I’m out!

But, before I go, good luck with the Rapture! I know I’ll still be here tomorrow as will everyone else. Well, maybe not the quacks that believe this, hopefully they will go! 😛

xx, Tracy...
Anger · HELL · PAIN · Ramblings · Strength

A Dog Named Patrick…

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” -Mahatma Gandhi

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Starved to the point where he had no temperature then thrown down a garbage chute like yesterday’s trash, this was the life of Patrick. He is an approximately one year old Pit/Mix who was brutally mistreated by his owner.

Animal Cruelty Charges Filed in Case of Brutalized New Jersey Pit Bull

abused and left for dead

But this amazing puppy has more spirit than many humans I know and he held on. He made it through the night to March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, and was given the name Patrick.

these eyes...

If these eyes could talk, most would probably not be able to listen about the torture he went through.

My spirit is strong!

I will fight to help other animals that are abused.

Thank You!!

Please help end this cruelty. Remember, it starts with animals and moves on to the children. Someone who could do this to a living creature, could do this to anyone.

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“Never believe that animals suffer less than humans. Pain is the same for them that it is for us. Even worse, because they cannot cry for help…” ~ anonymous

Please take a stand!! Sign the petition and help save other animals and make people pay for their crimes. It only takes a minute.

Patrick’s Petition!

Pictures borrowed from Prayers for Patrick edited by me. Click to join this wonderful FB site for Patrick!

xx, Tracy...

 

Anger · Family · Fear · Multiple Sclerosis · Ramblings · RANDOM · Sarcasm · Strength

Giving up…

Those two words are not an option for me. I have three wonderful children that need me and a husband that loves me. So how does one deal with the emotions when their whole soul says, I want the pain to stop?

I wish I knew. Last night it felt like my bones were trying to some through my skin. I know no other way to explain it. My skin was crawling and my emotions were flying all over the place. What was I doing when this happened? Trying to go to bed. Yup, that’s it, just trying to sleep. WTF!!! Roger was trying his best to comfort me, dd#3 was scared and dd#2 was lying in bed holding on to me and crying.

I got so pissed. This MonSter isn’t only screwing up my life, it is killing my kids. I screamed at God, I screamed at the MS. If either were human in front of me, they’d be dead now!! If you wanna mess with me, go for it, but DO NOT mess with my kids. My faith is gone and nothing anyone says is going to change that for me. I believe in a ‘higher power’ but that’s it. And do not try and preach it to me… please. I’m no longer in the ‘politically correct’ mode. Okay, I never really have been, but now you’ll just piss me off.

I have no issue with the ‘believers’ out there. Keep it to yourself and we’ll get along fine. Push it on me and we will not.

I’m angry, I’m depressed, I’m fat, I’m lonely, I’m in pain [emotional and physical]. It’s not going to go away like the flu or a cold. I deal with it as best I can. I do not want to hear about that person with MS who ran the marathon, or any other success story. Not to be rude about it either, but they most likely have rrms and are in remission and have the funds to be able to do these things. I’m not and I don’t. I’m happy for them, but do not want to be compared to them. We are ALL different in our disease.

I am and have always been a fighter… MS HAS won the battle, but the war is still on!

xx, Tracy...
Multiple Sclerosis · Ramblings · RANDOM · Strength

MS Walk 2011

My personal page and our team, Tracy’s MSkaters

I ‘roll’ so someday a cure can be found. Being trapped inside your body is something no one should ever have to face. It is my hope, my dream, that the cure will be found and this MonSter will never strike another person.

If you are able, please donate to my team. I know how hard times are right now, so thoughts and blessings are always welcomed!!

Please help us find a cure.

xx, Tracy...
Health · Hope · Multiple Sclerosis · Strength

Multiple Sclerosis: Hope on the Horizon

Ampyra

Is this the medication I’ve been waiting for? The one to give me hope?

In a nutshell, this medication helps you regain leg strength. Click on Ampyra above for the full description of this medication.

My MS counselor told me about a woman with Secondary Progressive MS who is taking this. She is walking again. At this point she is re-learning how to walk. Funny thing is you do forget how to walk. When I used to use my walker I had to remind myself how to move my legs right. So, it seems this medication may work for all types of MS. I have not heard any stories for Primary Progressive, so maybe I can be the first!

Now, I do not expect miracles. Even getting back some leg strength to be able to transfer easier would make my day. Hell being able to get into bed on my own would be amazing!! So, I have a call in to my Neurologist. I am hoping he will call me in a scrip for it. We have talked about before, but I needed to do my own research on it first. This time I am not going to let side effects cloud my decision. If I get any, I will discontinue using it.

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Now, here’s the ‘nothing comes easy for me’ part. My left knee hyper-extends 20 degrees backwards. This cause lots of pain and torn meniscus issues. I had surgery some years ago to fix the tear, but last year was told it was torn again. I have not had surgery as it will keep happening if they do not fix the problem causing it… the hyper-extension [ligaments in the back of my knee are shot].

Problem, no orthopedic will do it. Reason, I have MS and am in a wheelchair so why. The insurance companies will not cover a knee replacement on a cripple. So, if I get leg strength back, what will it matter as my left leg will hinder walking for me. Now they have offered me braces. Have you ever worn a knee brace to stop hyper-extension? They are bulky and they hurt. Thanks, but no thanks. Since I’m not some sports figure I guess they figure why bother. Well I’ll tell you why…

I deserve quality of life just like anyone else. I deserve the same surgeries for this problem just like anyone else. One sports orthopedist told me that this surgery might keep me down, maybe six months, unable to move much. I about pissed myself… REALLY like that will be a big change for me. The end result might be I am able, with the Ampyra to walk again, even if I still need walking aids. I held myself together and when we left that guy and got in to the car, I cried. It was the same from the doctor that did my knee surgery.

Why doesn’t anyone give a shit about us? Why are people with disabilities treated like second, shit third class citizens? Why don’t we deserve the same chances? I’m 46 years old, I have many years left, why won’t they help me?

I am going to go back to my knee doctor once I start the Ampyra. Maybe if there is progress and he sees progress he will re-think the surgery. Oh, I have some swamp land to sell you too… notice my subtle sarcasm! rofl

I am the squeaky wheel kind of girl though. And this will end up being my new project I’m sure. Wait’ll they get a load of me…

Blessing and Hope!