MS and a Cure?!

April 7, 2016 Tracy4 Comments

To start off, I must say that this blog is based on my PPMS and my experience with it. While some may dis-agree, please do so in an adult manner. I will not downplay your feelings, so please do not downplay mine. With that being said…here goes.

At this point there is NO cure for Multiple Sclerosis! None, nada, zip. Eating healthy and living a clean lifestyle will help, but it will not cure. There are medications to slow the progression, but not stop or cure it. This year a new medication is being released [finally] to deal with the progressive forms of MS. While this is excellent news, it won’t do much for me as significant damage has already been done to my body.

A ‘cure’ in my eyes will be able to help all types of MS, not just the least severe forms. It will also be able to replace the myelin and help to restore nerve functions. That is a cure. While stem cell research has shown to halt MS, there are no long term stats yet to show it will stay that way. But, I will say, if I could afford it i’d be all over it. The sad part is I may not even qualify for HSCT due to the severity of my damage. So, in my eyes, not even close to a cure. A cure should be able to help everyone with the disease. IMHO… which isn’t so humble.

I believe in a cure… But, until people see humans as more important than money, we won’t see the cure! There is no ‘profit’ in a cure. And that is the sad reality!

Peace!!

Craziness · Family · FUCK · Happiness · Health · HELL · Hope · Multiple Sclerosis · Primary Progressive MS · Ramblings · RANDOM · Sarcasm

The MonSter…

April 1, 2016 Tracy4 Comments

MS is an evil bitch! For the first time in a very long time I’ve been feeling “happy”. I haven’t felt this way in quite some time. I learned many years ago to downplay my emotions. It always seemed to go bad when I’d mention the “H” word. lol Like the other shoe would drop if I even thought of it. And, BAM, it seems to be par for my course. The MonSter, that is MS, always jumps in to harsh my mellow. And the bitch is jumping on a trampoline right now. I’ve been doing pretty good. Home Depot is going to get my window issues fixed [knock on wood] and life in general is good. So, I should have expected something to happen. I always expect the worst and then when the best happens I get giddy. 😉 I know that seems like a bad way to look at things, but for me, it keeps me sane. Well, I tried looking for and expecting the best this time, and damn if MS didn’t pop up and mess my shit up again. I was actually feeling less fatigued and wanting to do things. But, no, she had to pop in and remind me of my ‘disability’. I’m feeling drained and out of sorts. Depressed and tearful.

I hear the saying, I have MS, but MS doesn’t have me, all the time. But, um, nope… MS does in fact have me. For me it’s all about how I handle it. I can fall apart and give in to it, or keep fighting. I chose to fight. I have PPMS [primary progressive]. My MS is no longer ‘invisible’. It’s out there and in your face visible. I am in the 10% group with my PPMS, and many have no idea there are different types of MS. This page, here, quickly explains the types.

I’ll get through this and keep pushing forward, but sometimes it gets so frustrating. I’m going to throw my pity-party for now, and everyone is invited! 😛

Now I am going to try and find that ‘happy place’ again. I may have lost the battle to MS, but I will win the war!!

Peace!!

FUCK · Health · HELL · Love · Multiple Sclerosis · PAIN · Primary Progressive MS · Ramblings · Strength

MS and the Losses We Suffer

February 5, 2016February 8, 2016 Tracy5 Comments

Facebook has brought me together with some fabulous people who battle the MonSter with me. Heather Leffel is an amazing young woman who shares so much of herself and of the struggles we, fighting MS, go through. Recently she did a video on “MS and the Losses We Suffer“. Together, with Kate Milliken, a video was compiled of excerpts from people suffering from MS [all types] and the losses they have experienced.

I am honored to be a part of this amazing project! I believe the Universe sends us messages from time to time, when we truly need them. I have been going through a very rough time as of late. I was losing hope… Then, BAM, the finished video showed up on my FB feed. As I watched it through my tears, I felt the hope returning to my soul. I was so inspired by those who shared their hearts.

So, without further ado…

Family · Halloween · Happiness · Holiday · Hope · Ramblings · RANDOM

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

October 31, 2015October 31, 2015 Tracy4 Comments

Have a fun and safe Evening! Keep your furbabies safe and away from opening doors.

****************************

Last night was the pumpkin carving party at Don’s house. Here are the wonderful pumpkins that were carved. It was a fun time for all.

I started out dressing like a Vampire, but the wig cap/wig gave me a headache. My fitted Vampire teeth were a pain in the mouth! lol

So, ended up as a Witch. The lace on my hat is over 90 years old. It was my Nana’s. There is also a black rose with it. This is my favorite Witch hat. Yes, I have more than one. 😛

My fabulous make-up was done by Steph. She made me look damn good for a 51 year old. lol

Even with the pain, I had so much fun! I have let fear, being self-conscious, and embarrassment from my illness stop me from doing so many things. I know there will be times when my condition will keep from doing certain things. It makes me sad to not be able to be ‘normal’. One thing is for sure; I am blessed with a support team that always has my back. They never give up on me, even when I give up on myself. I am one of the lucky ones!

A Happy Halloween to all!

Love and Light!

Craziness · Health · Ramblings · RANDOM

Hope is in the air.

October 27, 2015October 27, 2015 Tracy4 Comments

I’m finally back to seeing my neurologist on a regular basis. Last month we decided to have me re-fitted for AFO braces to stabilize my ankles. [foot drop]

I was fitted for both ankles yesterday. While I am unable to walk, we are hoping these braces will help me to stand up using my sit-to-stand. I have not been able to stand due to my foot drop[s] and weakness in my knees and hips. I am hoping for a good outcome. I know it will take some time and a lot of pain, but even the pain will be worth it to me. It was tough fitting me for the braces as my feet literally just hang down. It took some serious stretching and pain to get my feet casted. But, WE DID IT!!

This month my neuro and I decided I will start Tysabri infusions again.

I started Tysabri back in 2011. My blog mentioning it is here. After some time on it I contracted hepA [medicinal] from the medication[s] I was taking. This time I am going to be very careful of the other meds I take while on Tysabri. I will be staying away from acetaminophen and any other med that may cause organ damage. I am being tested for the John Cunningham Virus (JCV) first, as JCV could lead to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)—that usually leads to death or severe disability. I had no issues with this 4 years ago and am hoping I have none this time around. After my AFO fittings were finished, I went by my neuro’s office and I signed all the paperwork to get the process moving along. I will try anything to help myself as I truly have nothing to lose.

Last time I ended up having a power port inserted in my chest for easier infusions, as my veins are shot. I am so glad I did not have it removed when they stopped the infusions. Maybe, somewhere inside of me I knew that one day I’d give it a go again.

I’m trying to keep a positive attitude about all of this. I know I will still have my nightly cry, but I have to get it out somehow. Thankfully, my caregiver and BFF Steph, never lets me wallow for too long.

I GOT THIS!!

Fear · Ramblings

MS and Me…

October 24, 2015October 24, 2015 Tracy12 Comments

Here’s my MS in a nutshell; cannot walk, cannot sit up on my own, cannot get out of bed without using a Hoyer lift, daily pain, double stoma girl (colostomy, urostomy), numbness, fatigue, migraines, shakes, occasional bedsores, unable to shower alone, degenerative disc, obviously bed-ridden and wheel-chariot bound, drop foot, stiffness, pain, did I say PAIN, living in a prison that IS my body, no independence, unable to drive anymore, insomnia (severe), primary progressive MS (aggressive), hot and cold issues, memory issues, brain fog, kaleidescope eyes, dizziness, depression, anxiety, and the list goes on!

I fight every day, and the fight is exhausting.

I won’t stop fighting.

Hope is paralyizing. I won’t stop hoping.

I want to give up daily. I won’t give up.

I will be strong!

Ramblings

Shop Re-Opening!

October 3, 2015October 27, 2015 Tracy4 Comments

Well, it’s getting there. Left Artfire and now back on Etsy. I stopped 2 years ago as my MS took over. Now I am trying to take my life back. Am hoping it works as I need the boost. It’s going to be a long process getting all my jewelry listed, but it keeps me going. Just hoping for some success here. Only time will tell..

Love and Light

Craziness · Fear

Losing my mind

August 19, 2015August 19, 2015 Tracy4 Comments

Since my last surgery in May this year, Im actually becoming “Tracy” again. I’m gaining back some strength and actually getting out of my ‘prison’ occasionally. I know I’ll never walk again, but if I can transfer on my own I’ll be happy.

Now here’s the kicker…when I start feeling even a tad bit good, I tend to over-do-it. Badly… I want so bad to be ‘me’ again I push it too far.

Some say the face of MS is invisible. For the majority of people with MS it is considered the invisible disease. But, for 5-7% of MS’ers I’m also the face of MS. The face no one wants to see or think about. Bedridden, wheel-chariot user, pain most can’t comprehend, and my MS list goes on. I’m the dreaded [badly] progressive form. So when I feel ‘good’ I want to do all the things that get put off. Then I crash and burn. And alas, I’m crashing.

I will get the rest that I need for a few days. I pray it’s only a few days. My last crash landed me in Hospital and then a 3 month depression. People, even some MS’ers, can’t comprehend the terrible pain and loss I have had. I hope with all my might they never have to.

Today I knew a ‘crash’ was coming, but I will no let it kill my spirit as I have in the past. Shit, my friend Stephanie won’t let me. Right this minute though I feel like I’m losing my mind. And, yes it’s spelled losing, NOT loosing! A huge pet peeve of mine. Sorry, I went off track a smidgen. 😉 My sleep is back to noooo sleep tonight. Muscles spasms and shakes are taking over my being. I think Aliens are coming for me to do some probing. Although, that may be fun…hey, it could happen. Now I really am losing it. Lack of sleep will make you insane. Trust me I’m there.

Now I will sit here in the dark with the light of my MAC illuminating my room. Will I ever find my peace, my center? I do not know. But, I will always be searching for it.

Peace!

Health · Multiple Sclerosis