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 Mulitple Sclerosis (MS)

I spent years trying not to let MS effect my life at all. I ignored the pain and fatigue that were my body's way of trying to get me  to slow down. After over two and a half decades with this diagnosis, I no longer ignore my symtoms, but rather honor them. I have always been a sieze the day kinda gal, chasing dreams and waves with full enthusiasm, imersing myself in work the rest of the time. MS forced me to change some things about my life.
A couple of years after my diagnosis, my neurologist recommeded that I leave my job permenantly and apply for SSI. The stress of work where we were chrnoically understaffed and under-resourced,  was triggering unexpected neurological effects and he predicted I would be in a wheelchair in under a year if the progression continued. I left my job opting for state disability rather than SSI. I knew I had plenty of skills that make me very employable if my body would cooperate. This plan bought me time and felt less permanent. 
While on disability, I prepared myself for the written exam that prospective ASL interpreters must  pass before proceeding to the practical portion of the national certification exam. I did some volunteer work too but primarily I learned to live with this disease that caused me to lose my balance, fall,  struggle to close buttons, have nerve pain, effects my gait, reduced my vision and besieged me with debilitating fatigue. 
The best way I have found to describe how MS effects my limbs is this. If you can imagine one of those thick (often blue for some reason) rubber bands that stores (in America) use to bundle broccoli. Imagine trying to stretch that rubber band just a bit further than it is meant to stretch. That resistance that comes with pulling the rubberband further than it's meant to streach is very similar to the resistance I feel in my legs, feet, arms and hands as I go through my daily tasks and activities.
Im addition to that, I am recently prone to spasms in my limbs, sometimes so intense as to casuse bruising on the surface of my skin. 
I live with migraines, some triggered by environmental factors, some triggered by prolonged spasmes in my upper body. 
I counter the effects of MS through diet, excercise and lifestyle. I do not use many synthetic (human made in a lab) medication, as my body responds much better to natural remedies. I realize that this choice isn't for everyone and I respect those who chose another path. I find that natures medicines work well enough for me. I am sure that some of my symptoms could be eased through pharmaceuticals, but not enough to make the side effects worth it for me. 
Instead I use my spice cabinet and garden to create healing. I use herbal remedies and natural solutions because they allow me to adjust almost immediately to the ever changing needs of my body. I don't have to titrate down off of medications when my symtoms ease, and I can increase the amount or type of inflamation reducing foods I eat/spices I use, when I need to do that. I find accupunture and massage to be very helpful. I don't see the chiropractor often enough but that is another way I keep myself in balance. 
With that said, I do see  western doctors as needed,  on my terms. I am open about my dislike for the American medical system as a whole, though I know many AMAZING practioners in that system.  I insist on working with doctors who are "paitient first" focused, take out of pocket payments (an indication of patient first) and treat me as an expert in my body while they fill the role of expert in their field of medicine.  
It can be a challenge to avoidg getting lost in the pain of living after living with pain for over three decades.
To remain  whole I engage two of  my superpowers-rescilience and gratitude.
My gratitude practice includes the making of a daily ten item list. I often write it, but sometimes the process is mental. Those days are a bit of a cheat though, becuse I spend a lot of time mentally focused on gratitude and have a running list in my mind all the time. 
  

I am a superhero. We all are. My superpowers are rescilience and  that I can exhale peace into any situation.
What's your superpower?
                                  --Carla

Image description: Carla in a swing made of wood and orange rope, suspended from a tree branch with trees all around. Carla is sitting in the swing and turned looking backward at the camera. She is wearing a plum clolored shirt, tan capri pants and a smile.  Photo creditL Luisa de Jesus