While trying to keep up with a busy schedule I neglected to put myself and my health first and I'm paying for that neglect. I am refocused and re energized to make my health a priority because if I don't, MS will take over which I am determined to prevent. As they say, "I have MS, it doesn't have me." It's a whale of a disease but with effort and attention to getting stronger it is manageable.

For 20 years now I have been participating in WALK MS, the largest National Multiple Sclerosis Society fundraising event of the year that has always been so crucial in helping people like myself who are living with MS. The money we raise goes towards helping people dealing with this costly disease while also funding the all important research that will finally END MS once and for all. If you haven't already but would like to donate a little something towards this worthwhile cause, here's the link to my personal fundraising page. 

https://mssociety.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donordrive.participant&participantID=94206

Thanks for your support.

I've been MIA for awhile so today's podcast explains why. I am so thankful today for a good doctor, helpful meds and the support and encouragement of family and friends which are all important to feeling better. Fighting this disease never stops but with this most recent steroid course, I am feeling up for the battle again. Don't ever give up the hope of feeling better because there is always an answer if you look hard enough for it.

My Mom turned me onto a little pill that has literally changed my life so I needed to share that news with you.I had resigned myself to living with this annoying and painful symptom but for now, this medicine is working great and I am beyond thankful. Just when I'm ready to give up hope of feeling better, something like this comes along but the trick is to never give in or give up. Be your own advocate because no one but you knows what you're dealing with on a daily basis.

If Covid has taught us nothing else, we have all learned that plans can and do change last minute. The trick is to roll with the punches which is what we did last week when we had an impromptu holiday party that might not have happened if not for Covid. I understand that taking precautions during a worldwide pandemic is crucial for mine and everyone else's health but being with family and friends this holiday really filled me up and I don't want to go back to quarantining.

Being around disabled people makes some uncomfortable but after years of self work, I am finally not taking that personally. I know that what others think is none of my business but taking care of myself on a daily basis is now my full time job. My hope is that everyone is accepted and appreciated for being exactly who and what they are.

I have figured out some life hacks to make living with MS an easier task. In this podcast I share some of my daily routine and the things I've discovered that will make accomplishing my goals possible even if those goals are just meeting my basic needs most days. I refuse to let this disease keep me from leading an active, full life I was destined for. Out of both necessity and convenience, I've found that being creative in meeting your needs is necessary if you want to continue pursuing a rewarding and involved existence. 

Several times a month, I run into a business or even a medical facility that is not accessible and I'm tired of tolerating this inconvenience. The ADA or Americans With Disabilities Act became the law of the land in 1990 but you might be surprised to learn how many public facilities are still not adhering  to even the most basic requirements of this important legislation. I'm going to stop accepting the status quo and I invite you to also say something when you see that a business is inaccessible. 

I don't think getting up on a huge horse to improve your MS symptoms is the first or even the second or third option that people might consider after diagnosis but I'm here to tell you, the benefits of equine therapy are immeasurable. This podcast goes into a little more detail about how hippotherapy can also help other disabled people by giving riders a challenging and fun way to manage  gait, coordination, balance, cognition issues and the lack of confidence that can go along with having MS.