The miseducation of…
"Ergo, the benefits of having MS is that I met my other, weaker self, and I learned how to be strong and wise before my own eyes, and at the speed of light. Even E.T. couldn’t follow me on his BMX bike. He tried, the little fella, but lost my phone number. Go figure."
Managing fatigue
Dr Anita Rose is a Consultant Neuropsychologist who works across the globe. She created a list on how to manage MS fatigue and this is something to live by. Dr Rose is well-known for her clinical work, research and consultancy to different MS groups. She travels the world speaking of patient, as well as health professional empowerment. Fatigue is not only a debilitating symptom of MS; it also is the most common symptom. Those living with it speak of it in various strength and terms, and only have one hope: to one day be relieved of a symptom that upsets daily routines and causes people to retire from work. Managing fatigue top tips, by doctor and author Anita Rose Always remember you should never accept fatigue as an inevitable consequence…
Tiredness ≠ fatigue
"Yes, I do know how to read calendars and clocks. I even know how to reset the microwave clock when Ireland changes to a new daylight saving time. Please don’t compare your healthy tiredness to unhealthy fatigue, it’s like comparing microwaves to planet Mars."
A day in the life of fatigue
Slowing down
A friend sent me this picture this evening as a reminder that I need to take a step back from writing, reading, advocating and generally helping others so I can “get better” again. We all know people with MS do not “get better” but I understood his reasoning… I need to sleep more, relax more and stop running around like a crazy chick (also his words, not mine :)) It has been a mad few months really. Stepping up my writing for the Ireland Blog Awards (being nominated and then shortlisted has finally started sinking in), going away for the MS National Day in Galway (stress about public speaking!), starting a writing course (not done a dicky-bird yet!), having to travel abroad because of the passing away of my uncle,…
Sleep: a time-consuming commodity
Shoulders back, head held high. Striving to soldier on, wanting to do more. Body says ‘no’, mind perhaps too. This morning I ran into my leading enemy. Not the one I declared war to over some silly misunderstanding when I was 8, nor the one who swore she would never talk to me again when I was 15, but one much closer to my heart. Me. Sometimes people say you have to confront in order to conquer. But what if this is a person, namely, yourself? I’ve had many confrontations with myself, but I’ve never been a good listener. If/when given the choice, I’d rather kick up some more dirt than having to listen to the rules. Especially when it comes to having to rest. And sleep.
The worst snoring secret is out!
So yes… I snore. Considering how much weight I gained after too many MS steroid treatments, one side effect was completely overlooked. I am now the owner of a good habit of sounding like Miss Piggy at night. Steroid treatments should lift energy levels, not snoring. But I do… Like Miss Piggy.