MS Journey

Today began early at 2:30 AM when Chase woke me up with his nose. It turned out to be a good thing, as I had forgotten to take my heart, muscle relaxers, and nerve pain medications. My hands and legs had been cramping badly for the last couple of days, and I didn’t want the muscle spasticity to set in, which is ten times worse than a muscle spasm. The memory of the pain from the last episode, which lasted more than a week, is still fresh in my mind. I took my medications, including magnesium, and roamed around until I became sleepy again. A thunderstorm rolled in, and the dogs didn’t like the thunder. I let both of them onto the bed. However, Coco quickly changed his mind, probably because it was too hot for him, and went back to sleep in his bed. Chase stayed, and as usual, he climbed to the end of the bed whenever I fell asleep. A Pleasant Morning By 7 AM, I let the dogs out and was pleasantly surprised by the cool and non-humid weather. It felt like a relief to finally have comforta...

Today was Monday, and for the first time in a long while, I woke up by myself at 6 AM. As I let the dogs outside, the day started with a wave of unease that I understood as soon as I opened the door. The humidity hit me like a wall, forcing me to shut the door almost immediately after the dogs got out. It had rained again during the night; the concrete was still wet, and a few drops fell from the deck onto my forehead. A Morning of Mixed News At 10 AM, I had an appointment with the vision doctor. The news was a blend of good and bad. I got a new prescription, but the doctor confirmed that my optical nerves are damaged, a condition known as optical neuritis. He saw dead nerves that couldn't be revived but was pleased to note that the thin nerves hadn't become thinner. In fact, they were a bit thicker than last time, which was a small victory. Dealing with Deliveries and Fatigue When I returned home, I found a package for my kids had been delivered, but it was missing one of the ...

Today started as usual, but it quickly became a day of reflection, family bonding, and poignant moments. The weather was hot and humid, making it impossible to do any garden or lawn work. The ground was still too wet, and the heat made even the simplest outdoor tasks unappealing. Morning Chores and New Discoveries With the garden on hold, I focused on smaller tasks—picking up trash here and there and taking care of the dogs. The heat was relentless, and I had hoped the recent rain would clear the humidity, but it lingered stubbornly. My daughter introduced me to a new game, which provided a welcome distraction. As I cooled down and played, I noticed our exquisite neighbors returning. Their presence meant any outdoor activity would likely be met with their passive-aggressive behavior, and I wasn't in the mood for it today. The heat had taken a toll on me, and I still had to muster the strength to support a family friend mourning the loss of her mom. A Celebration of Life The family ...

Today was a whirlwind of activity, starting with the aftermath of a thunderstorm and ending with a quiet evening of gardening. It was a day filled with unexpected tasks, family fun, and reflections on the curious behavior of neighbors. Here's a look back at our day: Morning Cleanup The day began with assessing the damage from last night's thunderstorm. The yard was soaked, water-holding containers were full, and the ground was a muddy mess. Cleaning up the aftermath required emptying all the water containers and surveying the soaked earth. Since working in the mud wasn’t an option, we decided to let the ground dry out a bit. Swimming Class and Ice Cream Break With some free time on our hands, we took the kids to their swimming class. My 10-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son had a fantastic time splashing around and improving their swimming skills. After an hour of swimming, we made a much-needed stop at Costco for ice cream. With temperatures soaring to 30°C, it was the perfe...

Today was one for the books—a day that started with a simple task and turned into a hilarious adventure involving rocks, rain, and an unexpected game of catch-the-raindrop. The Rock Line Fiasco It all began with the innocent goal of adding another rock line to the lawn corner. I had just finished placing the first line and was about to start on the second when the sky decided it had other plans. Dark clouds gathered, and before I knew it, a heavy rainstorm descended upon us. Walking in the Rain Determined not to let a little rain stop us, my daughter and I decided to embrace the weather. We splashed our way down the road, delighting in the rain "river" that had formed. We were soaked to the bone, but our laughter echoed through the neighborhood. It felt like a scene straight out of a movie—mother and daughter dancing in the rain, with no care in the world. The Water Catching Experimen t Always one to make the best of a situation, I grabbed my garden totes and started catching...

Today marks the completion of a significant milestone in our home improvement journey—the lawn corner project. It was a hot, cloudy, and sometimes sunny day, but with determination, teamwork, and a sprinkle of fun, we wrapped up this project beautifully. This blog post is a celebration of the day's achievements, the joy of family collaboration, and the little moments that made it special.   A Family Affair As the day began, the sun was already making its presence felt, promising both heat and challenges ahead. But with my family by my side, we were ready. My husband and daughter made sure I was well-protected with sunscreen lotion, setting the tone for a day of thoughtful care and teamwork. Their attention to my comfort was the first of many acts of love and support that would define the day. The Hard Work With sunscreen applied and spirits high, my husband and daughter set off for some shopping. Meanwhile, I focused on adding extra soil—a mix of compost, sand, and soil—to level th...

Today is Thursday, and that means it's time to tackle lawn maintenance, mowing, and trash duties. With a plan to divide and conquer, I started by mowing the front lawn and charging the batteries before moving on to the backyard. Morning Tasks The front lawn was mowed smoothly, and I prepped the equipment for the backyard. However, the day took an interesting turn when our exquisite neighbor came home for lunch. He didn't say a word during his rounds, and then he left, only to return early. Afternoon Interactions Upon his return, he mentioned wanting to mow his lawn. I accommodated by moving any tools and my cart from the sidewalk to give him ample space. Despite my efforts to stay out of his way, he mowed the line close to my property twice, causing damage, and turned on the sprinklers in the zone next to me. Dealing with Passive-Aggression He also made passive-aggressive comments while talking on the phone, a tactic he's used before despite being advised by an officer not ...

Embarking on a new project can often seem daunting, especially when it involves physical labor and the outdoors. However, sometimes, these very challenges become the avenues through which we find our strength and resilience. This blog post is a testament to how you can draw energy and inspiration from within to transform your lawn—and your life. The Vision Imagine a lawn that not only looks beautiful but also functions perfectly. No more bumpy soil causing stress while mowing, and better water penetration and drainage to keep your grass lush and healthy. This vision isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space where you can find peace and joy, free from the anxiety that comes with maintaining a problematic yard. The Plan To achieve this vision, you need a clear plan. The first step is removing the extra layer of bumpy soil. This might seem like a daunting task, but with determination and a bit of elbow grease, it's entirely doable. Next, you will add layers of g...

Today was an inspiring and heartwarming day. My daughters and my 4-year-old son joined me for my Tuesday morning appointment. Having them with me brought a sense of comfort and joy, transforming what could have been a routine visit into a special family outing. After the appointment, we decided to treat ourselves and headed to a buffet. The kids were thrilled with the variety of food, and it was wonderful to see them so excited. We shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed our meal together. It’s these simple moments that create lasting memories and strengthen our bond. With our bellies full and spirits high, we made our way to a local garden center. We picked out some beautiful plants to bring home and brighten our garden. The kids loved selecting their favorites, and it was a fun and educational experience for them. Once we got home, we spent the afternoon planting together. There’s something incredibly satisfying about getting your hands dirty and creating something beautiful with your l...

Today was a wonderful day, filled with delicious food, productive moments, and quality family time. We started the day with a hearty brunch of egg sausage, noodles, and tomato salad. The combination of savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and fresh tomatoes with perfectly cooked noodles made for a delightful and satisfying meal. It was a great way to kick off our day together. After brunch, I took some time to fix the vacuum cleaner. It’s amazing how a small task can feel so rewarding once it’s done. The vacuum was back in working order, ready to tackle any messes that might come our way. With chores out of the way, we decided to spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool. My 10-year-old daughter, and my 4-year-old son were thrilled at the prospect of a pool day. The weather was perfect, and the water was inviting. We splashed around, played games, and enjoyed the sun. Watching my kids laugh and play in the water was the highlight of my day. Their joy is contagious, and it reminded me of t...

Yesterday, I experienced the fastest infusion ever. Despite being on antifatigue medication at just 9 a.m., I fell asleep shortly after my steroids started. The nurses woke me up periodically to check on me, concerned about my vitals. My blood pressure, typically low at 100/60 with a heart rate around 50, was even lower. Despite their concerns, I drifted back to sleep each time. When I finally woke up, it was to the sound of a beeping IV pump. The nurse informed me that my infusion was complete, and my waiting time was already over. Remarkably, I had slept through the entire process, including the video playing, nurses coming and going, the IV pump beeping, and other patients in the unit. As a light sleeper who normally wakes up to my dogs’ morning sounds, it was surprising to find myself so deeply asleep, especially with the medications that usually keep me awake. After leaving the infusion center, I returned home feeling surprisingly energetic. I mowed both the front and back lawns, ...

It is that time of year again for my second infusion of MS medication. As I settled into the chair in the hospital’s infusion center, the rhythmic hum of the machine began to fill the room, pumping the meds into my veins. The Benadryl made me drowsy, but my anti-fatigue medication keeps me teetering on the edge of wakefulness. It was just another day in my life. Most of the day will be spent in the hospital, hooked up to the machine, with the wonderful nurses tending to my needs. The familiar routine brought a mix of exhaustion and a strange sense of comfort as I navigated another chapter in my journey with MS.

Today was a wonderful day spent outside tending to my plants! I even added more to my collection, including a beautiful tree. While the thought of planting everything and mowing the lawn feels a bit overwhelming, especially since I’m still heavily medicated and fatigued, I’m optimistic. I know I’ll find the strength and energy to get it all done, but it doesn’t have to be today. For now, I’ll enjoy the beauty of my garden and the joy it brings me. Taking it one step at a time, and appreciating the little victories along the way.

This week was long and exhausting. Our neighbor’s precious dog, Maris, wandered off in the middle of the night. My daughter and I, along with most of the neighborhood, spent hours searching and calling for Maris, but to no avail.  The next day, neighbors found him in the pond. It was heartbreaking to see such a beloved companion like that. Losing a friend of 15 years and having to fish him out of the pond was incredibly painful.  Despite the sadness, we and neighbors take solace in remembering the joy Maris brought to our lives. He was a sweet, loving companion, always there.

Today hasn't been a good day, and it feels even worse than yesterday. Recovering from an emotionally and mentally stressful day is often harder than bouncing back from physical strain. Last night, I couldn't sleep well; I felt uncomfortable and tossed and turned all night. By morning, I wasn't just tired; I had no willpower to do anything. It was a struggle to even get out of bed. I didn't want to eat, wasn't tired, and couldn't find interest in anything.  Throughout the day, I experienced several blackouts. I felt like I was walking around in a daze, bumping into walls and furniture. My tears kept flowing, and I felt nauseous. I checked my blood pressure (100/50) and heart rate (55) and found them to be normal, but I still felt so uncomfortable in my own body. It's crucial to get my body out of this stress to start recovering. I need to remind myself that it's okay to have bad days, and it's important to take small steps towards feeling better. Coco...

We all have flaws, make mistakes, learn, and move forward. No one is exempt from this cycle, myself included. I'm far from perfect, and it has nothing to do with my multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a part of my life, and it brings its own set of challenges, but it doesn't define my worth. It pushes me to discover new ways to be myself, despite the obstacles. Today was tough. I had a plan to handle some legal matters, organizing all the necessary data. As I went through it, I felt a deep sadness and pity for my family and me. The weight of past experiences resurfaced, like the time neighbor pointed a gun at me and my three-year-old kid one of many hate fueled incidents. It’s beyond comprehension how some people can harbor such hatred. In my sadness, I worked on a song, compiled videos of that incident, and documented everything in a spreadsheet. But despite the pain, I strive to focus on the positive and push past the hurtful and sad days. Today was especially challenging emotiona...

 In the shadows, where the darkness creeps, A heart that's wounded, but the spirit leaps. They throw their stones, they cast their doubts, But we won't break, we'll rise above. (Pre-Chorus) We're not defined by their cruel words, Our worth is deeper than what's heard. We'll find our strength, we'll stand our ground, Together, we'll turn it all around. (Chorus) Oh, we'll rise above the hate, Like a phoenix from the flames. We'll dance through storms, unafraid, In the face of bullying, we'll find our way. (Verse 2) They call us names, they try to tear us down, But we won't crumble, won't wear that frown. Our scars are badges of our battles fought, We'll wear them proudly, lessons dearly bought. (Pre-Chorus) We're not defined by their cruel words, Our worth is deeper than what's heard. We'll find our strength, we'll stand our ground, Together, we'll turn it all around. (Chorus) Oh, we'll rise above the hate, L...

Today, the humidity had me pinned to the bed for most of the day. Even the dogs didn’t want to stay outside for long. But as I reflect on my day, I realize it wasn’t wasted after all. I woke up at 5 am to a cool, pleasant morning. The dogs enjoyed their time outside, and I took the opportunity to get some chores done. Watching them play while waiting for them to do their business was a peaceful start.  Once the dogs were settled, I decided to tackle the ever-growing grass in the backyard. The rain has been relentless, and the grass seems to grow faster than I can keep up with. A task that once took just over 30 minutes now stretches to over three hours. To manage, I’ve divided the lawn into zones: one day the front yard, the next day the back, followed by a rest day, and then repeat. I’m immensely grateful for my self-propelled mower; it’s a true lifesaver, providing both support and a good workout. After mowing, I was pleased to find that I hadn’t even broken a sweat. The kids wer...

Yesterday was tough. After the July 4th parade and mowing the lawn, my fatigue, pain, blackouts, and stress took a toll on my body. I had to forego the friends' get-together and watching fireworks, which I had really been looking forward to. Sitting down to chat, share food, and have a good time with the kids was something I was excited about. However, I think I'll need to figure out a different way to celebrate the 4th of July next year, especially since the kids will undoubtedly want to continue participating in the parade. This morning, I woke up early to the most amazing weather—cloudy, cool, not humid, and with a gentle breeze. Days like this are rare, and I wish we had more of them. I don’t remember the last time I felt this productive.  I finished mowing the backyard, fertilized the lawn, cleaned the garden weeds, played with my little one, picked wild strawberries that the kids missed, harvested five zucchinis and some tomatoes, added drip irrigation, moved potting soil...

Happy July 4th! Despite the rain and a forecasted thunderstorm later today, our spirits are high, and we're ready to celebrate. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the rain will let up enough for the firework show at the golf course.  I still need to mow the lawn, and I'm hoping it will dry out in the next few hours so I can get it done. The dogs have been coming home covered in thick, muddy paste all the way up to their bellies. Chase, especially, loves to run after carts and has managed to create his own little mud track. So, washing their legs has become a bit of a routine.  This morning, we're sitting in the car, waiting to join the 4th of July parade with Senator Sarah Trone Garriott. It's a special way to start the day with the kids. After the parade, we'll head out for a nice lunch together.  In the afternoon, friends are coming over to our house to celebrate the 4th of July with us. It will be wonderful to have everyone together, enjoying the holiday and...

Today was appointment day, and I received some encouraging news. The doctor confirmed that what I have is a big and deep cyst. While that sounds daunting, I’m starting on antibiotics to help reduce its size so the doctor can take care of it in two weeks. It feels good to have a plan in place. After yesterday’s cool and refreshing weather, I managed to accomplish a couple of things today. We've had lots of rain since yesterday evening, which meant I had to empty Coco's outdoor water bowls twice – once in the morning and again at 2 PM. It's a bit of extra work, but the rain has a calming effect, and I enjoy the sound of it. One of the highlights of my day was making chicken dumplings for the kids. They absolutely loved them! There's something so rewarding about seeing their happy faces enjoying a meal I prepared. I even got to savor their leftovers, which were just as delicious. As the little guy took his nap and Coco enjoyed the outdoors, I found a moment of peace. The w...

Today was truly beautiful, with cool and non-humid weather that was just perfect. I let the dogs outside and later mowed the lawn, getting my morning energy and exercise in.  Then, my daughter and I got ready and headed to the avenue for her birthday party. It was an amazing celebration, complete with a balloon drop, bubbles, playhouses, a piñata, ice cream cake, cupcakes, lollipop cakes, and, most importantly, her friends. There were lots of hugs, play, and laughter. She had a wonderful birthday, and her little brother loved every moment of it as well. After the party, her cousin and little brother went home while my daughter and I went to get food and fireworks. We spent a lot of time in the store, trying to figure out which fireworks to get. When we got home, I took care of the dogs and cleaned up a bit. Coco had chewed a hole in his blanket, a toy, and even a wood stick. He’s just a young, chewy, sweet, and at the same time, nutty dog. That’s why we affectionately call him Coco...