What makes your MS "Disappear?" - My MSAA Community

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What makes your MS "Disappear?"

greaterexp profile image
96 Replies

There are moments when something so captures my attention that I forget about MS. Looking at flowers in my garden does this, listening to certain types of music, laughing, praying, and other things seem to make MS melt in the background. Of course, chocolate does that, too!

What takes your mind off of this disease, even for a moment?

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greaterexp profile image
greaterexp
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96 Replies
erash profile image
erash

Painting, writing, music...I’d like to say exercising but sometimes that’s the biggest reminder ☹️

in reply to erash

OMG you are so right exercises put you so close to the disease and reminds you of your physical limitations.

erash profile image
erash in reply to

Sadly...because I love exercise

Sweetheartonvdayl profile image
Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to erash

Hi erash😊

Have you ever tried water exercise like "just 🚶 in the shallow end"

Sadly, all gyms are closed now...

Even just stretching helps.

God bless you erash😊

Lisa❤

erash profile image
erash in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl

Yes, we have a pool and it’s great when bath tub warm 😊

MSnWV profile image
MSnWV in reply to

I normally try to exercise a little bit every day. Even following the MS Gym program I have issues doing the most basic of exercises.

I use to be pretty fit and use to exercise a lot. I became sort of an exercise snob. The harder the exercise. The better. The exercise using the heaviest weight I could lift. The better. Not anymore.

I get so upset with myself for my inability too exercise the way I use to. I curse myself out so much trying to follow along that my wife thinks a drunken sailor must be trying to exercise as well.

I keep thinking, hoping, praying that if I keep exercising I will somehow return to my old self. But so far it is only reminding me of what I was and how much I have physically declined over the years. The thought of that alone keeps me from ever forgetting or taking my mind off of having MS.

I do think if I don’t stop feeling sorry for myself and start accepting my physical limitations I am only asking for more heartache. And even though I know this I still go through the same thing every day.

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to MSnWV

I think most of us understand this struggle. Many have worked hard at accepting the disease, not with defeat, but with adaptation. We are all certainly at different places in terms of our abilities, but most of us try to do as much as we can to maintain as much independence and health as possible.

I wish you the best as you figure out what works for you.

MSnWV profile image
MSnWV in reply to greaterexp

greaterexp

thank you for your concern and kind response.

in reply to greaterexp

What do you do for exercises? How did you adapt?

CynthiaS profile image
CynthiaS in reply to MSnWV

It's a new chapter, is how I look at it. Grateful for my former life --_athlete, super cape always on. When I was first dx'd I told my boss, someone stole my cape, Perspective......... Best most normal time for me. When I first wake up, eyes still closed and my body absolutely still. Blessings Cynthia

MSnWV profile image
MSnWV in reply to CynthiaS

CynthiaS

Thanks. The first couple hours after waking up is when I feel most productive. I usually have a mental list of things I would like to accomplish for the day thought up the night before. I’m lucky if I get one task finished before I am exhausted. I know my attitude needs work but I am stubborn. Some how some way I will learn to make peace with this crappy condition.

Sweetheartonvdayl profile image
Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to MSnWV

Remind yourself of all the things you can do!

I always say " do the best with what you got&if that's not good enough(for "them)

Then go @$#:%!'yourself!!

Of course I'm talking about the general public!

God bless you MSNWV. 😊

LISA❤

MSnWV profile image
MSnWV in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl

Sweetheartonvdayl

Thank you. I have the @$#:%!'yourself!! part down pat. I need to work on the other part. The important part.

falalalala profile image
falalalala in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl

🤣👍

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs in reply to MSnWV

I think MS Gym is more forgiving. I tried doing "Building Better Balance - Free from Falls" routine today (also on YouTube - I initially found it on the National MS Society site) and couldn't. It was really stressful. I used to do it with my eyes closed, but couldn't today and went back to the reassuring MS Gym. I think even trying there makes a difference and works on the muscles.

MSnWV profile image
MSnWV in reply to IFwczs

IFwczs

Yeah it does help. Even though I can’t do all of the exercises correctly at least I am doing them the best I can. I just need to get out of my own way and stay as active as I can . Thanks for the pep talk.

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs in reply to MSnWV

We are in this together. Which MS Gym programs do you use? This is the link I use -

youtube.com/watch?v=SPIJ5xB...

I skip the hip bridge because I can't get off the floor. Also, the heel slide on the right foot is just an imitation since my right foot doesn't lift.

MSnWV profile image
MSnWV in reply to IFwczs

I’m doing the sitting strong program with the companion guide program for hip flexors. Hip bridges were part of yesterday’s exercises. I too can’t get off the floor. I did them on a fully reclined lift chair recliner. You can also do them on top of a bed.

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs in reply to MSnWV

I forgot you can't post YouTube links here. This one is called "No-Cost At-Home Full-Body Workout."

in reply to IFwczs

What program are you talking about ? can you tell me how to find it '

MSnWV profile image
MSnWV in reply to

Ms gym on YouTube or ms gym.com for membership options

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs in reply to

I private-messaged this link to you, but it's not working. If you want me to email this link to you, please private-message to me any email address you can access.

in reply to IFwczs

Thanks for the offer: please write the web address inits totality. I will try it on u tube or google chrome.

thanks

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs in reply to

youtube.com/watch?v=SPIJ5xB...

in reply to MSnWV

I totally can relate to the awareness of you physical decline. I go to the gym less and less and exercise less and less to nothing over the past 5 years or so, It is a catch 22... the less I exercise the more I notice a physical decline. At least you still try, i used to love swimming. I go tto start to do things again in my place since gyms are out anyway.

rjoneslaw profile image
rjoneslaw

watch tv because I don't have to walk anywhere

I'm just sitting in my bed most of the time yelling at the tv depending on what I'm watching

There is always that one character that you just want to shake or smack back into reality.

Or you're watching something that's sooo funny you have tears rolling down your checks and you can't breath

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to rjoneslaw

Sounds like a plan.👍👍👍.

Donnie

MSnWV profile image
MSnWV in reply to rjoneslaw

Even though watching tv is probably the least difficult thing I can do now I can’t enjoy it 100% because of my inability to move or adjust my body to a more comfortable position when necessary.

rjoneslaw profile image
rjoneslaw in reply to MSnWV

that can be a problem

RoseySawyer profile image
RoseySawyer

When I'm feeling happy and having fun with my family!!!!♥️ I love water country. It took my mind off of this damn disease until the ride home afterwards. 🤭 It was so worth it!!!! 🙂😍♥️🌹

jimeka profile image
jimeka in reply to RoseySawyer

What is water country?

RoseySawyer profile image
RoseySawyer in reply to jimeka

A water park. 😁♥️🌹

RoseySawyer profile image
RoseySawyer

And watching my kids play Baseball/Softball. They're so talented!!! And hanging out with my Hubby!!!😍🤗🙂♥️🌹

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to RoseySawyer

Grandkids are such a wonderful creation!

RoseySawyer profile image
RoseySawyer in reply to greaterexp

My kids still have a ways to go before they make me a grandma. 🙂🤭 ♥️🌹

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to RoseySawyer

Oops! I meant kids.

hairbrain4 profile image
hairbrain4 in reply to greaterexp

I've. Always said I wish I could have figured out how to have them first!

2littletime profile image
2littletime

Grandkids!!! Listening to my 6year old explain how to play a video game, watching my 8year old do cartwheels, hearing my 3year old tell me he loves me, or listening to my 20year old sing. 😍

jimeka profile image
jimeka in reply to 2littletime

Beautiful 🤗

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to 2littletime

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. So sweet!

Sweetheartonvdayl profile image
Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to 2littletime

I always wished I had family ...But that wasn't in the cards for me..

Now ,I have a family it's ALL OF YOU- my MS family!😊

God bless you 2littletime!

Lisa❤

jimeka profile image
jimeka in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl

Always 🤗

Peruzzot profile image
Peruzzot

Reading a really good book

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Peruzzot

So true! I miss reading a lot.

Peruzzot profile image
Peruzzot in reply to greaterexp

I have at least 7 different books going right now. 4 ebooks, 2 physical books, and 1 audio book. I finished one physical book last night. I listen to audio books while driving and I'm almost done with it.

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs in reply to Peruzzot

What kind of books do you like reading?

Peruzzot profile image
Peruzzot in reply to IFwczs

A little bit of everything, except romance, or horror.

4fishylady profile image
4fishylady

I get carried away by listening to my favorite types of music. I especially like Southern Gospel music. BTW...the Grand Ole Opry will have Ricky Scaggs and also Dailey and Vincent tonight on either Circle TV or facebook at 8 pm ET, if anybody cares for that type of music.

Timeflies5 profile image
Timeflies5 in reply to 4fishylady

I saw Vince and Amy at our local concert hall years ago! Ricky Scaggs is too cool...I’ll check out FB...thx for the tip! 🤗

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to 4fishylady

Music is amazing!

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to 4fishylady

That’s absolutely my kind of music. I love Southern Gospel.

Donnie

Timeflies5 profile image
Timeflies5 in reply to 4fishylady

Vince Gill, ft Ricky Scaggs, Alison Krauss...totally feel the spirit in this song. 4fishylady , Doubled51 , jimeka , greaterexp ,

youtu.be/NwFiWCUkk4M

jimeka profile image
jimeka in reply to Timeflies5

Thank you ✝️

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Timeflies5

I saw Allison Kraus when she 16 and was with Union Station at a little hole in the wall place in Urbana, Illinois. The leader of Union Station introduced her, saying that he thought she had a “nice little voice.” It wasn’t long after that when it became “Allison Kraus and Union Station!”

Timeflies5 profile image
Timeflies5 in reply to greaterexp

Wow...so cool...I think she has the sweetest voice ever!

I know that what taking picture and/or working with photoshop does to me or reading the NYT or le Monde.

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to

I hope to see many of your pictures!

jimeka profile image
jimeka

Going out into the countryside on my off road mobility scooter, with Razor my dog, and just sitting quiet watching the deers, hares run around, Razor running along side of me. Looking at wild flowers in the ditches, and just basically enjoying nature. Plus being with my grandsons. Good post. 🤗

in reply to jimeka

sounds like heaven on earth.

Timeflies5 profile image
Timeflies5 in reply to jimeka

😎👍👍

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to jimeka

You have a gift for noticing the little things that matter.

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to jimeka

I love your plan jimeka . I specifically asked for a mobility scooter to be off road. I pray I at least get that.

Donnie

Boxofchocolates profile image
Boxofchocolates

Walking my Golden Retriever, Ginger! She is a tiny bit "older" and tires easily (like me) but we seem to encourage each other to keep going! 🐾

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Boxofchocolates

I love this. So many people here are blessed with wonderful pets that are a real blessing.

Timeflies5 profile image
Timeflies5

When my hubby is near...I also lose myself in music, photography, exercise, nature walks and I enjoy cleaning our home...before the stay-at-home orders...my kids and grandson brought unspeakable joy...above all, my faith...there’s no room for MS where love abounds!👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💕Great post!

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Timeflies5

Wonderful!

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to Timeflies5

I pray your faith gives you great peace.

Donnie

Timeflies5 profile image
Timeflies5 in reply to Doubled51

Thank you, Donnie...same for you...gotta do our best to trust...John 16:33🙏🏻Susan

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51

Good preaching from a good Holy Ghost filled man of God. Does it every time. Praise God. If that don’t do start a fire in you your wood is wet.😇😇😇.

Donnie

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Doubled51

What a way with words you have!

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to greaterexp

That comes from worshiping in a Holiness Holy Ghost filled church😀😃. My father was a baptist preacher and my wife’s was a holiness preacher but died when she was 5 but she was still raised holiness. The first time I walked thru their doors I saw quickly that that was my kind of worship. Good preaching and loud music. I loved it.😇😇.

Donnie

4fishylady profile image
4fishylady in reply to Doubled51

You've got that right, Donnie!

Doubled51 profile image
Doubled51 in reply to 4fishylady

Nothing like it.👍👍👍🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.

Donnie

goatgal profile image
goatgal

Almost any activity I do, intellectual or physical, will take my mind off MS, so the busier/more actively engaged I am, the less I think about it.

2Kiggy profile image
2Kiggy

Working in gardens @ home and at the Zoo. Cannot overheat though, or symptoms immediately take charge again.

Texandyroe profile image
Texandyroe

Watching TV, chocolate, reading, chocolate, needlework, chocolate ...but primarily spending time with my granddaughter and her mom and dad. But since the pandemic began, they voluntarily put themselves on a “Don’t go the grandma’s” ban. ... so needless to say, the chocolate consumption has increased🤪.

Hi greaterexp 😊

What makes my MS "disappear" is watching comedies, action &romance movies. And PRAYING , of course!

God bless you

Lisa ❤

twooldcrows profile image
twooldcrows

i agree with you ...the flowers do make everything go away ...well said to help with the cheers ...thank you ...

redman44 profile image
redman44

Praying. My family 🥰🥰❤❤. I'm so grateful to God for MY FAMILY.

Tazmanian profile image
Tazmanian

Being near my wife

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Tazmanian

That’s wonderful!

jbdesi profile image
jbdesi

i stay in my wheelchair close my eyes think of a waste basket and me crumbling a piece of paper and throwing it in the waste basket

after awhile whatever was happening seems to disappear

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to jbdesi

I so appreciate your ability to picture things.

rrw5620 profile image
rrw5620

I have a computer program called Microsoft Flight Simulator.

I can fly anywhere in the world. I enjoy going to different states and look at there Scenery from the air (Scenery is duplicate of actual Scenery with Computer Graphics that are off the charts). A lot of professional airline pilots use program for practice. You can make the simulator easy or professional mode which is for private and professional pilots.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim

A really good movie that totally takes my full mind, is clean, and has a happy ending, like “pelican brief, while you were sleeping, that one with Susan bullock that her identity was erased. Hard to find,, I want my mind to totally forget current life and be totally engrossed in something else. Like the movie with the runaway bus with Sandra bullock. Flowers used to do that but I go outside and see a few weeds around my flower bed or rock garden and start to pull a few and in 5 minutes I have muscle spasms in my arm rest of day, infuriating. Takes the joy away. But they are beautiful. Hubby is spraying for weeds to help me. So a good movie it is. And my memory is so poor I find I can watch movies again because I have forgotten the details😂😂😂😂 clean suspenseful movies.

Agape to you, one and all

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to agapepilgrim

Hubby and I enjoy happy movies mainly, but a little action and suspenses keep us interested, too. It’s amazing how caught up we can be if the story, script, and acting are good.

agapepilgrim profile image
agapepilgrim

How could I forget spirituality? Of course, a deep prayer experience, an inspired message from a minister, an amazing epiphany from a scripture - that’s when I realize this all will be over in a “twinkling of an eye” and the greater part is behind me. Just a little while longer to travel this path of Pilgrims Progress. Thank you for the reminder. Love that old song, “ this world is not my home, I. Just a traveling through.” And as Corrie ten boom, who suffered so much in the concentration camps, said “Through it all, she leavened to trust in God and His Word.” Agape

Timeflies5 profile image
Timeflies5 in reply to agapepilgrim

Well said...amen!

eharoot profile image
eharoot

watching and hearing my children and grandchildren get to connect with each other over zoom and what's app

4myms profile image
4myms

My fur baby Hera and my bunnies! Also, walking into my beautiful backyard on a sunny day 🙏🏻

Scamp56 profile image
Scamp56

Talking with friends and family is a mind set changer for me. Being involved in conversation keeps the muscle and nerve issues at bay.

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to Scamp56

Good for you! I think it helps keep our minds sharp, too.

IFwczs profile image
IFwczs

I started learning a new language (French). With Rosetta Stone, I get so angry at the pronunciation exercises (where I think I pronounce something properly but the program disagrees over and over again), I get so angry at Rosetta Stone, I forget all about my MS.

greaterexp profile image
greaterexp in reply to IFwczs

Ha! Frustration is finally good for something!

mrsmike9 profile image
mrsmike9

Reading has always taken me from my troubles, even before MS. I always say, "Some people drink, some do drugs. I read." There has always been an escape there.

Sweetheartonvdayl profile image
Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to mrsmike9

Wish I could read- lacking concentration d/ t last MS excaserbatin.😞

But I can listen to audio books!

God bless you

Lisa❤

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