Cat Caretakers and My Wonderful MS Friends 🧡

A couple of days ago, I posted about a recent bout of fatigue that had me feeling helpless and immobilized. I asked for any help, suggestions and advice that you had. I was so touched with everyone's thoughtful replies! It was so helpful to hear what has been working for you. It was also very comforting to know I am not alone.

I was able to implement some of your advice immediately: Slow down and rest. My entire Saturday consisted of sleep, cat cuddles, and more sleep. All 3 of my fur babies were fantastic nurses, just as you all were fantastic friends.

I will continue to look into your other suggestions, but I wanted to take a brief moment to express my gratitude to you all. I didn't realize how isolating MS can be when no one around you has it. For the past few years, I've been muddling through it on my own, consulting my Neuro when I can and scouring the internet for everything else. Having people to talk to, consult with and commiserate with is a necessity. It has also become a joy. I am so appreciative of this group and all of its members 🧡 Thank you

[Sweetheartonvdayl]

Hi CJasmin 😊We will always be here for YOU.

I just joined MSAA , after 25 yrs. So , you are smart , not waitnting 25yrs!

🙏❤Lisa💕

[Hidden in reply to Sweetheartonvdayl]

Lisa, we are both smart! 💗 So glad we have eachother and this wonderful group!

[Midgey_Midge06]

Now that is a weighted blanket! I am so glad u found this group. Its awesome here

[Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to Midgey_Midge06]

For real🙏❤💕

[Hidden in reply to Midgey_Midge06]

I love that! "Weighted blanket" 😂 I never thought of it that way, but it's true- Even if I didn't have fatigue, I wouldn't have been able to get out of there

[Sweetheartonvdayl in reply to Hidden]

I 💘the analogy to a "weighted" blanket!

[falalalala]

Glad you're feeling better

[Hidden in reply to falalalala]

Thank you! Your posts and replies helped get me through 💖

[Dolf]

Pets are excellent stress relievers! So you are a cat person, I am a dog person. I had a dog (Mia) for more than 12 years. She passed away in July Two month ago I adopted a German short haired pointer. He (Obi) and my wife are best friends. Slowly he is hanging out with me more and more. He is a shy, but friendly dog who loves water and enjoys playing in his kiddie pool.

It is often said that one is either a dog or a cat person. What in your mind is the difference between a cat and dog person?

[Hidden in reply to Dolf]

My condolences for Mia's passing. So glad that you now have Obi though ❤️

I actually was a dog person before I got my cats! But living in an apartment with no yard and working long hours meant that I wouldn't be able to give a dog the level of care it deserves. Now that I have cats, I do appreciate them. I love dogs and cats equally, as they each bring amazing characteristics to the table!

But to answer your question- I feel as though dog people are more outwardly sociable, loving and warm. I feel that cat people are loving and warm too, but may take a moment or two to show it, as they are very discerning. As for those of us who are both- well, we are just all over the place 😅 But that's just my humble opinion 😊

[greaterexp]

I hope the rest has been therapeutic for you. It’s so good to know that you find you can lean on us as family and friends who understand far better than most what you feel.

Rest and feel better soon.

[Hidden in reply to greaterexp]

The rest has been therapeutic, but so is talking to all of you.

No one else in my life has fatigue, so I have no barometer for it. When I have days where I just can't physically move or have a coherent thought, I feel like I'm slacking or being lazy. By talking to all of you, it hammers home that fatigue is real and it doesn't necessarily mean that I have an issue with work ethic; it doesn't mean that I'm lazy. And that is a big relief ❤️

[greaterexp in reply to Hidden]

My poor father had a heart issue which caused him great fatigue from childhood on. He lived with an aunt and uncle on their farm for a time and was constantly chided for being lazy. Because of that, he worked 14-16 hour days the rest of his life until his stroke. It's a shame what others and our own selves can do to impose a guilty feeling that isn't deserved. I hope that when you rest, you can always remember that rest is therapy, too, just like medicine. I don't always remember that myself, being task-oriented, but I'm learning with the help of everyone here!I hope you're feeling better today.

[Hidden in reply to greaterexp]

Oh thank you for sharing this with me 😞 What a lesson about fatigue... I'm so sorry to hear that about your father.

But I understand how he felt. I was told the same thing by my mother when I was growing up. So I've worked since I was 15 and a half to prove I'm not a slacker. When I was in college, I had a full class load and still worked 30-40 hours a week. After I graduated and started working full time, I'd work 10-14 hour days. At a job I had earlier this year, I worked from 7am-9pm, seven days a week. Losing my job in August was a bit of a blessing- it's the first time I've actually had the luxury of rest in a very long time. I will remember to appreciate it.

Hope you are doing well 💗

[kdali]

I think I missed your post, but when I first started having issues all day, I used ice on my head and deep breathing to help get me through the roughest parts. Sometimes just sitting for 10 min will give you a little reset.

[Hidden in reply to kdali]

Ice on the head... that might help 🧊 If anything, the cold will give me a quick jolt

[kdali in reply to Hidden]

Back of your neck would probably be more effective . If it works for you, Polar makes neck wraps you can wear, and they are a vendor on Amazon.

[Hidden in reply to kdali]

Nice! Thank you!

[Buddy2009]

Glad to hear you are feeling better, I am sure your kittys are giving some of the right medicine that you need to feel better, I know when ever I dont feel well whatever it is my pups all hang out with me and they take my mind off of whats ailing me. Take Care.

[Hidden in reply to Buddy2009]

Animals are amazing like that 😊 I am feeling a lot better now, so thank you! I hope you are doing well

[goatgal]

You've expressed very well one of the most difficult aspects of MS, not the disease itself, but the social and psychological isolation it causes for so many of us. When family pulls away and few others truly understand, the forum is a source of friendship, understanding and help with the struggle.

[falalalala in reply to goatgal]

🔼 That

[Hidden in reply to goatgal]

Thank you for wording it so succinctly! And I'm very glad for you and the forum 💗 Hope you are having a good day!

[JSSimp]

I’m happy to hear you’re feeling better and may the many days ahead be great also. God bless!

[Hidden in reply to JSSimp]

Thank you! I hope you are doing well too 🙏

[kwhompus]

Glad your up and running again! On another note, did you ever find that perfect book?

[Hidden in reply to kwhompus]

I already own the perfect book ("Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett) 😄

But as far as the book recommendations, I ordered the poetry books that were recommended for a change of pace. Those should be quick reads. Then I'll move on to the murder mysteries

[JTZES]

We appreciate you being a member as well. We all need a shoulder to lean on from time to time. Hang in there and we are here when you need us.

[Hidden in reply to JTZES]

Thank you! This is so kind. Hope you are having a great day 😊

[2Kiggy]

Yes, Cats area great stress reliever. Unfortunately 1 of my 2 that I had since 2008 just passed, and she was a great friend. She is in the igloo in the inset picture. Glad to hear your feeling better.

[Hidden in reply to 2Kiggy]

I'm so sorry 😿 She is beautiful. I'm glad you still have one kitty to keep you company though

[CrazyCatWom]

Were your fur babies purring? I read something a few years ago about purirng cats: A cat's pur is a particular megahertz ideal for healing. That's why a cat will pur even if it is sick or wounded. It is healing itself. If the cat is a member of a colony, ALL of the cats will come over and curl up around the sick or wounded cat, all of which will be purring!

Your fur babies consider YOU a member of their colony, so they will get their healing motors running.

[Hidden in reply to CrazyCatWom]

I heard that too! Purring is healing 😺

So Bella (the calico) purrs everytime she is laying next to me. Odin purrs most of the time. But, Chloe is very conservative with her purrs. Instead, likes to "moop" (she can't meow, so she makes a weird hoot/mooing sound). So they all contribute in their own way 😻

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador]

So happy to see that your fur baby nurses took good care of you, Hidden There is no shame in taking a cat nap or two to re energize yourself!

[Hidden in reply to carolek572]

Thank you! Good to know because I'm loving these cat naps 😺

[mrsmike9]

I am so glad you've joined us here. Already you have written wonderful, encouraging words which raise us up as well! There are nothing like furry water bottles that make you feel better, is there? I am so glad you rested.

[carolek572 CommunityAmbassador in reply to mrsmike9]

I agree

[Hidden in reply to mrsmike9]

"Furry water bottles" 🤣 I actually describe Bella as "a series of fluid-filled sacks"! How did you know??

And thank you for your kind words 💕

[Hidden]

No prob. Glad you were able to overcome..

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!