tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89662076594887643922024-03-14T01:55:37.954-05:00Recipes For LemonadeFormerly "Emms Bits"Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.comBlogger444125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-83209925654678231352013-05-14T23:10:00.000-05:002013-05-14T23:11:13.532-05:00Stage One Complete<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finally got around to switching out the theme (that is the background) of this blog. Stage one (or is it post one?) on make-overs is complete. </div>
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Like other make-overs, I'm not completely happy with the result. It's simple compared to other themes I have had in the past, but it isn't overly simple, lacking shapes and visual texture. Glaring to me, on this new theme is the pink bar...I don't consider myself a "pink" person...but I'm going to live with it...learn to like it, as I'm sure we have all been told at one point or another. Instead of spending hours (hours over days) agonizing about the best free theme I could find, one that is the "Emily" brand, I selected this one within one hour.</div>
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Stay tuned as I reveal other make-overs in the coming days! </div>
Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-71935540143512824992013-03-11T14:21:00.004-05:002013-05-14T23:10:59.695-05:00It's a FlopIt has become obvious to me that learning more than the basics about cooking and sharing it here has been a flop. It isn't that I simply haven't shared my newly acquired knowledge, it's that I don't have any to share! I haven't even tried any new recipes that I can share with you.<br />
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<i>This blog needs a makeover - again.</i><br />
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Speaking of makeovers, there have been some behind the scenes here (as in within the walls of my house but not visible to you). Once I decide how I feel about these makeovers, I'll share them with you.<br />
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Over Christmas, Annie and I went for a walk and I told her that wholesale changes are needed in and around my life in Winnipeg. I just have to figure out where to start and how to support the changes.<br />
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In the meantime, there is always music. Music is a good thing. I always end up dancing at some point throughout the day.<br />
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So turn up your volume and Stompa with Serena Ryder<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vz7jCY1cpHk?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-42646114244198013502013-01-13T21:43:00.001-06:002013-01-13T21:43:53.143-06:00Maybe I DoLet me set the scene for you:<br />
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I'm sitting on the couch in the living room with my laptop open. Jason is in the kitchen, which is open to the living room, cleaning off the counter. I'm not sure but the television might be on, and if not, the stereo is. <br />
<br />
Suddenly I say, <br />
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<i>"Do I sometimes have long pauses between words when I'm speaking?"</i><br />
<br />
Jason responds without missing a beat, <i>"Yes. And you still think that you don't have MS?"</i><br />
<br />
Who does he think he is?! Smart ass.<br />
<br />
Maybe I do. Maybe I don't. Maybe I was reading an article about MS symptoms, maybe I wasn't. Maybe I knew the answer the question.<br />
<br />
Maybe I did.Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-57215754492828102022013-01-04T16:28:00.000-06:002013-01-13T19:47:49.652-06:00I Am Drug FreeTonight I find myself sitting on my parent's couch, here for my fourth visit in 4 months, and I realize that I am here with no commitments - well, no commitments to MS. I am here without syringes or pills that dictate how long I can be here. I am here without having to go home to Winnipeg in time for an appointment for a drug infusion. Just before arriving here for the holiday, I made a big decision on how to manage my disease.<br />
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Following an MRI, Jason and I met with my MS neurologist to review the results of the scan. The other priority of the appointment was to discuss my next possible treatment option (also known as the last treatment on the table) - the monthly infusion of Tysabri. It turns out that what showed up on the MRI played a huge role in deciding to go drug free. The other factor in the decision was the risk versus the benefit of being on Tysabri.<br />
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Do you want to know what the neuro saw in the images of my brain? He saw nothing - nothing new and nothing "active". For me, this is the second best thing he could have said to me. Obviously, the best thing he could have said was that the radiologists have been wrong all along - I don't have MS.*<br />
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*<i>I still feel this way and as I always do, I asked him if this was in fact the case.</i><br />
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I have not had any change in the locations or size of my brain lesions in over a year. Add to that, the belief that I have not had a relapse since January 2008, and everything looks good. This is not to say that I don't have lesions or residual difficulties from past lesions. It just means that I feel pretty darn good.<br />
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Being drug free means being diligent and being aware of my body more than usual. Any sign of a relapse, or any new symptoms and my neuro will start me on Tysabri. I will have another MRI in 6 months to have a look at the inside workings and warnings.<br />
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<i>*I made my parents a calendar with old family photos. That's me with my
favourite t-shirt "Girls Can Do Anything" and my suspenders.</i><br />
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<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-27863731936130945332012-12-04T11:12:00.000-06:002013-01-04T16:29:28.491-06:00Here We Are<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strike>It's been some time since I shared photos with you. Or maybe it hasn't...but it doesn't matter because I have some to share now. These photos were taken by Corina, on our most recent trip to Kitchener. It was an extremely windy day and we had a hard time controlling our hair (even Jason and B). The only one without any trouble was Dude thanks to his doctor ordered cap.</strike></div>
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<strike> Here we are: Dude, Annie, Jason, B, R (formerly known as Nickel), Ladyfingers, Me and R (formerly known as Two Penny)</strike></div>
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I've changed the direction of this post...the thought behind it...the subject (although it remains without a thesis). Here is the revised text -<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">We are currently accepting all currencies regarding my Dad's health: thoughts, energy, juju, prayers. If you can send it and it's positive, we will accept it. </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">While we have no further news regarding the life of the cancer cells that invaded my dad's </span></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">cranial nerves, depression, lethargy and a fever have taken over.</span></span><b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></b><br />
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<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-69758792509787356832012-11-27T19:15:00.001-06:002013-01-04T16:29:01.864-06:00Me and the DMD'sCan you limbo? I have never tried but I once again find myself in limbo land with MS treatments. Therefore I have to assume that I'm good at limbo. This is a post about my ongoing relationship with the disease modifying drugs for MS.<br />
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At the beginning of September I finally gave up on Rebif, my second try of the "front line" disease modifying drugs for Multiple Sclerosis. There are four "front line" drugs, and three of them are pretty much the same. I had to stop Rebif because after months of on-again-off-again monitoring of my liver, my neruo decided that the long term health of my liver was more important than the minimally modifying nature of the Rebif.<br />
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Having tried two main treatments without success, I became eligible for a second line treatment - the daily pill, Gilenya or the once a month infusion of Tysabri. My opinion is that either of these treatments are considered to be secondary because they are newer and each pose certain risks to the patient (risks greater than the front line four). A screening process is necessary before beginning either Gilenya or Tysabri and I failed one for sure.<br />
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I am not eligible for the daily pill as an abnormal EKG, discovered during the screening process, is a definite contra-indication. I also tested positive for JC virus anti-bodies which is a warning for the once a month infusion (JC virus can lead to PML, a brain infection).<br />
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Are you confused? I am.<br />
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I have an MRI scheduled in December and a follow-up appointment with my neuro to discuss the risk involved with Tysabri. This means that Tysabri isn't completely off the table, but it can't be taken without dialogue.<br />
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Not all types of MS offer the opportunity to treat the disease course with a disease modifying drug. Having relapsing-remitting MS, I have the chance to lessen relapses with drugs. And I'm afraid that maybe my chances have run out. If you have been following along on my journey, you may remember that I don't like to not be on a drug. For me, as painful and scary as the drugs can be, they fit my lifestyle. I don't feel that I am in a position to research and introduce holistic or alternative options. These require energy, thought and financial resources that I don't have.<br />
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I'll let you know how it goes.<br />
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EmilyEmmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-318462753106178262012-09-28T22:49:00.000-05:002013-01-04T16:29:55.834-06:00Keep a Lid On ItI'm working hard to keep a lid on it. The jar represents my life, a clear jar, so that I can look at it from the outside without getting right in the mix. The mix in the jar is all of the crap life serves up. The contents of the jar aren't packed in layers - it's all mixed around. Because the jar is clear, I am able to look at and think about the contents, analyze it, share it...I just can't dump the stuff (because then what would I do with my life?).<br />
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The key to keeping things in the jar is to not keep the lid on too tight, or too loose. Too tight and it could explode - glass and stress (crap) everywhere...really hard to put back together. If the lid is loose, it could fall off when I least expect it, releasing either a slow leak or a large spill.<br />
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So I keep the lid on...just right.<br />
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And right now the jar is full - again.<br />
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If you've been hanging around here with me for a couple of years, you may know that my jar always seems full. MS, infertility, life threatening infections, saying goodbye to work, saying goodbye to grandparents, depression...and that's just me. Jason has had his share of challenges this year as well.<br />
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Now we have a new challenge. As of last month, we (Jason and my family, Dude, Ladyfingers, Andrea, B and R&R) are facing cancer. My dad has brain cancer. As of today, he is not quite at the halfway point of what is considered his radical radiation treatment. Lots of radiation to his whole brain, with the goal of eliminating the cancer which has invaded major facial nerves.<br />
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I have added this to my jar...<br />
and I keep the lid on...just right.<br />
<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-41790005175069542662012-09-04T19:20:00.000-05:002012-09-04T19:20:02.141-05:00What Do You Do?As of late, I've been mixing up the way I introduce myself to new people. I don't mean "introduce" in the basic sense of the word, but when a new person asks me what I "do" (when "do" refers to employment) I don't know what to say. Should I disclose my disease? I usually do, but lately I've wondered if it makes other people uncomfortable.<br />
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My response as of late seems to be a result of being "stuck" in the moment, and not wanting to leave the other person at a loss for words. For example, for a recent group gathering, I prepared myself ahead of time...I knew what I wanted to say. But when my turn came to introduce myself to the group, I found myself "stuck". My response, after cocking my head and looking skyward, was ..."Nothing".<br />
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Um yeah. <i>Nothing</i>.<br />
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<i>"Emily" Antoinette </i></div>
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In the moment, it was entertaining to the group, but I didn't have a chance to backtrack or explain that it isn't as it sounds. I had wanted to say something about indulging my hobbies (indulging wasn't the exact word I had planned, and in hindsight I'm very glad I didn't say "indulging" as it sounds almost as snotty as "nothing"). But it's the truth - I don't do anything in an official capacity, and I couldn't if I tried.<br />
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How can I tell someone that I am home everyday because my days (even hours) are unpredictable and therefore prevent me from working? My MS is invisible to most people, so saying that I am on disability seems just as awkward as "nothing". <br />
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So does my answer of "<i>nothing</i>" make the asker uncomfortable?<br />
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If I respond, "<i>I'm on disability</i>" does this make the asker uncomfortable?<br />
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Does the answer, "<i>I have MS and am unable to work</i>" make the asker uncomfortable?<br />
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Does it really matter?<br />
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Maybe I think too much.<br />
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I am especially glad that I'm not in a position of deciding if I should disclose to my employer (current or future). I already feel bad that I had to leave my job when all of this came down.<br />
<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-23419310945783270942012-08-21T20:26:00.000-05:002012-08-21T20:27:19.037-05:00It's Been GoodI need to finish the posts that I start. I also need to carry around something to make notes on for future blog posts - these things would make me a better blogger.<br />
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<i>anyhoo</i><br />
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I have had a great summer. Whatever happened to me and my wobbles back in June (relapse or stress induced) didn't last long - maybe four or five days. My fatigue level has been manageable and my body is regulating it's temperature.<br />
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I'm going to repeat that last one - my body is regulating it's temperature...like a normal person! I know, I know, my house is cold like a walk-in freezer. But when I have been out and about (which was a lot last week) I haven't had to carry around a towel to wipe my brow! No wait, I have carried around a towel, I just didn't use it.<br />
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I realized this the other night and exclaimed to Jason, "The fire is down, the fire is down".* My thermostat is currently f-i-n-e.<br />
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*a "fire" was the word used by my first neurologist to describe an inflammation when I complained to him of symptoms returning...he said that "the fires were high".<br />
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So is there anything else that could possibly make this a great summer?<br />
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Let me list a few:<br />
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1. I finally got to test out one of those single paddler plastic kayaks and enjoyed it<br />
2. I spent an afternoon at a water slide park and didn't get fatigued OR dizzy<br />
3. I had a great birthday complete with a picnic, my first William and Catherine book and a cherry chip cake<br />
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I think that is enough for now. The summer isn't over.<br />
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<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-30759442667263025432012-08-01T22:03:00.000-05:002013-01-13T19:48:15.241-06:00In the Kitchen - Pizza DoughLately, Jason and I have been putting our bread maker to good use. We have had the machine for 10 years and have never used it consistently. We only ever make bread and pizza dough and never have results that would cause us to use it on a regular basis.<br />
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<i>Until now.</i><br />
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Not only have we discovered a bread recipe (actually we have discovered 2 that we love, but are mostly using just one) but we have found a kick-butt pizza dough recipe.<br />
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For us, taste is paramount but amount of dough and ease of use (ie. does it roll out well) are also important.<br />
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So without further ado, here it is:<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
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<i>1 1/3 cups water</i><br />
<i>2 tsp sugar</i><br />
<i>1 1/4 tsp salt</i><br />
<i>2 Tbsp olive oil</i><br />
<i>2 Tbsp cornmeal</i><br />
<i>3 1/4 cups flour</i><br />
<i>1 tsp baking powder</i><br />
<i>1/4 tsp garlic powder</i><br />
<i>1/4 tsp onion powder</i><br />
<i>1 1/2 tsp yeast</i><br />
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<i> </i><i>Add ingredients to bread machine, according to manufacturer’s
settings, and run dough setting. After the machine beeps, roll out the
dough.</i><br />
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<i>You can roll the dough into two 9×13″ pizzas (great for kid’s
lunches!) or into two medium pizzas or a large pizza and an order of
breadsticks (as instructed above).</i><br />
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<i> Parbake the crust with a drizzle of olive oil on it at 450
degrees for ten minutes. Remove the crust and add sauce and toppings.</i><br />
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<b>Changes we made: </b>we didn't have cornmeal on hand, but we did have some corn grits - and don't plan on changing to corn meal! We love the extra little crunch from the grits!<br />
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We don't parbake the crust, we put the full dressed pie into a 400 degree oven for about 20 minutes (depending on how thick we made the crust).<br />
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And don't forget that you can easily split up the dough and freeze some of it.Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-51433234031925405732012-07-04T19:25:00.000-05:002012-07-04T19:25:21.409-05:00Life and LemonsI really shouldn't be such a blogging delinquent. I have things to say, just ask Jason! However, I'm not sure if I have the <i>right</i> things to say...that is, I can't decide if this blog is the right place to put it. Right place, right time, or wrong place, wrong time. I had hoped that when I changed my blog name from Em's Bits to Recipes For Lemonade, I would allow myself some more "fun" posts. I felt that I had settled into a groove with my "new life" at home with Multiple Sclerosis and that I had discovered some great little things to take my "life lemons" and make some lemonade. It seemed like a natural and positive progression from where my blog started - "bits" on my experience as a newly diagnosed MSer (and a desire to educate others at the same time).<br />
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<i>Oh yes, I want to do all of the above while still keeping some things private - my mom and my father-in-law read this blog and if I wouldn't tell them in person, I won't tell them on my blog.</i><br />
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So now for some big news...I think I might be having a relapse. On <a href="http://recipesforlemonade.blogspot.ca/2012/03/maybe-i-should-go-out.html" target="_blank">March 28, I blogged about</a> the return of my swallowing problems. I am able to chalk that up to stress. Also around this time, and for some time after, I began to experience bouts of anxiety. At the time, I assumed it was because I was "busy" with things to do. And now, why I'm beginning to question if this is in fact a relapse, is the daily appearance of <i>the wobbles</i>. It came to my attention that I have taken 8mg of Serc on three (or more) consecutive days. The usual things that can bring on wobbles and I am able to control, are now out of my control...including sitting still eating my lunch.<br />
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From what I recall <a href="http://recipesforlemonade.blogspot.ca/2008/01/small-update.html" target="_blank">this is the last time I experienced a relapse</a> . This time, I don't have the bone crushing headache. But I can add a recurrence of all-consuming fatigue this time around...with a full helping of stress.<br />
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If you are NEW (or if it has been too long since I last defined it) this is what my "wobbles" are:<br />
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I feel as if I am moving, as opposed to the world around me moving. This is also called "subjective vertigo". I have experienced this from the beginning of my disease.<br />
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This is all my brain can handle for now...did I mention that the <i>cog fog</i> is also thick this past while?<br />
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EmilyEmmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-85724023769909617712012-04-04T17:42:00.001-05:002013-01-13T19:39:16.208-06:00In the Kitchen #8This is a hands down favourite for both Jason and I: Rachael Ray's Cowboy Spaghetti! I'm sure that we have made it 3 or 4 times, and every time there are leftovers that we freeze for another day.<br />
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We might start calling it "Kickin' Spaghetti". Ground Sirloin and bacon...hot sauce and fire roasted tomatoes...Worcestershire and onion...aged cheddar and scallions on top. Since this is a Rachel Ray recipe, you only have to use a pot to cook the noodles, and the rest is cooked in a large skillet!<br />
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<a href="http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1980" target="_blank">Follow this link for the recipe specifics</a><br />
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The recipe calls for a small can of tomato sauce and a larger can of fire roasted tomatoes. We haven't found the fire roasted tomatoes to be easy to come by, so this last time we substituted Sweet Onion tomatoes. There are lots of tomato flavours to choose from! Here is the <a href="http://www.aylmeraccents.ca/flavours.cfm" target="_blank">Aylmer</a> selection:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zyR3MuYZcA/T3zNo9Tq3CI/AAAAAAAAAxM/SEs2wR7m2aY/s1600/aylmer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zyR3MuYZcA/T3zNo9Tq3CI/AAAAAAAAAxM/SEs2wR7m2aY/s400/aylmer.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i>*beware if you select the Spicy Red Pepper tomatoes...we didn't use less hot sauce, and were on fire for days!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our Rating:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkHlpbBVM-c/T3zODpafFyI/AAAAAAAAAxU/46TgLs_Ymk8/s1600/4+12+forks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkHlpbBVM-c/T3zODpafFyI/AAAAAAAAAxU/46TgLs_Ymk8/s320/4+12+forks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-79020221483836778692012-03-28T15:51:00.000-05:002012-03-28T15:51:29.647-05:00Maybe I Should Go OutOh the swallows...<br />
<br />
Too bad it isn't the name of a rockin' country band. Sometimes I say to myself, "Oh the wobbles", and these days I say, "Oh the swallows". So you may have figured out I'm not referring to birds in the backyard either.<br />
<br />
Yes, it's my swallowing difficulty that I'm focused on these days. I've blogged about this problem before, like when I <a href="http://recipesforlemonade.blogspot.ca/2009/01/fries-with-that.html" target="_blank">torpedoed fries and a drink out of my mouth in public</a> or when I <a href="http://recipesforlemonade.blogspot.ca/2009/06/at-least-im-interesting.html" target="_blank">squeezed...grabbed...um, just read the story if you want to know</a> ... yeah, THAT problem.<br />
<br />
<i>I had been doing so well</i>:<br />
<br />
<i>I ate without thinking about it. I enjoyed my meals. I didn't have "returns" in my mouth.</i><br />
<br />
Now, I have to be conscious of chewing, moving food to the back of my mouth (the tongue moves the food).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/wqMCzuIiPaM?t=7s" target="_blank">A quick video on how swallowing food happens</a><br />
<br />
I regurgitate food that is "sitting"in a la la land...food that is just "hanging" out in a dangerous spot. I drink more water while eating.<br />
<br />
But I haven't done anything embarrassing or provocative...dare I say it's been boring? Maybe I should go out for dinner and see what happens...Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-30503144085560663532012-03-21T17:21:00.000-05:002012-03-21T17:21:00.927-05:00MS Walk WinnipegI currently have a post sitting in my draft folder. It isn't done, and I'm not sure that I am going to finish it. It was difficult to get as much typed as I did as the topic is about my feelings towards the upcoming MS Walk. My feelings are jumbled...very jumbled.<br />
<br />
In short, Jason and I can't decide if we want to participate in the walk this year. Our reason has nothing to do with CCSVI funding and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, so let's not get into that. It's about location, competition and the team unit...and let's not forget expectations which actually sums up the other three reasons.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Walk is scheduled for May 6 in Winnipeg.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtyH-fZhTfc/T2pR7HBdRnI/AAAAAAAAAwM/szoZSulJUc4/s1600/banner-mswalk-en.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KtyH-fZhTfc/T2pR7HBdRnI/AAAAAAAAAwM/szoZSulJUc4/s320/banner-mswalk-en.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I know what I need to do - I need focus on why I walk: I walk to experience community and to raise money that goes towards helping people who live with MS.Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-10492640091843804932012-02-21T20:01:00.002-06:002012-02-21T22:20:14.685-06:00In the Kitchen #7I haven't shared a meal recipe with you since March 25 2011! Other than a couple of snack food posts, I have neglected this area of my blog (or deleted the photos before I had the opportunity to type up a post).<br />
<br />
Well wait no more, I'm here with another Rachael Ray pasta recipe!<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqeS0okel1U/T0RHeeOuPXI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ZIYHIJyyEUI/s1600/pasta+toss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqeS0okel1U/T0RHeeOuPXI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ZIYHIJyyEUI/s400/pasta+toss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is Rachael's <a href="http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=1195">Not-Sagna Pasta Toss</a> . The goodness and comfort of homemade lasagna: noodles, cheese, and meat sauce.<br />
<br />
<i>What we eliminated:</i><br />
- fresh basil (we didn't have any)<br />
<br />
<i>What we weren't sure of:</i><br />
- was the Marsala we used dry or sweet<br />
<br />
<i>What we would do differently next time</i>:<br />
- add some mozzarella cheese (the recipe calls for ricotta and parmigiano reggiano<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfIjbQPz4mQ/T0RLv_5aUxI/AAAAAAAAAvw/RWtftXIc7HE/s1600/finished+pasta+toss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfIjbQPz4mQ/T0RLv_5aUxI/AAAAAAAAAvw/RWtftXIc7HE/s320/finished+pasta+toss.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Our rating:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b45-bjK2Mn4/T0RMJx6fGbI/AAAAAAAAAv4/fJvOfZNdURk/s1600/4+forks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b45-bjK2Mn4/T0RMJx6fGbI/AAAAAAAAAv4/fJvOfZNdURk/s320/4+forks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-48040017239621543222012-02-17T18:16:00.000-06:002012-02-17T18:16:40.134-06:00Fatigue?I'm writing a post about about MS fatigue, while fatigued. How's that for writing about what I know!<br />
And let me just say - I know it. I don't understand it, and neither do the specialists, but I know it. Fatigue is the most common symptom of MS, and is experienced by approximately 80% of people living with MS (it is also a primary cause of early departure from the workforce).<br />
<br />
There are a couple of theories on what causes MS fatigue: a special fatigue, referred to as lassitude, is unique to people with MS. Unique and thought provoking. One of the top theories is that the fatigue is related to the activation of the immune system: the immune system releases substances to carry messages between cells. Another theory (my favourite) is that an MS brain has to work harder to get the same tasks done as a non-MS brain (working harder means using more parts of the brain). The fatigue can manifest in two ways: a general feeling of tiredness or muscle tiredness.<br />
<br />
So what is so "unique" about it?<br />
<br />
Lassitude:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Generally occurs on a daily basis</li>
<li>May occur early in the morning, even after a restful night’s sleep</li>
<li>Tends to worsen as the day progresses</li>
<li>Tends to be aggravated by heat and humidity</li>
<li>Comes on easily and suddenly</li>
<li>Is generally more severe than normal fatigue</li>
<li>Is more likely to interfere with daily responsibilities</li>
</ul>
<br />
This is not say that there aren't other factors that can cause fatigue in MS. Certain medications, quality of sleep, and a need to expend more energy for simple tasks (like brushing your teeth) can also play a role. MS fatigue, much to the frustration of the MSer, can be misinterpreted as depression or a general lack of trying or laziness.<br />
<br />
I experience both a general feeling of tiredness and muscle tiredness. Some days, it's as if my limbs are cast in concrete: every step is an effort, I'm slower moving and throw in the towel a lot sooner. More often than not, these "concrete" days are accompanied by an overall cog-fog, but cog-fog doesn't always come with "concrete". With MS, you never know what you are going to get. Or when you are going to get it, which is when I experience the worst of my MS fatigue - the fatigue that sucks me down.<br />
<br />
As I listed above, it can come on suddenly, unexpectedly. For me, my face changes. My eyes water. I start to feel anxious and scared; scared that if I fall asleep, I won't wake up again. It's as if I'm sinking. I want my bed. I need my bed. I can't get my thoughts out clearly.<br />
<br />
MS fatigue is a real part of MS. It's hard for us to explain, and I'm sure it's hard for you to understand.Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-90137764207760689242012-02-02T20:49:00.000-06:002012-02-02T20:49:04.272-06:00Something For You to TryHave you heard about <a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/">Post Crossing</a>?<br />
<br />
The premise is quite simple: send postcards to receive postcards. <i>Why</i>? It's fun to get mail. <i>What does it cost</i>? the cost of an international stamp and a postcard.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybnlp-pe9ZU/Tys_0tKKjMI/AAAAAAAAAvU/bJAYXS_JqFs/s1600/post+crossing+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybnlp-pe9ZU/Tys_0tKKjMI/AAAAAAAAAvU/bJAYXS_JqFs/s320/post+crossing+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My first 2 postcards: Seattle, Washington and Vienna, Austria</i></div>
<br />
<br />
A simple concept in complicated times. Once you sign-up (it's free) you can request your first random address (<a href="http://www.postcrossing.com/explore/countries">click here</a> to see the international reach of Post Crossing) and a brief "hello, this is me" from the person you are sending your card to. Once your "receiver" registers that he/she received your card, you can expect your first card to be delivered to your mailbox along with the usual flyers and bills.<br />
<br />
And this is another one of my Recipes For Lemonade. <br />
<br />
To see my first Recipe For Lemonade <a href="http://recipesforlemonade.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-room.html">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-78465760342637938152012-01-18T15:18:00.001-06:002013-01-13T19:39:45.759-06:00Perking Up a Standby MealFrench Toast has always been a super quick and easy supper for me. It was the perfect thing to eat before running off for the evening shift at my part-time job, and even nowadays when time is aplenty, but energy is lacking.<br />
<br />
In my 20's, I loved it when I learned to add vanilla and cinnamon to the egg mixture - what a difference it makes! And now, in my 30's, I learned to add syrup to the mixture! Eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and syrup!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/assets_c/2011/10/french_toast_with_caramelized_bananas_and_pecans-thumb-540x303-133952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/assets_c/2011/10/french_toast_with_caramelized_bananas_and_pecans-thumb-540x303-133952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To see the full recipe for the above pictured French Toast, <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/bestrecipes/2011/10/french-toast-with-caramelized-bananas-and-pecans.html">click here.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The other "new tip" that I discovered in this recipe (that I tried since the oven was on anyway) is to brown the egg soaked bread in the frying pan, and then transfer it to the oven to warm the rest of the way through. I did this, but I think I left the bread pieces in the frying pan for too long, as it was a bit tough.</div>
Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-48462938346361028242012-01-16T20:23:00.000-06:002013-01-13T19:40:41.729-06:00I'm Scared For My BrainMy brain is often the butt of family jokes. I even make them myself. Generally, the jokes come about after I have done something strange or said something strange. Or better yet, when I do math in my head faster than anyone else in the room (pre-MS, math was NOT one of my strengths)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gOBWgMjgn8/TxTTOVmLFNI/AAAAAAAAAvA/DRSRVHrqXLE/s1600/fried+brain.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3gOBWgMjgn8/TxTTOVmLFNI/AAAAAAAAAvA/DRSRVHrqXLE/s320/fried+brain.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
But sometimes I worry about it. I have noticed lately that I am processing written words incorrectly (and seeing words that aren't there). Last night, I saw the word "should" and I read it as "shold" (rhymes with cold) and I didn't understand it. I read it a couple of times before I realized my mistake. This is only one example of something that has happened to me a few times in the past week.<br />
<br />
Tonight, while making dinner, I had another "moment". I got out a regular frying pan (not the one we usually use), chosen for size and flatness. Cooking something new, I had to read the instructions, which said to use a non-stick frying pan. "Perfect", I thought, I picked the right frying pan without even knowing.<br />
<br />
Olive oil in, Chinese dumplings in, just add water and cover. So easy!<br />
<br />
Until I had to turn the dumplings over. They were stuck to the pan - stuck. That's when it dawned on me: the instructions said to use a non-stick frying pan. Not a pan that doesn't have a non-stick coating (which I selected) but a pan WITH a non-stick coating. I processed it incorrectly and was confident enough in my processing that I mentally patted myself on the back when I did read the instructions because I was one-up, so to speak.<br />
<br />
Early on in my diagnosis, I didn't trust myself when reading instructions, in particular recipes. Not that there had been an event to give me pause, I just wasn't confident. I needed to read and re-read. Well now I have an event - and it scares me.<br />
<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-35463136112124198432012-01-09T17:09:00.002-06:002012-02-02T20:49:23.922-06:00Making RoomIn the previous post, I mentioned that Jason and I are moving forward. But for myself, I started to move forward back in the fall. Maybe it wasn't so much of a moving forward action, but it definitely was a "this is no longer where I am and I accept it" action. I cleared out clutter from the previous stage of my life, in order to make room for things in this new stage.<br />
<i><br />
<i>Sounds a bit dramatic, doesn't it</i>.<br />
<br />
</i>I purged the basement of pounds and pounds of design magazines, counter top samples, paint chips, and product catalogs.<br />
<br />
In life before MS, I used design magazines for my own inspiration and to help clients visualize an idea. I could never have enough samples and paint chips for when people came here to ask me for decorating advice, or for when I was doing in-home visits.<br />
<br />
I don't need those things anymore.<br />
<br />
Now, in life with MS, I need space for zippers!<i><br />
<br />
</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hcOUgtPnoI/TwtyWwDyKoI/AAAAAAAAAu0/q_-9o8S0Jm0/s1600/zippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hcOUgtPnoI/TwtyWwDyKoI/AAAAAAAAAu0/q_-9o8S0Jm0/s320/zippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<br />
<i>And that, is a recipe for lemonade.</i>Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-36857071380615907552012-01-06T22:06:00.000-06:002012-01-06T22:06:11.775-06:00New YearMy word, it's been a long time since I was here. It isn't that I haven't thought about saying "Hey", I just couldn't seem to put the words together. And when I finally decided I had the brain power to put some pictures together for you, I discovered that I deleted the photos from my computer (the next time we make Cowboy Spaghetti, I'll take photos again).<br />
<br />
So here I am now, at the beginning of a new year...may 2012 be a wonderful year, in particular for Jason and I. We wish it for you as well, but we really NEED this.<br />
<br />
For all of 2011, Jason battled anxiety. Eventually, the other shoe dropped: he was out of sick days and spent three months off work. Now in a new role within Transit, Jason is back to work and things are looking up - and we want to move forward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMcmDh2JlEM/Tweg9v6vMFI/AAAAAAAAAus/VW9ehIc-82c/s1600/Step+Forward+Pressed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JMcmDh2JlEM/Tweg9v6vMFI/AAAAAAAAAus/VW9ehIc-82c/s1600/Step+Forward+Pressed.png" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll see you again soon :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-4646886736894912672011-10-11T18:43:00.000-05:002011-10-11T18:43:53.158-05:00It Doesn't Have To Be DifficultHave you ever been told to stop making something more difficult than it is? Or how about being told that there is/was an easier way to do what you are doing? Does this sound familiar to you? Do you do something the same way every time, because you always have done it "that way", and there is no point in changing it now?<br />
<br />
I recently discovered an easy way to do something; something that in the past was very difficult to do. I went into the task assuming the worst, using my past experience to dictate my approach this time around.<br />
<br />
I'm talking about giving our wiry little cat a pill - every day.<br />
<br />
In the past, Jason and I have given up on this. We would let the seven pound fur ball get the best of us. Popping a pill in her mouth and coaxing her to swallow was not an option. Hiding it in food or in a special pet "pill pocket": she's too smart for that. Now, I feel like she really is smarter than me, because giving her a pill is easy.<br />
<br />
All I needed to do was crush up the pill with a mortar and pestle, and mix it up with a "treat" food. So easy - every time.<br />
<br />
People change. Needs change. Be open.Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-68256289780642728322011-10-05T13:52:00.000-05:002011-10-05T13:52:41.045-05:00Lettuce PleaseI'm always looking for easy and convenient ways to do things. In particular, how to eat more salad(s). It can be so draining to pull out the head of lettuce, wash the lettuce, dry the lettuce, grate the carrot, slice the tomato...you get the picture.<br />
<br />
Then I discovered how to store clean romaine lettuce in the fridge - for up to one week! MS or not, this is good for everyone (unless you don't like romaine lettuce, I haven't tried it with any other green leaves).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VMVeSapKck/Tox_j-IByEI/AAAAAAAAAto/YdWgVVFrhU4/s1600/romaine---wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VMVeSapKck/Tox_j-IByEI/AAAAAAAAAto/YdWgVVFrhU4/s320/romaine---wash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wash It.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdv-IZ8l6EA/ToyABFwxoyI/AAAAAAAAAts/GepmNFGY1uU/s1600/romaine---dry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pdv-IZ8l6EA/ToyABFwxoyI/AAAAAAAAAts/GepmNFGY1uU/s320/romaine---dry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dry it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kz94DavwA6Q/ToyAMJoe1JI/AAAAAAAAAtw/dB9v23shxSI/s1600/romaine---roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kz94DavwA6Q/ToyAMJoe1JI/AAAAAAAAAtw/dB9v23shxSI/s320/romaine---roll.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Roll It.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then slide it into a plastic bag (I use a ziploc freezer bag) and seal it up. When I need some lettuce, I just open up the bag and pull out what I want.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-12258313560490547962011-09-30T22:22:00.000-05:002013-01-13T19:42:24.684-06:00Shit - I Really Do Have MS!My annual "check-in" with my MS neuro was last week. I finally got to meet "the new guy", "the new guy" who is "tracking" my disease.<br />
<br />
*okay, maybe I have started this off on the wrong foot...a bit too sarcastic. Let's try this again:<br />
<br />
My annual appointment with my MS neuro was last week. I finally got to meet the new doctor who writes me prescriptions for months worth of Rebif at a time (not one month at a time like the last guy). The new doctor doesn't wear a scrub shirt either.<br />
<br />
*I couldn't help that one.<br />
<br />
Carrying on...<br />
<br />
I told the new doctor that I don't believe I have Multiple Sclerosis. He didn't bite...not even a nibble. Not even when I said it a second time. I guess it's a good thing he didn't bite, because he is trying to help me with my fatigue (unlike my GP), my jumpy legs, and my relationship with my Rebif.<br />
<br />
And now for the rub - I no longer believe that I don't have MS. Thanks to the MS Hug.<br />
<br />
The MS Hug is not how it sounds. Hugs make you feel comforted, loved, safe...the MS Hug makes you feel suffocated, scared. It can be painful, annoying and unwanted. <br />
<br />
And I got my first hug, (at least that I noticed) last week. I thought that I was having a heart attack. It started with a crushing pain in my chest, right in between my breasts. The pain traveled to my left shoulder, and then down my left arm, and the chest pain radiated through to my back. It was difficult to breath: I was scared and agitated. In my mind, I was arguing with myself over whether or not I should call 9-1-1. The "event" lasted just under ten minutes.<br />
<br />
Over the next few days, the pain returned to my shoulder and arm: it felt like my arm was asleep, but with pain. I have had tightness in my chest, and at times, it's hard to take a deep breath. The tightness in my chest is something that I have had with my MS from almost the beginning. But the pain in my chest, and chest pain that is accompanied by shoulder and arm pain is new.<br />
<br />
I had heard of the MS Hug (also known as the Girdle). I thought that maybe the annoying numbness over my right ribs was "The Hug". Now I see that it is more funny (sometimes it tickles) and "The Hug" is not funny. It does not tickle. And without discussing it with my mom, I probably would have continued to think I had a heart attack (I even took an aspirin the second time), and been too embarrassed to call 9-1-1.<br />
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*the MS Hug is caused by a lesion on the spinal cord<br />
*tiny muscles in between each rib go into spasm (nerves control muscles)<br />
*feelings can happen anywhere in between the waistline and the chest (rarely up to the neck)<br />
*worse during fatigue or stress<br />
*can last for minutes or weeks<br />
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So - it finally hit me - Shit. I really do have MS.Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8966207659488764392.post-24876755580968662612011-08-29T15:14:00.000-05:002013-01-13T19:38:28.344-06:00Failing My GoalsI think that it is normal to set goals (even mini goals) for the day. Well maybe "goal" is too heavy of a word: it's good to intend to accomplish things in a day, and therefore work to accomplish these things. Or is this my own warped thinking: every day must have purpose; we have responsibilities to ourselves, our loved ones, and our community.<br />
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I have recently come to the realization that I don't ever set "napping" as a goal. It is never something that I intend to do. It is in fact, something I fight against doing. Napping gets in the way of the other goals I have set, like beading, dead heading flowers, sweeping, or making cookies. Napping takes precious time away from my REAL goals (my average nap is 2 hours long and then I require cobweb shaking after that).<br />
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So by not setting out to nap every day (making it a goal), I fail at accomplishing my daily goals.<br />
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Can you see how that works?Emmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11132995015553920569noreply@blogger.com0