Rebismart Update

I'm still tinkering with the settings on my Rebismart. I'm trying to make it a bit more comfortable: I flinch when the needle pierces my skin and the medication burns.

The first change that I have made is to adjust the needle speed (the speed which the needle moves) to FAST, an increase from MEDIUM...this seems to offer me less time to flinch. And yesterday, following yet another "I just want to rip this damn thing off my leg because it hurts so bad" injection in my thigh, we have changed the injection speed (the flow of the Rebif) to SLOW, a decrease from MEDIUM.

Hopefully this new mix of slow and fast will ease the discomfort.

Despite the discomfort, I'm still happy to be using the Rebismart injection device. I'm not considering switching back to the manual injection...and I'm definitely not interested in using the Rebiject (spring loaded injection device). If I remember correctly, the burning sensation of the Rebif will get better over time. And, I still have a few more settings that I can adjust.

On another note...

Did you notice in the Walk photos, that I was streaking?

Streaking to support MS!

Emily

MS Walk

Another MS Walk is in the books. Number 4 for my team, Em's Slackers.

I'm exhausted today. Yesterday was such a great day, I may have pushed myself a bit too hard...but it was fun while it lasted.


Huge and heartfelt thanks to the Slacker's , the wanna-be Slacker's, the donators, and the helpers.

And thank you to the Walk organizers for bringing back a shortened route this year! In the weeks preceding the big day, I was worried about my energy level (forgetting all about the power of adrenaline). I didn't feel that 7 kms of pavement pounding was in me. So when they announced a 3 km trail, I was thrilled!

If I had walked the 7 km route, I may not have been able to bump and volley around a ball in the backyard. And if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't have fallen down on all fours...four times! I assumed that since I wasn't feeling wobbly, I could run around the yard, with my arms extended in front of me, face directed at the sky, chasing a volley ball. I was wrong.

But the urge to feel the soft leather of a volley ball on my fingertips was too much. That urge over powered the importance for me, to watch straight ahead while moving. The eye-motion relationship is something I struggle with (and protect) daily. It's why I can't browse a store. I knew better... in hindsight.

And today, I rest.

Emily

Courage

When I was diagnosed with MS, Jason and I had one visit with the social worker associated with the MS Clinic. You may have heard me say this before, but if you haven't, you may want to sit down.

Jason and I were advised by the young woman, to be cautious when spending time with other people, living with MS. Her reasoning was that we were doing well, and some people have a habit of bringing others down with their doom and gloom attitudes.

Her advice didn't sit well with us, yet it has remained in my mind.

I have now realized that she should have given us the opposite advice: spend some time with others, and you will find courage and inspiration.

A new woman has joined our aquafit class, and her participation made me realize that all of the people I spend Tuesday mornings with are inspirational. Scooters, canes, and walkers line the side of the pool, while the people in the pool power through the chest high water, struggling to stay upright.

The new "pool shark" clings to the side ledge of the pool, never making it halfway across, while the rest of us turn back after completing one width. Her arms shake, despite being more comfortable than the previous week.

It would be so easy for her to NOT get in the water. As I say that, I realize that it is challenging just to get IN the water, and not because it's cold! If you can't walk without assistance when you are on land, what possesses you to go in water?

Courage.

And I hope, that if the course of my MS finds me with a cane, a walker, or a scooter...I will remember how I feel today...inspired.

Emily