Through the Years

The new year has made me reflect on past years and their significance regarding my health.

In 1994 I had my first medically recorded episode of they then called sclerosis. I was told multiple episodes would lead to multiple sclerosis. I had lost part of the vision in my left eye, fell repeatedly, and was tired beyond tired. But at least now I knew why.

2000 – After multiple MRI's, a barrage of tests, and two spinal taps I started taking the interferon drug Avonex (weekly injections with a 2” needle into muscle). While I never got over HATING the shot, I learned to self-inject and tolerate it.

2007 – After 7 years of weekly shots, MUCH prayer, I decided (against my neurologist’s orders) to go off the injections. While other people have had great success with the drug, I was one of the people that had horrible side effects. For 7 years I got flu-like symptoms that lasted 1-2 days after injecting. Do the math. For 7 years I was sick for 1-2 days of every week. And that was just from the drug - the disease was “interesting” as well. Most of my vision was back, but during extreme fatigue or “exacerbations” (attacks) it can be challenging. The vision challenges (Optic Neuritis) kind of comes and goes – but mostly these days it is fine. Falling was something else though. At least I learned the art of falling like a lady.

2009 –After MORE prayer and a lot of investigation, in March I went to an all-natural “clean” diet. The only meat I eat are turkey and chicken breasts, and fish. All of the fruits and veggies I eat are either raw or cooked in their natural state. I will occasionally eat frozen veggies or fruit, and still like cooking with canned tomatoes, and love all-natural peanut butter - but that’s about it as far as pre-prepared foods. All grain items are whole grain. I eat no (or try not to) preservatives or additives of any kind. I took the Swank M.S. Diet, combined it with a “clean” diet, put my own spin on it and there you are. In April of 2009 I got enough nerve (after about 5 cancelled appointments) to come into the gym. A lot heavier – walking with the assistance of a cane – and even then having a lot of balance issues. But I came. And I fell in love – with working out. The cane is gone. I am so much stronger - walking is no longer something to dread, but is actually fun again!

Now it’s 2010. I received a new trainer – Jake the Great – after the old one left -but the original trainer will always hold a special place in my heart. However, what I have with Jake is a totally different level of fitness. He pushes me more and has increased the workout to new levels. There’s a new DFM Manager at my gym (hi Chad). But you know what – not all change is bad. I NEVER would have chosen new people, but they put a new spin on things. And there’s something about them not knowing me before and just watching what I can (or at least try) and do now. ALL of the trainers at the St. Charles gym have been SOOO encouraging. Of the 3 (yes, 3) trainers who were waiting for me initially, only Mike remains. And I love Mike because not only has he become a friend, but he was the first person who told me he could tell I was losing weight and becoming more toned. You have NO idea what words said in passing mean to someone. Just telling us you notice the effort or saying our face looks slimmer – whether you’re our trainer or not – can give us what we need to keep going.

So through "simple" diet and exercise I have taken my life back, as you can. It isn't always easy, but it is ALWAYS worth it.

Thanks for indulging this little trip down memory lane. But that’s what all this is – a memory. I believe in learning the lesson from the past while always moving towards the future. And the future is pretty darn bright. So if you see (or probably hear) me in the gym laughing, maybe you'll know why. And laugh WITH me. Then let's get our sweat on!