My MS Support Group got together to catch up on each other lives and to see how we all are doing. What was so nice was that one of the support members Katie offered the use of her home to have the meeting this time. We brought our siblings, spouses and friends with us to talk about what they go through when we are having a hard time dealing with different things that happen to our bodies during an MS episode or attacks as I call them.
We had lunch – some brought something to share we had the chance to talk about healthy eating. I introduced a new dish that I have posted on my food blog called Grain Salad which was made with Quinoa. Here is my blog link with the recipe http://blog.simplyhealthycooking.com/2010/03/06/quinoa-salad-with-dried-apricots-cranberries-coriander-cumin-and-lime-vinaigrette/ – I made some adjustments using things I had on hand. Instead of lime and sugar I used an orange. Instead of olive oil I used Grapeseed oil. The idea of this recipe is to see how easy it is to change food ingredients using what you have on hand. Everyone talked about how food affects their bodies, mood swings and the overall healthy feeling when changing the way we eat.
I was curious for my own benefit to find out what everyone feels when they are tired. The reason for this was my cousin who was diagnosed with MS also, said she often feels like she is drunk even though she had not had anything to drink. Katie said that she becomes very crabby and wants down time, Lesa said she her body becomes off-balance and cannot move as much, Myra said she just feels very off with herself and I shared that I become extremely agitated and my body automatically rebels to do more as I am always pushing myself. We all agreed that we need to listen to our bodies more. Karen my sister, shared that when she sees me like this – she knows I need to sleep. Once I get 1 to 2 hours sleep I am fine. I am able to continue with what I was doing before. Interesting analysis. I wonder what other people feel?
After lunch we met in another room so we could sit down and really talk and connect because it had been a long time since the last meeting.
I brought up some new medications on the market that was recently approved by the FDA. One was for Lesa’s benefit because she has much difficulty walking. The name of the drug is called Ampyra – I gave information to Lesa to discuss with her doctor. http://msassociation.org/news_center/article.asp?a=ampyra
Vicky – talked about her mom being a House of Representative and thought of having the next meeting in her home to show support? What do you all think of this idea?
Lesa – was enjoying herself and talking about many things with us. It was so good to see her – after almost 2 years.
Myra shared that she called the MS Society to see if they could help her with finding someone that can clean her home and help her do some things like food shopping and other things that we often take for granted. They were able to help her find someone – free of cost to help Myra do the simple things that is often a battle for most. http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/MIG/index.aspx
Katie shared some valuable magzines that she reads to find out all the latest news on MS reserach, and shared her doctor that she feels a strong connection with her MS situation. Here are some of the magazines she subscribes to – go to the websites and subsribe to them so you can get their latest news via email or the mail: www.msfocus.org and www.msassociation.org – she also brought out back issues for Neurology Now and we all grabbed subscription papers – but you can subscribe online at www.neurologynow.com
Katie was talking with my sister and Myra about food especially MSG and the side effects it does to your body after eating foods with MSG. This conversation led her to bring out another book I plan on purchasing – Eat this and Live by Don Colbert M.D. – very valuable food information in this book – http://www.amazon.com/Eat-This-Live-DONALD-COLBERT/dp/1599795191/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279467987&sr=8-1
Katie is lucky I did not walk off with the book and keep it for myself – Ha!
Vicky is one of our supporters/friend/driver/the everything person – she basically shared some of her mom’s experiences with MS and her knowledge of food and what is good health wise. Thank you Vicky.
Karen – my sister and supporter – shared her thoughts about what we go through and how she could not begin to imagine. She can only be there to support and do what she could to make things easier. Basically words of encouragement to live by – Attitude is Everything”.
Our group session ended around 3:30 – all in all it was a great get-together
-Everyone wants to meet again next month – what is a good time ?? Please email me and let me know and where can we all meet so it is even driving time for everyone – in someone’s home – or what.
Until then, – Be Well
MS and My Life 
