Summer is officially in full swing and I feel like I am on the up and up! I am finally starting to feel better after what felt like a month-long bout of the flu! In actuality, it is likely that I was experiencing some initial side effects from my Glatiramer Acetate injections.
I am now a little over a month into the injections and I am feeling truly blessed that some of my pain and fatigue has eased up! It’s perfect timing because my husband and I are about to get started on a busy summer of weddings, our own wedding planning, and summer road trips!
I am still having a little anxiety about how unpredictable MS is. I worry that I will have a sudden flare up on a day with an important event or during a trip! The “what if’s” that come along with this disease are exhausting.
What I need to do is stop worrying about the future and just enjoy my now! In the words of another one of my favorite wizards;
“My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.” – Newt Scamander, Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them
As summer has started to heat up and I get ready for more and more outdoor activities and plans I have really been interested in getting a cooling vest. Heat is one of the most difficult triggers for my MS. Just twenty minutes outside on a 75-80+ degree day and my fatigue spikes exponentially. I get nauseous, dizzy, and weak. It really doesn’t take much exposure to the heat to leave me feeling like a rag doll with the stomach flu.
Usually my symptoms subside very quickly after cooling myself back down to a normal body temperature. So far I do that by seeking out air conditioning, drinking lots of water and using a cool neck wrap (one of those things that you put in the freezer).
The issue I am running into is that sometimes I want to go to a party or concert or wedding and not being rocking an ever so fashionable ice pack around my neck…I mean I’m all for accessorizing…but maybe not with that.
I have read a few blogs and lots of reviews about cooling vests made specifically for people with MS that can go under your clothes. I want one!!! I am looking into insurance coverage for one of the Thermacool under the clothing vests.
It makes me so excited and happy to know that there are tools out there than can make my daily life a little easier!
Overall, I am feeling like the winds have shifted and things are flowing through my life with a bit more positivity and ease! I want to keep that going!
Even though the past month has been difficult, I made it through. It is a sense of accomplishment to know that I have gotten back up after MS has knocked me down AGAIN! I may not be back to 100% or even 75% but I am getting there!
I know this won’t be my last battle with MS, but the small victories feel good! And feeling my body begin to bounce back feels even better!
Keep the positive thoughts going in your lives and positivity will manifest itself from within you!
-A
Alix in Wonderland 