#overcomingms

[omsdoortodoor]

Blog Extra - MS Awareness Week 22nd April to 28th April 2024

This week is UK MS Awareness Week and this year Overcoming MS is running a campaign called #MSUnfiltered.

As part of the campaign, OMS is working with MS Society UK, MS Together, Multiple Sclerosis Trust, MS-UK, Neuro Therapy Network and Shift.ms to survey over 1,400 people in the UK living with MS. The survey results showed us that:

When I was diagnosed the first thing I did was to check out the MS charity websites, as recommended by my neurologist.  When I read the long list of symptoms

I was appalled because I had virtually all of these symptoms to some degree or another. 

Here is the list of symptoms combined from the MS Trust and the MS Society websites:

Fatigue

Strange Skin sensations (numbness tingling, pins and needles, a crawling)

Balance and Co-ordination

Vision Problems

Walking difficulties

Thinking & memory difficulties (brain fog)

Bladder & bowel issues

Temperature sensitivity

Low mood, emotional problems, depression, and anxiety

Pain

Sexual issues

Sleep problems

Speech and swallowing problems

Hearing difficulties

Tremors

So when I read the list not only was I dismayed, I was also rather confused.  Because, some of those symptoms I had been putting down to my age.  So how do I know is it my MS or an age thing?

But I’m really hear to talk about the #MSUnfiltered campaign and what we don’t usually talk about.

While I have been very open about my MS diagnosis, there are some people who chose not to tell their employer for fear of being judged and side-lined at work. And when I chose to give up work, I didn’t tell my clients the full reasons behind my decision.  Which were, that I no longer trusted myself to build an accurate spreadsheet of financial projections or that it took me three times longer that it should to write a simple report due to my brain fog and reduction in manual dexterity at the keyboard.  The reduction in my ability to hold complex ideas in my mind undermined my confidence in my own abilities.  I wanted them to remember me as someone capable of doing everything that I used.

Sometimes I get so overwhelmed by outside stimulus that I struggle to think straight or to express myself properly.  All I can manage is a grunt because I can’t get the words that I want to say out.  I come over as inarticulate and I worry people will think I am rude because I only use a few words and need to go and lie down.

Up to 50% of people with MS have poor mental health – this is something I am comfortable talking about and I am happy to fly the flag here.  However, when I went on an MS retreat in November and started to talk about how MS affects my mental health, not one person had the courage to talk about their own issues. Even though there were 40 people in the room, and we were in a ‘safe space’.  If the stats are right at least 20 people in that room must have experience of poor mental health. For a moment, I felt a bit embarrassed for raising the topic, but only for a moment.  What I really felt was sympathy that no one else had the courage to share.

And finally, my closest friends will know that I use the loo A LOT. I now have a RADAR key but I haven't had to use it YET.

#MSAwarenessWeek #MSAwareness #MS #MSDiagnosis #OvercomingMS #OMS #MSSymptoms

[mermaidonthemountain]

Day 30: comfort Last night I set to work making one of my family’s favorite dinners. Chicken curry. It’s the first solid food I fed my babies and my littlest’s favorite dish still. I make it every year as our #celebration dinner of Imbolc. It represents the warmth of the sun returning. The fire of life. The warmth of our love. I’ve obviously adjusted my recipe for me to be meatless. Imbolc is February 1st, but we’ll be celebrating all week, as my family has crazy schedules. But that’s fine by me. 😘 #chronicallyinspiringchallenge #mswarrior #fightMS #fuckMS #OMS #overcomingMS #myyearofgratitude #neverstop #mermaidwarrior #MScansuckit #Imbolc #spring #pagan #vegan #comfortfood #plantbased #curry https://www.instagram.com/p/BtTbpe4Hbe0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=i42re2pn2arf

[velvetphantom-blog1]

#Infusiontime #autoimmunedisease #functionalmedicine #ms #multiplesclerosis #mood #fatigue #mswarrior #msfighter #mssucks #tired #chronicillness #msfam #womenrunning #finishms #strongerthanms #overcomingms #msrunner #runningwithms #multiplesclerosisawareness #msawareness #curems #fightms #invisibleillness #autoimmune #hashimotos

[veganfodmaper-blog]

This has to be one of my favourite vegan meals so far!! Warm Ginger Green Bean Honey Mustard Salad with Pita Pockets - equally good with rice. Herbs(Basil, Majoram Parsley Oregano Thyme Rosemary) Green Beans, Spinach, Red and Orange Capsicum, Mushrooms, Ginger, Dressing (Olive Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cider Vinegar, Mustard Powder, Celery Salt, Honey)

[nickallennz]

The alpine meadow before Upper Travers Hut is just stunning. There's a snow-fed stream running through the tussock, sitting beneath the ice-laden faces. And what day for it! . #masteringmountains with #macpac #mitoq and #radixnutrition. #whateveryouradventure . Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust is all about helping people with #multiplesclerosis get outdoors. I have #MS and this is my story. #autoimmunedisease #functionalmedicine #mswarrior #msfighter #strongerthanms #overcomingms . #tramping #picoftheday #photooftheday #travelgram #travelphotography #hiking #adventuretime #beautifuldestinations #naturelover #naturelovers #seenz #seenewzealand #newzealandphotography #newzealand #camping #campinglife #outdoors

[shirelle81]

#nuffsaid #Repost @overcoming_ms with @repostapp ・・・ #letthatsinkin #overcomingMS is possible #overcomingmultiplesclerosis #plantbased #wholefood #omega3 #multiplesclerosis #MSsucks #fuMS #vitaminD3 #meditation #exercise #livewell #bekind #loveyourself #autoimmunedisease #autoimmune #MS #myelinsheath #freshstart #newbeginnings #loveyourself

[crystalbenesfitness-blog]

I really wanted a different upper body workout to do, so I searched BOD through my All Access pass and low and behold I found one I've never done before. It's from the Masters Series and I'm totally adding into my favorites! I dialed my weights to 7.5 lbs for this particular part and I think it was a great spot to start for me (we're all different). I'm not too sore today, but just enough! I can definitely see myself doing these moves again, great on my arms and core! I wasn't always a fitness junkie, the feeling you get from it is nothing short of amazing.. that exercise high! No matter what level of exercise you think you are, there's a program for you! I can help you get started! #rawlinsspecial #mIsFIT #multiplesclerosis #ificanyoucan #noquickfix #strongerEveryDay #strongerthanyourexcuses #iLoveMuscles #momlife #MommyStrong #stressRelief #fitmom #junkie #fitnessjunkie #exerciseisthebestmedicine #exerciseJunkie #addicted #MyHealthyAddiction #upperbody #weights #loveyourself #beconfident #betterYou #masterSeries #mswarrior #WhyNotYou #healingMS #overcameMS #overcomingMS

[madewithlovenz-blog]

We tried these today down at @mysilopark My favourite summer ice block @drfeelgoodicepops #glutenfree #dairyfree #refinesugarfree #norefinedsugar #autism #mswarrior #overcomingms #jelinek #jelinekdiet #oms #nzmade #silopark #auckland #hotsummersday #kidstreat #kidsparty (at Silo Park, Viaduct)

[omsdoortodoor]

OMS Door to Door Challenge – Departure Date minus 1 week

Ian's fortnight

Playlist: Classics

Riding on My Bike - Madness

The Bike Song - Mark Ronson

Bicycle - John Cale

Bicycle Race - Queen

Broken Bicycles - Tom Waits

Bicycle Song - Red Hot Chilli Peppers

Bike - Pink Floyd

Silver Machine - Hawkweed

Nine Million Bicycles - Katie Melua

Riding On My Bike - Sia

From The Little Book of Cycling.

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve contributed to our blog so I thought it was time I wrote something. 

The last few weeks have been my out on several rides of different lengths including a circuit going past Wellington Monument to Culm Head before going passed Smeatharpe airfield to Dunkeswell. I then headed towards Culmstock, through Uffculme to Willand, Sampford Peverell, Uplowman, Huntsham ant the Staple Cross before retuning to Holcombe through Hockworthy. A ride of about forty-six miles which I completed in three and a half hours at an average speed of thirteen and a half miles an hour.

I have also completed several other rides as well as visiting the gym a few times to do some leg and back exercises.

Last week I had both the bikes serviced in Exeter, Bike No1 just needed a check over, but Bike No2 required some attention as it hadn’t had much done to it since I bought it about twelve years ago. It did give me the opportunity to cycle back from Exeter.  Approaching Cullompton I was overtaken by a bunch of about ten keen cyclists, and I managed to tag onto the back go the group & cadge a lift to near Willand. I showed the benefits of slip-streaming, which I won’t have the benefit of during the challenge.

I also saw my Osteopath this week, I tend to go every three months, probably in a vain attempt to keep myself as fit as I can.  She went through a number of exercises and stretches someone of my age should be doing when taking on a long cycle like this one.

With just a week left before we set off, I have several rides planned which will hopefully include a couple of longer routes and going out on consecutive days, I’m happy with my level of fitness so it’s now just about spending time on the bike.

Celeste our motorhome went in for a service and wash this week and I decided to go for a ride while I was waiting. I rode what will be part of the first day, leaving Wellington I climbed on to The Blackdown hills and on to Chard, through Winsham to Drimpton where I turned round and did it all in reverse. It’s fairly hilly but with some lovely countryside and pretty villages. The climb back on to The Blackdowns was tough but in all I rode 51 miles in about four hours which I was pleased with. Unfortunately, my phone went flat halfway through the ride, so I only managed to record part of the ride on Strava through which I monitor my performance.

I have to keep Jane and my cousin Heather musically happy during our time away so I have been buying CDs and downloading songs by the likes of ABBA, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston and Coldplay to name a few. There may be times when I’m glad to be on my bike!

Heading into the final week before departure I have a couple of jobs to finish off on Celeste before packing her up ready for the off and of course we have our Fundraiser on Friday the 6th, The final Holcombe Rogus Pop Up Pub in the village hall so hopefully we will see you there.

Once we are on the challenge, there will be far fewer text blogs and more videos, pictures and interviews.

Thank you for your support and readership over the last few months.  Your comments and support has really helped us to prepare for our journey.

As you know we are raising funds for Overcoming MS. If you would like to support this amazing charity which helps to improve the life of people with MS you can follow this link.

[debbiehepworthjorde-blog]

Walking in a winter wonder land☃️💖 . . . #winter #sunlitmountains #mountains #nature #lovenature #naturbeauty #exercising #winterexercise #winterwalking #winterwonderland #happy #happiness #overcome #overcomingobstacles #overcomingms #ms #overcomingchallenges #overcomingdepression #positivity #positivevibes #selfdiscipline #strengththroughstruggle #strengththroughadversity https://www.instagram.com/p/B5iXf_PFfNg/?igshid=1v6jhgi2gq8lv

[mermaidonthemountain]

Day 29: the hardest part of MS? In the long run the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip. ~Daniel L. Reardon #chronicallyinspiringchallenge #mswarrior #fightMS #fuckMS #OMS #overcomingMS #myyearofgratitude #neverstop #mermaidwarrior #MScansuckit https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOnVKUHP7d/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1lfafdgqgsade

[velvetphantom-blog1]

#autoimmunedisease #functionalmedicine #ms #multiplesclerosis #mood #fatigue #mswarrior #msfighter #mssucks #tired #chronicillness #msfam #fighter #ChronicPain #womenrunning #finishms #strongerthanms #overcomingms #msrunner #runningwithms #multiplesclerosisawareness #msawareness #curems #fightms #invisibleillness #autoimmune # #warriors

[veganfodmaper-blog]

Stuffed capsicums are my go to atm, Stir fried capsicum, mushroom courgette and eggplant, with black and white rice , herbs (Basil, Majoram Parsley Oregano Thyme Rosemary) sliced almonds for added crunch and when stuffed into the pepper I then drizzled with a mustard dressing (Olive Oil, Mustard Seeds, Cider Vinegar, Mustard Powder, Celery Salt, and Honey)

[nickallennz]

Mark and Nina, caught in the light beneath Travers Falls, Nelson Lake NP. #masteringmountains with #macpac #mitoq and #radixnutrition. #whateveryouradventure . Mastering Mountains Charitable Trust is all about helping people with #multiplesclerosis get outdoors. I have #MS and this is my story. #autoimmunedisease #functionalmedicine #mswarrior #msfighter #strongerthanms #overcomingms . #tramping #picoftheday #photooftheday #travelgram #travelphotography #hiking #adventuretime #beautifuldestinations #naturelover #naturelovers #seenz #seenewzealand #newzealandphotography #newzealand #camping #campinglife #outdoors (at Nelson Lakes National Park)

[prathiba-autodidact]

: This post is mainly for children. Face those bullies and tormentor with courage and overcome situations that you think is impossible to handle. You are brave enough to face any problem and challenges. Do not hide yourself from the world, face it and take it over with head held high! : : ©📝:@prathibashivaji Follow: @prathiba_autodidact : #overcomingabuse #overcomingchallenges #overcoming #overcomingpain #overcomingtrauma #overcomingobesity #overcomingbyfaith #overcomingoverthinking #overcominginjury #overcomingstruggles #overcomingeatingdisorders #overcominggrief #overcomingaddiction #overcomingbingeeating #overcomingtheodds #overcomingadversity #overcomingfears #overcomingobstacles #overcominganxiety #overcomingdyslexia #overcominggravity #overcomingshyness #overcomingptsd #overcomingms #overcomingdepression #overcominginfertility #overcomingillness #overcomingfear #overcomingmultiplesclerosis #overcomingperfectionism https://www.instagram.com/p/B7MLHm_F9kQ/?igshid=1e9gox7mxvh3w

[shirelle81]

Today is World Ms day I have been quiet and pensive most of the day really thinking about how the diagnosis and the disease have made changes in my life however what sticks out the most for me is how my husband, life partner,BFF, #mce @mfrancis0809 has been there for me every step of the way- good days great days not so good days he is constant I THANK God for him everyday sometimes you don't know how strong you are until you have to put up the best fight and he is my ring side mate with the help of God there's nothing we cannot conquer nor overcome, have MS it doesn't have me. We continue the fight and the search for the Cure and continuously hold on to God's unchanging hand! #mswarriors #yoga #blackgirlmagic #MADEYOULOOK #marriedmybff #Repost @overcomingms ・・・ ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️ (at Houston, Texas)