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I’ve recently been reading about the benefits associated with intermittent fasting (IF). I’ve decided that I’m going to implement IF into my every day routine.

I’m remembering the summer of 1980. I was only sixteen years old. I recall that I fasted for four full days. I lost ten pounds during my fast, a full dress size.

I remember that the first couple of days of complete fasting were difficult, but that it actually became easier after that time. In fact, I remember that I actually felt euphoric on the third day of not eating.

I’m looking forward to receiving health benefits as a result of initiating IF again. I’ll be sure to keep you posted about my results.

I’ve been continuing to benefit from how accessing social media affects coping with my chronic illnesses. I keep discovering new ways that this involvement is helping, too.

For example, I continue to write my WordPress blog, almost two years after starting to do so. I always post my entries to both Facebook and Twitter.

I regularly access Facebook groups that are specifically designed for the conditions with which I’m coping. I benefit from feeling validated when others share highly similar concerns. I certainly hope that others are helped when I disclose information about my individual conditions.

I’ve had very interesting interactions as a result of posting all of my blogs. Readers have provided valuable information, and I’ve also been able to share helpful insights.

Dealing with chronic illness is often exceptionally lonely. Daily symptoms continue to interfere with taking part in activities with others.

I’m so thankful that I have ongoing access to social media. It’s been an essential component of trying to cope optimally with my chronic conditions.

I’ve definitely noticed that I’ve recently begun to feel more depressed. I’m feeling less motivated than usual, too.

Of course, it’s only been a little more than two weeks since I received all of my surgeries. I’m still in the process of healing from major surgery.

I’m trying to be as physically active as I can possibly tolerate, interspersing activity with rest periods. I’m trying not to overdue my activities.

I have an extensive history of struggling with depression. I’m certain that the enormous hormonal changes induced by my total hysterectomy are contributing to my current symptoms becoming more severe.

I’ve been researching non-prescription supplements to assist with alleviating menopausal symptoms, given that I can’t take hormone replacement therapy. I’m currently struggling with hot flashes, night sweats, waves of nausea, abdominal bloating, and cramping. I really hope that I can obtain some relief soon.

Since my total hysterectomy, I’ve definitely noticed increased symptoms that are entirely consistent with menopause. I’ve begun to have more severe hot flashes, for example. I’ve also begun to have night sweats.

Since hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is contraindicated for me, I’ve begin to research some non-prescription alternatives. I’ve already been taking Black Cohosh, on a daily basis, for the past year; I intend to keep taking this supplement.

I recently placed a call for further information about the benefits of initiating bioidentical hormones. I’m looking forward to discussing this treatment option with a trained specialist. Of course, I’ll need to research how bioidentical hormones may interact with my extensive list of prescription medications.

In the interim, I’ve decided to start a trial of over the counter Amberen. I’m curious to see to what extent it will mitigate my menopausal symptoms.

Twenty-seven years ago today, I was officially diagnosed with MS. Over the phone, my neurologist at the time informed me that they found several white matter lesions on my brain MRI.

I remember feeling totally in shock when she relayed these words to me. I soon scheduled an office visit with her. During that appointment, she abruptly informed me that I had MS. She callously said, “There’s nothing you can do about it. Don’t be depressed.”

I recall feeling that my life had been distinctly divided into two phases: before and after this diagnosis. Only one year before, I was capable of running several miles per day.

Fast forward to the present: I have a considerably more sensitive neurologist with whom to work. I’ve tried, as well as needed to discontinue, both Copaxone and Aubagio. I’m currently struggling to see if I can tolerate Vumerity.

I’m profoundly thankful for my continuing abilities, twenty-seven years post-diagnosis. I continue to have multiple MS symptoms, on a daily basis.

Remarkably, I can still walk totally unassisted. I definitely didn’t expect this to be the case, given my severe exacerbations during the first few years after receiving my diagnosis.

I’m especially thankful that I continue to experience significant relief from my MS fatigue, through twice-daily usage of Amantadine. Debilitating fatigue has been one of the most difficult MS symptoms with which I’ve had to deal.