Multiple Sclerosis is an eventful experience. It is in your mind ~ literally. It is all in the central nervous system. As you know, MS is an auto-immune disease. The immune system, which is supposed to be attacking any disease, instead attacks the protective coating of the nerves.
With enough attacks, the protective coating is gone and eventually the nerves themselves are injured. As the nerves are injured, the signals are unable to get from the brain to the body (in my case, mostly the legs). A serious attack is called an exacerbation and it’s crazy! I experienced about one every month for almost two years. So I really was able to identify what it felt like to head into an exacerbation.
When I started to get weary, a fatigued feeling, to the point that it was hard to pick up a pencil to write a note, or lift a spoon to eat a bite of soup, I new I was heading down. It felt like I was standing on the top of a very steep hill, almost a cliff.
Then it would just take a matter of hours, and it was like I had jumped down the hill.
It always made me think of Princess Buttercup in the movie Princess Bride when she tumbles down shouting after Wesley as he screamed, “as you wish!”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t as easy for me to get up as it was for Buttercup. I would be totally knocked out ~ flat in bed for days. The Dr. would give me mega doses of steroids to decrease the inflammation caused by the immune system’s malfunction.
A nurse would come to my house to give the steroid infusion, I’d tell the kids I had my own private nurse. The drugs would pick me back up but never to the point that I was before the attack. I’d have a couple weeks of feeling good before I’d roll back down again.
A very good friend gave me a journal so I could write about my experiences. Writing it all down was very therapeutic. I didn’t realize this benefit until years later.
Mar 11, 2001 2:00pm Sunday “I must have gotten a little better, I was sitting out in the kitchen after lunch and I thought I’m not rushing back to lay down, I must be feeling better, I hope I’ll continue to improve.”
Mar 19, 2001 “I need to ‘enjoy the moment without looking to the future with hope or fear or anything just ‘ENJOY THE NOW’ like Eckhart Toole said. “I realized that I had begun to EXPECT an exacerbation. I decided instead to ACCEPT what I couldn’t control.
In July 2006 I participated in a test study at Johns Hopkins - the chemo put my MS in remission. Because it was a test, the neurologist didn’t know what would happen. He suggested I use a pharmaceutical called Copaxone for a year to re-program my immune system. I used the daily injection for almost a year and a half. I had it in my mind that given the proper nutrition and life style, my body would heal itself.
After the 18 months on Copaxone, I went on what the doctor called a medicine holiday. Eight months later, I realize that proper nutrition and life style doesn’t seem to keep everyone healthy. The MS was in remission until I stopped using Copaxone. I’ll go back on the Copaxone as soon as I can get in to see the Doctor.
As with all of us, the learning will never stop. I’ve been preaching to IDENTIFY and ENJOY THE NOW no matter what the external circumstances are when my external circumstances were good! Now the real learning begins! I have to say I’m really tired of this lesson! 
Tell me your story and what you’ve learned!
February 4th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Linda,
You have an incredibly powerful story, my friend. I can identify with each of your journal entries, as I’ve experienced them first-hand myself.
Our paths were meant to cross. We have a lot to share.
Always keep your positive attitude and beautiful smile.
To Our Amazing Success,
Dar
February 4th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
I find it amazing! When it’s meant to be, it is! I look forward to sharing!
February 13th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Linda,
It is so good that you are sharing your story, I work with others who have a disability and I will share your site when I can to inspire others.
August 22nd, 2010 at 7:22 pm
I have had MS since I was about 20. I spent my 20s, 30s and 40s staving it off. I had gotten to the point where I walked with crutches and leg braces. I knew if Kept trying I could defeat it. Finally, I went the alternative route with the help of my family doctor. I worked on keeping my immune system up, I kept exercising and strength training, I kept writing and working. The fatigue and headaches were the worst, but I kept getting better and better. Two years ago, I stopped using even a cane. I swim five miles a week and I power walk now. I have always been a freelance humor writer but now I am ready to go for it big time. I feel like I am a kid starting out again, but in my heart and mind I feel as if I tamed this beast. I would never recommend someone go alternative because I don’t know what works for everyone. I just know it worked for me.
August 23rd, 2010 at 8:51 am
Donna~
How exciting!! I’ve done a TON of alternative treatments also! Like you, I know that different treatments work for different people! Unfortunately, none of the atlernatives have worked for me. I’m very interested in knowing what worked for you! The fact that you’re walking gives me hope that I will realize my dream of (among other things) doing dance aerobics! We have to keep in touch!
~Linda
August 24th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
Wow, I never knew somebody that had MS until i read this article. As you say, keep living in the moment, that is what really matters. I would also want to suggest certain forms of spirituality like yoga or anything of that sort, if you don’t mind. I am not claiming that will solve the problem, it’s just a suggestion.
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August 25th, 2010 at 6:45 am
Thank you Loic! I don’t mind your suggestions at all! I started this journey doing yoga but that fell by the wayside when I became too sick to continue. Sprituality, prayer and meditation are still an active part of my life! It seems like I’m shooting down everyone’s suggestions! I’m not, I like the feedback, I wouldn’t have posted the article if I didn’t want the ideas! I’ll keep listening and learning!
~Linda
August 25th, 2010 at 5:27 am
Your title caught my attention because of a book I read in the past that talks about all illnesses are from your thoughts.I am drawing a blank right now for the name but I will come back and add it when I remember.
Best wishes in your journey towards better health Linda.
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August 25th, 2010 at 6:20 am
Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer and Depak Chopra all teach about healing yourself! I got the ideas from them! With the knowledge they’ve taught me (and I won’t leave God out of it), I’ve been able to avoid all the common colds that the kids have brought home from school for the past 20 years! Unfortunately MS and Psoriasis are things that haven’t disappeared even with EFT, suppliments and a myriad of alternative treatments. Don’t worry, I’m not giving up! When you think of what you’ve read, I’d love to hear!
August 25th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
Thanks for sharing your story Linda. I never knew what MS actually does to the body. I hope that by learning from different sources of information out there you will be on the right path to being healthy again.
Just like Donna says I would never recommend an alternative approach but there are some nutritional products that help with the immune system out there that people use with medication. I hope the Copaxone get’s you back to normal soon though.
I’ve never known anybody with MS but I know people that had other serious problems that were helped with the support of certain nutritional supplements.
Take care Linda
Rick
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August 25th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Thanks for visiting and commenting on my post! I appreciate it and I look forward to visiting yours!
August 25th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Thanks for sharing your personal journey Linda. I nursed MS patients in the neuro rehab unit I worked in when I lived in the UK. Although I had been a registered nurse for many years; until I worked in that unit I had no idea what some people go through. These were ppl with advanced MS who needed specialist treatment but even so it made me very thankful for the healthy body I have.
Patricia Perth Australia
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August 25th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
Thank you for sharing Patricia! I appreciate knowing your experiences! It’s fun to read your blog also! It’s enjoy learning more about the beauty and usefulness of Lavender!
August 25th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Hi Linda
Thanks for sharing with us just exactly what MS does to the CNS, was interesting and helps me to be understand the dis ease. You asked for your readers to tell you their story, but how after yours. I need to be appreciate my good health I think.
Belinda
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August 25th, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Thank you Belinda! That’s what everyone said to me as they talked to me when I was sick in bed!!
I learned that almost everyone has something! I know that a public blog isn’t the place to share private trials, and when hearing about health issues it makes us think about other health issues or the lack of them!
I appreciate your kindness!
~Linda
August 25th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
Thank you Linda for that moving post and sharing your journey of MS. We tend to take our health for granted until something goes wrong and your post acts as a timely reminder that we should appreciate our health whilst we have it. Thank you for sharing and keep writing….it is wonderful therapy.
Louise
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August 26th, 2010 at 6:12 am
Louise~
Yes it is! As I said, I’m glad to help motivate others with my story, the bottom line is…. it is therapy for me too!
~Linda
August 25th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
Hi Linda
I also think it is wonderful you are sharing your story with readers. Having witnessed my uncle deteriorate with MS many years ago I am too familiar with the horrid effects of MS. Linda you are an inspiration!
I have eaten well and taken supplements for years so I hope that continues to support my good health. It is something too many people take for granted until it is taken away from them.
Take care
Sue
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August 26th, 2010 at 6:10 am
Thank you Sue! That is one of the things that motivated me to start this blog in the first place, to help people be grateful and stay in good health their entire lives!
~Linda
August 26th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Linda,
I admire your courage to walk the path you are on. You are facing life every day head on and from your story I can only imagine how difficult some days seem. Getting to know you in our syndication group has been a joy. You are full of life and energy. You are constantly learning, moving forward and sharing with us. If it were not for the stories you share here and with us on our calls I would never have known of your battle with MS. Your voice is full of life. I wish for your continued improvement in health.
See you next week!
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September 18th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I have never had MS but from what others say it seems something very serious but also something that many have overcome. So like a lot of people say. If they can do it so can you. I wish you the best of luck Linda
November 2nd, 2010 at 3:12 am
Hi Ms. Linda! Thanks for letting us know your story on how you overcome and face the challenge in your life. I do agree for the said title, “Multiple Sclerosis: It’s All In Your Mind”. If we see circumstances as the opportunity of growing up, we can grasp easily the essential things in life. Indeed, I found valuable insights from your post. Much thanks again!
November 4th, 2010 at 6:23 am
And an personal growth opportunity it is!
November 3rd, 2010 at 9:07 am
I don’t know as much as I’d like to about MS so I can’t comment on the disease itself but it must take a great deal of strength for you to come on and discuss it the way you do, as well as trying to help others understand it a little better. Good luck to you for the future Linda.
November 4th, 2010 at 6:21 am
Thank you for visiting and commenting on my blog! I’d love to see a picture connected to your comment! I wrote a post to show you how to do it if you don’t already know, you can see it here~ http://lindagraceonline.com/get-the-focus-on-you/!
November 6th, 2010 at 2:51 am
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It really helps me to understand if what is “Multiple Sclerosis” is all about. Since I don’t have that much idea about these and how it affects a person. But now I realize that everything is all in the mind and anyone that has this “MS” will still have a chance to overcome everything that he/she is experiencing in his/her self. Good Bless to you… Great Job!
November 6th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Thank you for visiting my blog~
Your business, Alaska Shore Excursions looks awesome! I look forward to networking with you more!
Linda
November 8th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Linda,
I am a firm believer in the POWER of our minds. Have you ever read the book
The Master Key by Charles Haanel? He explains the power of our minds like no other
(my opinion) if you never read it I say go spend $10 and treat yourself.
You deserve it!
Blessing’s,
JoAnn
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November 24th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I discovered your blog when seeking for some thing distinct on Yahoo and bing about topics related to movies, but I had the possibility to go through this blog post and I found it quite useful indeed.
November 25th, 2010 at 4:09 am
Hi Linda,
It’s an interesting website and you should keep fighting against MS. I have been very ill and I kept on trying and although I’m not well things are much better. I’m English and so probably have less worries with our National Health system. I get free treatment and drugs but it’s not always good. I still had to take responsibility for my own health, research it and ask questions. I went to the Emergency Dept at the hospital 4 times in 2008 and was admitted 3 times. I wasn’t always treated very well but I didn’t need insurance – we have National Insurance. I have got much better partly by luck and partly by determination. I write all the time now and I’m on my third novel. I’m still not well enough to do a lot of things and life isn’t perfect. I guest blog for Shari Weiss; I clicked your link – commenting can be good! I also have my own website and I am webmaster of another site for an author. I keep busy and do what I enjoy doing and so life could be much worse. I shall set goals for 2011 to do even better. It’s 2 years since the paramedics took me to hospital – I’m winning!
November 25th, 2010 at 5:55 am
Mike~
! I created a post showing you how to get a picture connected to your comments – check it out here: http://lindagraceonline.com/get-the-focus-on-you/ In case you don’t see this, I’ll send you an email with this information!
Thank you for sharing your story, it’s fascinating to hear what life is like in other countries! ! You’re proof that commentluv get’s the word out! I’m glad you clicked on my site! If you don’t mind me asking, is your illness Multiple Sclerosis also? I may be interested in your guest writing also! But first I need to see who you are
Linda
November 25th, 2010 at 6:35 am
Hi Linda,
I changed my email address to see if my Gravatar is displayed. t is on Shari’s site. I hate it but I see the point. I like the one I have on Facebook better!
November 25th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Thank you Mike! Hey, if you like the one you have on facebook better, you can simply add the picture to your gravatar account!
But I think this picture is very nice!
December 12th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Very inspirational story. That must be tough for you. But it’s true that everything depends on how you perceive things. How you look at and how you act is really important. No matter how hard life has been, just continue being optimistic. The power of thinking. We don’t have to worry too much about tomorrow, we might forget how wonderful it is today. Just be happy and everything gonna be in the right place. Stay strong and thanks for sharing!
March 31st, 2011 at 4:35 am
You are indeed an inspiration! I love your story.. Having a positive mind really matters. Everything is just a state of mind and what you’ve think is what you’ve got! Thanks for sharing!
March 31st, 2011 at 6:25 am
Thank you Izza for visiting my blog! Tomorrow is the first and I’ll do another update but it will be posted on my other site, http://msrelief.com if you feel like checking it out there.
April 30th, 2011 at 7:44 am
You have showed great perseverance behind the blog. It’s been enriched since the beginning. I love to share to with my friends. I spent almost half an hour daily here. Carry on.
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August 16th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
The title of your post caught my attention. It’s all in the mind?? As I read through it, I didn’t realize it is YOUR story and your experiences. Now I understand your point. The most important thing is to live NOW. You are a very strong woman Linda and I salute you!
Keep on inspiring others!
August 17th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Jeff,
You’re so kind! You must be a man of faith yourself! I look forward to getting to know you!
Linda
February 4th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
God bless your resilience Linda. You are a true light in the world. I’ve never dealt with anything as big as MS but I have had to overcome a lot of limitations with self esteem and confidence. Still a work in progress.
-Kris
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