The journey continues ... with the usual peaks ad valleys. We suffer from the stereotypical ridiculous pace imposed on us by the season! To the usual craziness we add the creation of a Christmas newsletter via CD, with caroling to boot! So, I'm not here to complain, maybe just moan a little, as Christmas looms and much of the work that must be done before the big day remains UNDONE!
We still take time out to enjoy the social activities, and especially the music, that are/is part of the busyness. We heard God's Great Love today; very inspiring! And someone from church reminded me that I am still on the prayer list - amazing! The person wanted an update - so I asked that they pray that I continue to get better ;-). I said I was humbled that they would bother about me - and she said I was an inspiration. Inspiration in, inspiration out!
So what's better about my health, and why? The first question I can answer; not certain about the second. My balance is definitely better. I can carry things even going up and down stairs. I can stand on one foot, for almost forever - longer than anyone would want to. I am stronger than I have been for about ten years. I was on my feet while shopping the other day for 90 minutes with no more support than my cane. Tonight we were in the recording studio for 6 hours, and I stood for at least half that time, although with breaks. No problem - I'm standing right now while I'm typing.
I haven't taken my Copaxone for a month although I say every day I am going to do so. I am about the same energy level and clear headedness as usual with the Copaxone - but without it! It never really improved my mobility, but certainly my mood, energy and ability to think clearly. Hmmm - I really want to know what I will be like if I take the Copaxone, too! Energizer bunny, move over!
So, to what do I attribute this new state of being? I am convinced that MS is a vascular disease first and an immune-system disease second. A number of things may have changed my vascular wellness .....
1. a catheter inserted into my jugular veins (in Poland) may have diminished the amount of 'webbing' in those veins
2. 9 days of strong doses of blood thinners
3. 3 months of ProArgy9
4. 3 months of EmuOil
5. 1 month of 8000 IU of vitamin D daily
I am now a patient of Dr. Bill Code, integrated medical specialist. Dr. Code took my angiograms pictures and MRVscans done in Poland to California, to an Interventional Radiologist there. The IR feels I have blood flow problems that could be solved with a removal of valves in the veins that are not working properly. We'll see ..... it may mean a trip to California soon.
In the meantime, work continues to be exciting and satisfying. It especially looks that way right now as I am on holidays for three weeks. I do plan to get a head start on an article about how emotion affects online learning that's demanding to be written, but that doesn't really feel like work ...... it's fun!
May the peace and love that defines Christmas surround you, now and forever.
TPP
"Bother" about you, Doc? Hey, you're part of the "family" - actually, you're part of a lot of families and we think of you often. Thank you for the update, it makes for a closer connection and it's a reminder that we need to ensure those connections are never broken. Dr Code is a very special person...you're in good hands. Keep us all posted, please. Peace be with you this Holy Season. Duncan.
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