A Fork in the Road

10/20/2013

Over the past month my health care journey has taken a detour that I did not see coming. Somewhere along the way I contracted a virus of some sort that completely floored me. My body totally shut down as a result of a 103 degree temperature, I was unable to walk and the rest of my body felt like one big cramp, I couldn’t think, I was hot, I was cold. After endless tests and a few days in the hospital I was released with the instructions to “drink a lot of water and hopefully it will pass soon.” After taking gallons of blood, urine, and spinal fluid that was it?

As a result of the unknown virus and my leaky spinal cord I was put on bed rest by my doctors until my spinal headaches went away, which ended up being a little over two weeks. As someone that has had a job since I was 13 years old I thought lying in bed doing nothing for a few weeks would be a lot more fun than it was! Lying around for a few weeks actually took a serious toll on my body as I was unable to walk around, stretch out, or exercise. So I am back to very slowly walking with a cane and going to PT a few times a week to get back to my “normal”.

Some good things have come from all of the down time; I have had a lot of time to think about my mind and body. First of all I was able to attend a great MS focused yoga class (www.yogaspiritwellness.com). While attending class I met many wonderful people that are on similar journeys as all of us. It was nice to share stories and MS information as well as having my spirits lifted by the care free group in the class. Also I have decided to start eating following the Paleo diet (http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxIowaCity-Dr-Terry-Wahls-Min), with all of the research pointing to high sodium diets having a negative impact on MS I figure it is time to start eating healthier.

So let’s talk, have any of you ever experienced a virus that has put you in the hospital or made you change your life in any way? Do any of you attend yoga classes? Finally, how have you adapted your diet to MS?

Thanks,
Donn

2 Comments

Dawn Monlleo

10/21/2013 04:14:26 am

I take the yoga you were talking about. It's an absolute life saver. It allows me to feel alittle like I used to before M.S. took so much away from me. That's where I Adapt doing the things you take for granted. I've had to stop driving--I loved driving--little things like vaccumig my house--sweeping the floor--little stuff like that. I've learned to be happy with what I can do and not dwell on how it used to be. Sometimes after yoga & feeling all the wonderful positive energy & love from Mindy, Marla, Sheryl & Kathy I move in ways I thought were gone from my body.
As far as my diet goes I try to eat "organic" as much as I can. Produce, fruits, meat & what looks good. I did the "Swank" diet years ago, still add his stuff to my diet. It's harder some days than others but trying to stay happy & stress free helps. Meditating I've learned really helps.

Donn

10/21/2013 10:58:59 am

Dawn,

I'm so glad that I went to Yoga Moves MS it has really changed my outlook on things. It was nice to be able to talk with everyone and share perspectives, I'm really looking forward to going again tomorrow and sharing in all of the positive energy that the group spreads!

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A Fork in the Road

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