Oral Treatment, Gilenya

I tend not to focus too much on the medical part of MS on my blog, but the release of Gilenya http://www.ms-society.ie/news/show/fda-approves-oral-therapy in the UK last week made me hopeful so I thought I should write about it.

When I was diagnosed with MS, loads of the professionals I had dealt with had spoke about an oral treatment that may be released this year. I was really excited when it became available in the UK as it should be available in Ireland soon (allegedly September 2011). Then I noticed on an online forum that someone had listed  A LOT of side effects from it (slowed heart rate, distorted vision, elevated blood pressure, increase risk of serious infection, liver damage etc.). This freaked me out and now I think that I should stay on Copaxone. I don't even know if I'm eligible for Gilenya yet, but the reactions I have been having from the Copaxone have been getting me down. I would have been interested in starting Gileyna, but now I'm not sure. I have been lucky with Copaxone as the only side effects I have had are ones from the injection sites. I don't think I'm strong enough right now to tempt fate and start taking an oral medication that may not work, or may cause serious side effects.

I am SO appreciative of all the recent research into MS disease modifying treatments, but I just feel so confused about the whole thing. I just wish it was easier to know what was best for you!

Moaning Michael

For all the positivity I preach, this week I have been such a moaning Michael.

I am SO tired all the time, which is completely ruining the chance of anything productive coming from me.
My mood and motivation are so low, and I just can't get my shit together. My pjs have become my favourite "outfit" and the couch is my safe place. I have tried to increase my motivation through setting little tasks and goals throughout the day, but it's not working :(

I do feel like I am suffering with what a lot of MSers call "Brain Fog". I'm struggling with remembering things, and sometimes during sentences, words just "fall" out of my head. It can be quite frustrating, and scary too, if I am truly honest.

This is the first time in a while I've felt like this, emotionally, but I'm allowing it to happen. I'm the only person who puts me under any pressure to do things; clean the house, cook dinner, run errands, etc. I've finally allowed myself to take time out when my body or brain tells me to. A few months ago, my body had symptoms which forced me to rest, now it's my brain. So I'm going with the flow.... but no doubt I'll be back to my shiny, happy self in no time!

Stress Free Me!

One of the things that I was told shortly after I got diagnosed was that "stress and MS aren't friends". Like many of the women I know, I'm mad for a bit of stress, and have a skill of finding it in the smallest of situations!! I have spent the last few months experimenting with different stress- relieving tactics. I am still finding what works for me, but would appreciate any hints or tips my fellow MSers have. These are things I have been using to manage my stress:

Yoga

I started yoga with the MS Society a few weeks ago and attend a weekly class. I also spend a few minutes every day doing a variety of stretches and moves that I have learnt from the class. I'll do a bit of stretching while the kettle is boiling/ watching the telly etc. This really works for me as it is a gradual thing I do throughout the day, as opposed to having to set aside a full hour to devote to it. Yoga is something that can be adapted easily, depending on your physical abilities at the time. There are specific stretches that can be done from a chair, which really helped me when my legs were weak. One thing I really enjoy about yoga is that it is strongly linked with mindfulness; being in the here and now. This works well to encourage a quiet mind.

Meditation
I am an avid user of meditation. I read a few books on meditation techniques and found Moon Over Water, by Jessica Macbeth to be extremely helpful. It gives steps to help silence those thoughts running through your mind, to allow you to achieve a state of calm. I also bought a relaxation CD that I will listen to sometimes to help me "get in the zone".

Aromatherapy
I have always been a fan of aromatherapy. I find the smell of lavender really soothing, so frequently use it in oil burners. I have lavender shower gel, bath salts and body moisturisers, which all contribute to my feelings of well being.
Peppermint is very cleansing, so I sometimes burn this when I need to feel refreshed. It has also been linked to stimulating the mind, so it is good to use when your brain is having a bit of an "off" day, which for me, is more frequent of late ;)
It's always good to check with your doctor before using essential oils because they're not suitable for everyone. Peppermint and lavender are not suitable for pregnant ladies.


So I would be interested in hearing what you all use to calm your minds and de- stress?