What Really is MS?

Many ask this question...What really is MS? It is often a misunderstood disease which can not only frustrate those who have it but also those who are close to the patient. MS is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, optic nerve and spinal cord. It will affect numerous parts of the nervous system by destroying the myelin sheath which are the coverings of the nerves. The supplement Lecithin can help in that area as the body uses lecithin to build the myelin covering. When the myelin is destroyed it leaves scar tissue called plaques which caused the nerves to get destroyed. This process is called sclerosis.
Symptoms will vary according to which part of the nervous system is affected by this. The disease usually follow as a pattern of periodic flare-ups called exacerbation's followed hopefully by periods of disappearing. MS is different from person to person. Some only have 1 attack in a lifetime. Some may go into remission for years. Then all of a sudden a stress can cause the remission to be over. It comes and goes without warning and friends and family usually do not understand how this can be. They, along with doctors (if it is the wrong doctor) can make the patient feel they are crazy and imagining what is happening in their bodies. The cause of MS is unknown but it is believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the white blood cells begin attacking the meylin sheath. Stress and poor diet often precede the onset of the disease. Not necessarily both. My doctors told me that had I not lived such a healthy lifestyle with working out and great eating habits and supplements prior to the MS that I probably would have been hit harder with the disease. My parents would both say that it was the stress the ex hubby put me through that did this to my body. In spite of their believing this they still loved him like another son. They kept quiet because I loved him and did not blame him. I do not like to point the finger towards anyone. But I can say my living environment did not help matters at hand. By living environment I mean the yelling each day and anger shown in the house towards me. But it was my choice to stay and they honored this. I do know from attending many health seminars over the years that when going through stress that the disease comes out in your weakest part of your body. In my case, yes my life was stressful, but I believe nothing happens to me in this world that wasn't already in the plan for my life. I believe the day we are born our life is measured. Yes there are choices and if I chose to stay in a stressful situation than possibly MS is the outcome. When I think of all the diseases and tragedies in this lifetime one can go through, I will take MS...it had been very manageable for many years. Now I just need to pull out some information I had placed in the back of my mind and get active with it again. Faith is my key to life and I need to take my faith and turn it into belief that this too will pass. Time also is a key factor. Time and rest. And keeping a positive attitude during the tough times. With God, my son and all of my awesome friends I will be alright. I will not believe otherwise. This is only a season. Season's come and go in life and just like winter is upon us now, my spring is just around the corner.
Well my body is saying rest now, so sleep it will be. How can one sleep 9 hours be awake 2 hours and now lie down and fall asleep? Very easy when the MS is active. So this is my life for now....most days in a bed, but when I do get out and about I genuinely appreciate every breath I take and every step I take. Because as in anything in life....there are no guarantees...life is but a breath away from death for anyone of us and MS is not a death sentence...it is just a new way of living the life God has given you. So if you are one with MS remember it could always be worse, there are others who suffer more each day. Keep positive and keep hoping for a cure, not just medicinal ways to mask the symptoms. And if you know someone with MS or are their caretaker just know they really are weak and tired and all the other things they may seem like they say they can't do at the time are real in their life. They are not making it up. Try to be patient with them, I know it can be hard at times for the one taking care of the ill one. But just know usually the ill one does not want to be in that situation or a burden to anyone. They need your love, patience, support but most of all...ask questions, do not pretend it does not exist, go through this time in your loved ones life with them...we will never know any ones struggle in any situation unless we take a walk in their shoes. So be there beside them to help carry them through this. You will learn so much, and you may even appreciate your own health and life so much more. This does not just go for MS...this is for any illness or handicap...we all should look at life like this. Live to Love so you can Love to Live...this is how I wish my life to be.