Keep on Moving Thread: April 2019

[SuzE-Q]

I could likely get by with 1 per day, maybe 4 days a week, plus the need for spasm control, and IVIG (2).

Yes, but there's a risk with 4x/week that you will develop a physical dependence on it, and you'll begin to suffer withdrawal effects on the other days that you aren't taking it. It only has a half life of around 12 hours. The withdrawal effects are brutal which is why tapering off is so difficult. That's why ativan is so addictive, because of its short half life when your body begins going through withdrawal.

Have you tried the longer acting Xanax, valium, or clonazepam to see if they are beneficial to reducing your spasms and SPS symptoms, but with a longer half life and therefore less chance of dependence?

It may not work for you as they didn't help with my tremors or spasticity which were my reasons for starting it. But, it's worth trying because they have much longer half lives.

[Virginia]

Sunshine, I wonder if the lady in the article you posted who has SPS, would possibly talk to you about what she has done for hers. It may not be something you can or want to do, but on the other hand you might learn about something that your Doctor has not thought of. You said you were going to e-mail her. I wish you would do it in such a way that it would it elicit a response from her. I would like for you to hear from her.

[Sunshine]

Hi Virginia, I did email her.

[Sunshine]

Today I swam 20 minutes, 666 yards. When I swim, I try to focus on the feel of the water and the visual display around me. It enhances meditation and reduces pain.

However, Today, I found my mind wander to cat and to Rose and Jim. ... I really do think that everyone is connected to everyone in a spiritual fashion. Much like all of the trees are connected through some type of vast underground communication between chemicals released by the roots. After all, how else can they have created symphonies of connectedness in the forests ...

[SuzE-Q]

I also have read evidence of how the trees are interconnected, you are on the right track, Sunshine.

Being present and mindful in whatever we are doing is important, especially when the mind has a tendency to wander, and we are predisposed to worry and dwelling if given a chance.

Better to occupy the mind and put out positive thoughts of gratitude or peaceful energy than spread negativity and dark shadows into the environment and throughout our own psyche.

Glad you are finding peace through swimming, Sunshine, helping your mind AND body!

[Virginia]

I should get back to meditation, even if I do it alone.

[Sunshine]

Yes, Virginia! I do it alone all of the time. Try to do it more often, and I bet you will then do it at least once a day.

[agate]

I haven't tried meditation but would think it would be easier done alone? Less distraction?

[Virginia]

Agate, when you have a small group like I was in and a very pleasant setting to sit in I find it easier with them. I know that someone else is going to take care of the gongs going off. The lights are just dim enough and it was very pleasant. I just had to sit in a room with the right temperature and very, very low lighting and try to keep my mind on not wondering.

[Sunshine]

I swam 693 yards today in 20.5 minutes. I have been on the rollator all day, Rarely having to do R2D2 today. This is an endurance race: I am in mild vertigo all of the day, its not unsafe type of vertigo, just unpleasant. But I persist nonetheless (as Sen McConnell said about Sen Warren 2 years ago)...

[Sunshine]

I haven't tried meditation but would think it would be easier done alone? Less distraction?

Easier to start with others and a guider. But, one could do it alone. There was one link that helped me in th NYT, but the podcast has deterioratied... The other links were ridiculous: it sounded like a soldier barking orders...

[agate]

Average step count for March: 1167 steps/day, based on 30 days (pedometer problems on one day)--slight decrease compared to February (1253)

[Sunshine]

Great numbers agate :)

[Howie]

Well I didn't do a lot of steps today, or swim a gazillion laps, but it was a busy day for me.

The drivers side window on the PT Cruiser has fallen out if it's track. The window stayed open about 3 inches. Been that way for weeks.

So I pulled the inside window panel, then I could push the window closed. Then I used gorilla tape, (better than Duct Tape, sorry Grassman) and ran a strip across the bottom of the window, half on the glass, half on the door panel.

Now the driver's seat won't get wet during the all day rain I'm supposed to get tomorrow.

I put the door panel back on, and by then it was hitting 80 degrees outside.

And that was my morning. I've eaten, and ready to watch the Outer Limits which starts at 6, and runs until 3. That's my kind of evening.

Take care all!

[Virginia]

Wow Howie, you are really smart today.

Agate, you did really well in March.