As we go through challenges with MS, we like to share experiences; what works, what doesn’t work etc. with each other. The more we learn about MS and the challenges that come along with it, the more we realize MS is different for all of us.
I’d like to share a little about my surgery on my foot and my cast with MS. When I first got my cast on, my MS wasn’t behaving at all. My foot would get really hot and then turn into neurological pain. I recognize this pain as the same pain I get when I’m riding a bike on a hot day. It’s also the same pain I would get if I ride in a car with my shoes on.
I generally say our bodies will adjust to what we put them through. We need to listen to our bodies and not do more than it will allow us to. Needless to say, I didn’t know if I was going to be able to keep this cast on or not. Well, after three weeks in the cast, my MS is behaving and my body has adjusted to it for the most part. Why am I sharing this? I don’t know, I found it interesting and hopefully it might help someone else if they get that strong neurological pain. MS is confusing. It’s just another case of my body adjusting to what I put it through even if it’s just wearing a cast that the MS didn’t like.
Ok, who’s ready to try our new Alinker? You’re probably asking, what’s an Alinker, right?https://www.thealinker.com/products/the-alinker-r-volution
I received a link about Alinker’s from John a while back. Then I received a link from Chris and Brian. Then I received a link from Kim about Alinker’s. Each time I received the link, I thought, that would really help people with MS who can’t walk, walk. So, Bonnie ordered one for us. They’re being promoted by Selma Blair who has MS. Here’s a link to a story about her experience with the Alinker https://people.com/health/selma-blair-alinker-special-bike-changed-life-with-ms/
The Alinker’s have been backordered anywhere from 4 weeks to 4 months. Bonnie ordered ours about a month and a half ago and it just came in on Saturday. So, who’s ready to try it?
I had to try it right away. Even with a cast on my foot, I was able to take it for a spin. It’s fun!
I thought the back of my truck looked kind of funny last Sunday with my crutches, knee scooter and Alinker in it. We need to keep moving, right? Whatever it takes!
Todd thought he would give it a try right away too. Of course, as soon as he got on it, he said “get me a bungie cord”. This is to help him lift his leg. It’s funny that he didn’t even hesitate, it was like it was the natural thing to do. Todd’s very creative! I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next to make it work for him.
It’s going to be interesting to see how many people will have some fun on this. Come try it out!
We have many blessing in our lives. We’ll be getting together again Wednesday @ 11:30 for our prayer group. We’ll be giving thanks to God for our blessings and praying however God leads us. Wow! I’m hearing some powerful comments about this time together. Feel free to join us. If you need to come in a little early to get your exercise in before this starts, feel free to do so.
We all need to “Just Keep Moving”! It doesn’t matter where we start. We can start with laughing which is great exercise in itself. Other than that, we start with the body parts that will move and keep moving them as much as we can. Let them rest and then move them again.
I know there are still many of us going through other life challenges in addition to our challenges with MS. Let’s stick together, keep our chins up and keep sharing our journey. Better days are ahead. For those of you who haven’t been able to make it by us on Wednesdays and Fridays lately, please know you are missed and in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you’re able to make it back soon!
I hope you’ll join us both Wednesday and Friday again this week. Remember…consistency is key. With MS, it takes a lot of consistent effort every day to make small improvements. Yes, it’s frustrating so be patient and consistent and you’ll be amazed how your quality of life will continue to improve. It’s been about 17 years of exercising just about every day for me and I’m still making improvements (encouragement, love, support, nutritionand proper rest help immensely too). It takes time so please be patient. It sure is better than MS getting worse. I really don’t know what my life would be like if I didn’t do this (nor do I want to find out). I’m so thankful you are all joining me on this journey of making progress with our MS and quality of life…THANK YOU! We’ll continue to learn together…there’s so much power in the love and support we all share with each other.
In the past, I’ve been telling you to bring a friend. Unfortunately, we’re going to need to start a waiting list for new people. Please feel free to continue to share your experience and what we’re doing together. Let me know of anyone who would like to join us. I’ll communicate with these people through e-mail or phone and help them any way I can. When we have room for them to join us, I’ll encourage them to do that. If you’ve joined us in the past, please continue to join us.
We are here to help you and anyone with MS…no strings attached (well maybe an occasional story about the progress you’re making, smile, high five or a hug). I remember how challenging life used to be when my MS was bad. I get great joy sharing what I’ve learned and feel blessed with the progress I’ve made. I hope you make progress in some way too!
Place: W228N791 Westmound Dr.
Waukesha, WI
When: Wednesday morning from 9:30am – 12:30pm (open gym concept, come for all or part of it)
Friday morning from 9:30am – 12:30pm (open gym concept, come for all or part of it)
Dan Erschen