alternative therapies
As I have shared before, I am taking the road of complementary therapy in achieving a life with MS: that of medical therapies and alternative therapies.
There is a lot of speculation about alternative therapy and Multiple Sclerosis.
Ive learned and been told that any person or any therapy that says “try this and you will be healed completely of MS” is not a truth. There is no cure for MS, as unfortunate as that is. “Please do not treat my disease as an info-commercial” is how I feel towards this approach. My favorite is the bee-stinging approach. Sorry, this does not fit into the sparkling life.
However, with that said, I believe, and there is some proof and research on other routes of alternative therapy. And when mixed with medical therapy, I hopefully can find some relief and slow the progression of this disease.
Diet. I’m not following any particular diet except focusing on healthy: fruits, veggies and the like. And, even after a few rounds of steroids (that on average are suppose to add 10lbs), I have successfully lost 20 lbs since being diagnosed. Yay!! (:
Exercise. Prior to being diagnosed, I was riding my recumbent bike or regular bicycle on average 1-2 hours a day. When first diagnosed, I really missed my bike (and my thunder thighs and butt…just being real :D). I am successfully back up to an hour a day on the recumbent bike (on the lowest setting). This has been very wonderful, if for nothing more than my mental state.
Massage. My favorite alternative therapy prior to being diagnosed. (If you have never gotten a massage, MS or not, I highly encourage it. Use Groupon or Living Social to find a great deal near you. It really is worth it!!). When I try to talk, walk, or do anything more than sleep, my body tenses up. Massage helps to relieve the tension spots and relax my over stimulated body. This past weeks massage was just heavenly as she focused on my neck and the area surrounding. I was very thankful.
Vitamins and supplements. Vitamin D has been shown to be a huge factor in MS; its in my medicine basket. Milk Thistle helps to keep the liver functioning well, another factor to take into condition with the beating my liver is taking. And of course, a multi-vitamin.
Sleep. I cant get enough of it. I’m.always.tired. Typical side effect of MS though. So I sleep in hopes that during sleep my myelin starts rebuilding. Good reason right? (:
Acupuncture. There is also evidence that this can help relieve some symptoms of MS. Today was my first experience with acupuncture and lets just say, I loved it. The therapist was very professional and listened and knew what I needed. It was a great experience. It was actually the best 20 minutes (during the needle procedure) I’ve had, symptom wise, since I’ve been diagnosed. Let that be a witness.
Essential Oils. Ive discovered a few essential oils that are hinted at providing some relief. My room, needless to say, smells lovely.
These are just a few alternative therapies that I have researched and tried. But really, they can be applied to any life, regardless if you have multiple sclerosis, another chronic disease, or are perfectly healthy. Although many are not covered my insurances (though I really wish they were!!!), and they many be pricey, its worth it.
So, at the end of the day, with contemplative therapy: how am I doing?
It depends on the hour. (: In the mornings I feel good; by three, Im done. If I get too hot, forget it. If its a day after I take an injection, I have the “rebif hangover”. I have little energy to do more than just the required get through the day.
I miss my friends. I miss my “go lets conquer the day” life. I miss driving and running errands. I miss my job. I miss shopping. I miss the ability to talk. I miss the ability to walk. I miss my old life.
However, I am not getting worse (as far as the symptoms are concerned). And this is a sparkling blessing wrapped with a beautiful bow. Im learning daily how to adapt to this new life and I learn daily of new approaches.
And I am not losing HOPE that one day a cure will be found. Or hope that tomorrow will be better. And Im thankful. Thankful for the days that I do have. Thankful for the body I still have. Thankful for my family and friends and the support they show me.
So whole-listic view: I’m still a sparkling. (:
I hope your day was lovely!
Love, Eliz
