Main Themes in My Life

The two main themes of my life with Multiple Sclerosis... Fatigue and Pain.   I find the only way to combat these two things is to keep going.  Today, I was awakened by a phone call at 11:30 this morning. I had slept through three alarms and unknowingly turned off a couple more.  The cats had not been fed and were still shut in their little night room, far away from my ears.  

I know I have things I must do today, even though my fatigue and pain have been greater than normal.  I am basically out of food, so I have to go to the store.  I have to get garbage and recycle out for tomorrow morning's pick up.  I had to take care of the cats, of course.  I have loads of laundry that must be done before tomorrow.  

As exhausted as I am these days, I got up, dressed (a feat in itself), took my "awake" pills as I call them, took some meds to help with my muscle stiffness and soreness, and set off.  

There are rules on days like today:

1.  Don't sit, but for short amounts of time.  

2.  Drink plenty of water.

3.  Eat.  Especially protein as that is a long lasting source of energy instead of carbs which give you ups, then downs. 

4.  Turn on the music, loud enough to sing and dance if that is what keeps me moving!

5.  Remember to stretch!  Often!

Lists are good, to keep myself on track, but basically, if I keep going, I seem to remember better what needs to be done.  Of course, I must admit I have been up and down the stairs several times with the intention of doing something, then taking the laundry down to start a load, and still, the laundry sits at the top of the stairs!

Well those are the rules I can remember.  The ones I am using today - and they work well any day.  

I am off to keep doing - the plan right now is to start the laundry, then go to the store.  I'll let you know how things turn out.  :-)