MS Treatment Redux, Social Media Makes My Head Explode

The medicine for the leg pain I'm taking is called Gabapentin, it's the generic for Neurontin, have to say, so far so good.  Let's face it, the pain is never going to go away, but if this stuff can make it manageable I'm in!  Also have rethought the IVIG therapy.  The neuro called the other day and urged me to do it, said the bad side effects date back to when the blood supply was untested, so I'm going to give it a whirl, can't live forever, right?

Trying to figure out the usefulness of social media, think I may be more suited to reading?  I have a Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest account, but it tends to get on my nerves more than it informs me and makes me think, wow, that was interesting.  It be nice if it was chock full of original content, more pictures of folks and interesting tidbits from their lives, less "shares" of someecards with quippy sayings.  I can only take so many pictures of kittens with "smile" attached to them, or 25 ways to fry an egg!

Drug Free, Or Somewhat Free, And Yoga

I am completely weened from my baclofen and Tramadol, and boy the leg cramps are back with a vengeance! I know, I don't know how I do it either, but I'm happy that I'm getting some use back in my right hand. Diane from Stellarlife mentioned Zanaflex, I'll try anything twice, or thrice, so it's on my to do list. The other drugs were contradicted for some of my other more important ones, like my nutsy pills! I'm making up my own seated yoga routine from DVDs to the library, so we shall see about that as well.

Baclofen Has Made My Right Hand Useless, I Think?

So who knows the skinny on Baclofen? It's been doing an incredible job with the cramps and pain in my legs, very happy about that. I took Baclofen years ago, didn't like how it relaxed my legs at the time. It did the same thing this time, but I stuck with it, increased the dose, and have adjusted. What caught me off guard was what it did to my right hand, the same thing it did to my legs. Can't brush my teeth right now with the right hand, use a comb, scissors, cut meat, or even write. I'm hoping I will be able to rehab the hand, get some use out of it again. Tough when the trade of for not being in agony is lose of use, but I'm thinking it's pretty worth it at this point.

Baclofen and Tramadol For Treating Multiple Sclerosis

Let us speak of drugs. Been taking Baclofen for a few weeks now, up to 30 milligrams a day, seems to be helping with both my legs and back. Taking a new non narcotic pain med too, Tramadol I think it's called, that's working pretty good too. The Baclofen was better this time, took it in the past, thought I knew what weak was back then, funny actually. The cramps are so much better, that cycle of cramps that comes rolling in about dinner time, hoping they stay away. Don't know what will happen, but I'll take a few days of less pain.

Baclofen For Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity and Back Pain

Went down to Sinai hospital, had my meeting with the rehabilitation dude, don't know what type of doctor he was, but I liked him. We talked about the progression of the MS, the back surgery, and in my limbs. He came blowing in the room, back to us, thought to myself, this isn't going to end well, but it did. He did a thorough job, answered all of our questions, gave us something to do at least. I will be starting a low dose of Baclofen, increasing it until it's right for me, he thinks it will help everything. we will discuss long term pain medicine next time, not sure about that, fingers crossed the fen, that's what I call it now, will make a dent.

Pharmacy Won't Pay For Cymbalta Unless I Pay Double CoPay

So my mail order pharmacy calls today, it's the pharmacist himself no less. Been having a bit of a go round over my nutsy-leg cramp medicine, Cymbalta. Doctor wants me to take 90 mg, pharmacist says 60 mg is the highest dose past titration, they will not pay for higher dose, and it is not recommended. They will however let me take a 60 mg and a 30mg pill each day providing I pay 2 co-pays. Whaaaa? It gets safer the more money I spend? Time to call the doctor again, oh joy!

Great Weather, MS and Leg Cramps, and is it Wheelchair Time?

What a day in Baltimore, we need hurricanes brushing the shore more often! The A/C is off, windows are open, and we are closing the pool on Monday, cooler weather is on the way. It has been hot as hell here this summer, my lawn proves that. Garden didn't produce so well either, not for want of hard work by the wife, she's incredible. Planting lettuce tomorrow after church, we enjoy that a lot, and it grows like mad here in our tubs.

Leg cramps, I thought I knew what discomfort was, but I was wrong. I have the real bad cramps for about 3 hours every night, just uncomfortable ones the rest of the day. I think the cramps are the reason why my legs are so weak, and why my knees hurt so bad. Can't figure out what to do about it, hoping the acupuncture helps, but we shall see. Pain medicine isn't the answer, it doesn't do much, and it doesn't last very long when it does. My insurance covers 12 puncture sessions in a calendar year, 1 down, 11 to go.

Going to have to check about adding a ramp to the outside of the house, need to bring the wheelchair in out of the shed. Starting to wonder when you know when enough is enough? I can still walk, but it hurts, and it hurts a lot. Then my legs are so tired I'm actually unsteady on my feet. When do you cry uncle and say screw it, I'm not walking anymore? I don't think that's the answer, but I'm scared it's getting closer.

Hummingbird Feeders, Multiple Sclerosis and Leg Cramps, and Terracotta Smoker

I went and got another hummingbird feeder today, put it on the back of the house in front of the bay window in the living room. The ruby throated hummers like the new location! It's amazing to watch them, I didn't know how territorial they were. The wife gasps when they fly to the feeder, then she gasps each time they flit around. We had one the flitted so many times, I thought she was going to pass out! I was actually able to see a couple of the hummers sitting in the tree, never saw that before.

Why is it the cramps start about this time everyday? It doesn't matter what I do, little activity, huge amounts of activity, they are going to hit about 9:30 every night. It's starting to really get on my nerves having the yips, and I want it to stop. I've tried bananas, the mother tried to get me to take quinine, must of thought I had malaria. Probably would try anything to see it I could get this to stop, really bothers me.

OK, I have bunches of things I want to try, most of them either cost too much, are out of my ability range, or I figure out they are just stupid! I want a smoker, but I don't want to pay for one. I found plans for one using Terracotta pots and a hot plate, I know, crazy. We got a terracotta pot for cooking chicken as a wedding gift, and we couldn't figure out how to clean it? The looks of this are very cool, but how do you wash it after using it? I think I'm going to find out with this one.

Karaoke Night, Sports on TV, and Leg Cramps Worsen

Me and the wife went to a karaoke bar tonight, just had the urge to belt out a few classics. OK, didn't go to sing, we went to support a neighbor who took up karaoke to help him ease the passing of his wife. Today they were married 47 years, so it was a tough day for him. Because it was so important to him, I didn't crack on any of the people there, but boy could I have! The big thing tonight, we were there for someone who is a friend.

I get my daily dose of sports when the boy gets home. If it were up to me, I'd get rid of all the TV's, save one for special occasions, and definitely no cable. I even called a family meeting the other day, took a vote...I lost 3 to 1! I loved sports when I was a kid, played everything except jai alai I think. Doesn't hold as much for me, I have change, a lot over the years. I think they could do away with most pro sports, spoiled brats for the most part. Only one thing changes my mind in any of this, that 30 minutes a night I get, one on one with my 18 year old son. OK, the TV can stay.

Leg cramps have really been bad lately, don't think it's because I'm doing anything different. Used the wheelchair twice, once at graduation, once construction material shopping with a friend. The shopping was done at a warehouse, wouldn't have been able to go without it, so it was a good decision. I need to start doing my physical therapy exercises again, that usually helps with the cramps. I think the cramps are the reason the legs are hurting so much during the day? We do what we need to, just wish it wasn't always on my mind, and it is, always!

HSA Help On Hold, Feet of Snow Coming, and Leg Cramps and Exercise

The family snapped to under pressure, they always do when needed. I feel bad, I think my pissing and moaning about the HSA testing was misinterpreted as we need to do something now! The parents were all over it like my ex-wife on cake! (I don't have an ex-wife, but it seemed safer tan putting a real name to it!) The help is greatly appreciated, but we decided not yet.

Looks like we may get pounded this weekend with more snow, they are talking feet. A friend in MN asked if we have gotten a lot of snow, I owe her an email by the way, and when I answer, I will have to say yes. We are just to snow time now, and my minions have already shoveled like crazy. This storm coming is going to be a good one, the kind I used to like to sit out in. Have to make sure I have dry wood, a good seat, and plenty to read.

Left foot cramps are killing me! The leg cramps so badly, it hurts my knee. This isn't really noteworthy, but this is what happened on the right side, about 8 years ago, and look how that's worked out! Going tomorrow to get another spinal injection, going to ask if riding a recumbent bike would kill me? I really think that if I can get a little exercise that maybe my legs would feel better,and my heart won't fall out!

Perry Hall Alumni Bull Roast, Paying The Price Today, and We Dropped the Ball On the Wife's Birthday

Went to the Perry Hall Alumni bull roast last night, first time for me. We had a few feet of snow, or inches, can't remember which one. Have to admit, was surprised they didn't cancel it, but glad it was on. I saw people I haven't seen in over 30 years, and some of them remembered me! I have to admit, after that many years, to see that many people, and be in the shape I am, was a little tough to do. One on one isn't bad, but to walk into a banquet hall full of people, with a cane, dragging the one leg, far shot from leading the team into the pep rally, but we soldier on.

Let me tell you, the standing, the mingle type walking, in and out of tables, killed me. Oh, and the bathrooms, they were in another part of the county. I didn't want to sit, not seeing anyone, so I kept going. I am paying for it today though. My back is in serious trouble, with or without last night. My legs, let me look, yeah, I still have legs, and they hurt like hell! Fatigue? Forget about it!

The wife's birthday was yesterday, and it was an epic fail on our part, all 3 of us, but mostly mine. Can come up with a ton of excuses, the snow kept me in the house, my back hurt, or my fav, I have MS! Long and the short, the one person in this house that should have had mountains of presents, cards from dignitaries, and even a goat sacrificed, got nothing. I need to figure out how to make it up to her, and show her I am extremely sorry. The kids will help me with whatever I come up, they will be glad to, whether they want to or not.

Feral Cats, Multiple Sclerosis and Exercise, and Pizza Commercials I Don't Get

It's been like Mutual of Omaha'a wild Kingdom around here! We suddenly found ourselves inundated with feral cats. Called the humane society, they delivered a trap for us to use. We were successful the last 2 nights, catching one cat each night. I'm not much of a pet person, but love animals, can't figure out how people can just let their animals go free. I hope there is special place for people like that, have a feeling there is.

Bought a recumbent exercise bike off Craig's List a while back, $25 or so, don't remember. I'd like to start using it to get some much needed exercise, see if I can drop some tonnage, and see if it helps my legs. My problem is my back. I have to get this whole back thing figured out, but I'm also scared to do too much, having stopped the medicines. I think I should wait so I know if I have leg issues from the lack of meds, or if it's my tour de France training.

I think I may be odd? I watch commercials, things that people get paid lots of money for, and I think I wouldn't buy air from these people! Papa John drives his dream car around, delivering pizza, and saying Papa's in the house. What the hell is that, and why would that make me buy his pizza. It makes me think he's made too much money, almost like he's saying, look what I have.

Chicken Parts, Arthritis Pain, and Life In the Slow Lane

We went and picked up chicken feet and giblets today from our friends who are running the new CSA, their chickens were butchered and they didn't want the best parts! I got about 15 lbs worth of livers, hearts, and gizzards, and of course feet. I'm having hearts and livers for lunch tomorrow, fried up nice and crispy, a little salt and pepper, dash of hot sauce, I know, I know, sounds delicious! Funny thing is the rest of my family has asked me to cook, and eat my treats when no one is home?

The doctors told me I had arthritis in my ankles, probably because I had broken them both years ago playing ball. I'm starting to wonder if this searing pain I am feeling in my knees could be arthritis and not have anything to do with the MS, or ligament damage from said ball? We aren't talking about cramps, or Charlie horses, I'm talking pain! Is that what arthritis is, just pain? I thought it hurt when you did things, like the woman on the commercial that plays badminton. This hurts, and hurts bad, just sitting, and I do a lot of just sitting! I hear getting older is the pits, but let me tell ya, getting older with MS is no picnic.

I did absolutely nothing today. I mean I did watch the Orioles get beat again, and I had to tell the wife to please not walk in front of the TV while she did the laundry, and cooked dinner, but other than that I was useless! I may be getting addicted to the stimulator, it makes the leg feel so much better having it electrocute with every step, or every few seconds, reminds me of how I was with the AFO. Small price to pay I suppose, I wish I didn't need it at all, but my grandmother told me at an early age, well I can't tell you what my grandmother used to tell me, just know that it made it clear things didn't always go your way! Do the Orioles play again tomorrow, because I'm going to be available, all day?

Graduation Parties, Happy Fathers Day, and This MS Thing Not Too Bad This Week

Happy Father's day to all of your fathers out there, I hope your day was as nice as mine was. We had the wife's family over for a cookout, it was a beautiful day here, no tornadoes like yesterday. My ribs were a hit, the pressure cooker was the secret, 12 minutes in there, then crisp them up on the grill, delish. It was the same group we are going on the cruise with, all 10 of us. They treat me like a God, like I said, they are a smart group, should be a great trip. My father spent the day with my sister and her family 3 hours away, not the same as it used to be, but I'm glad he was with family today.

We had 37 graduation parties to go to yesterday! OK, it wasn't that bad, but it was 5, it's hard knowing so many people, we should have limited it to 10 acquaintances, and that's it! We had parties with friends from the boy's bowling, neighbors, and Slammer Mike's baby too. Sorry to those who we didn't attend, but we had a blast up north, a mix of friends, friend's family members, and people we hadn't seen in a while. It's always good to see everyone, plus I got to show off my stimulator to everyone, and give a little demo. Most importantly, it's nice to be with family, even if you aren't related!

Feeling pretty good the last few days, don't know why, wish I did, like to recreate it tomorrow! It sure wasn't what I ate, party Saturday and Sunday, my crap intake was on the high side. The stimulator worked exactly as it was designed to all weekend, so my mobility was high, though my right knee seems to tire more quickly then I'd like. I've been sleeping pretty good, better living through chemistry I suppose, and less leg cramps, so that's a good thing. I guess I should eat whatever I want, rest a lot, and take drugs, I don't want to, but I feel like I may need to.

Parents went home, CSA Plus Chicken, and Starting LDN, Again

The parents headed home today, I think they had a good time, we didn't go anywhere. I'm hoping they didn't come to go sight seeing, but they did go to the vineyard, shopping at Towsontown, got their Italian and crustacean fix, so that was pretty good for a 2 day visit. When I'm rich, in my next life, I'll get them a condo so the mother can split her time between to 2 shores. Until then, I worry how much time will start to be between visits as they get older, and I travel less.

Went up to the CSA today, returned our basket, and had a look around. They are doing a wonderful job, and things are looking great! We'll pick up our veggies tomorrow, but I wanted to get out, so I went up and got some potatoes, which were excellent. We talked about the meat chickens, they will be butchered in a week or so. I wanted to know what was going to happen to the good parts, the livers, gizzards, feet, necks and combs, the parts I like best. It appears they are mine for a nominal fee, so I will be making some chicken liver pate soon, I just hope I have enough schmalz in the freezer?

OK, I'm having issues, well, of course I'm having issues, I'm an issues kind of guy! This is different though, this is real. I stopped taking the LDN, thought maybe it was time to thin the herd of medications. Wrong! The leg cramps that I thought had returned, came back with a vengeance and reminded me what leg cramps were! It appears, like I said before, the LDN WAS doing what I wanted it to do, or at least was lessening the cramps, so I started taking it again last night. I don't know if it's possible, or if my simple mind lets me think so, but the cramps aren't hitting tonight. Remind me not to stop taking it again, I need all the help I can get!

Bioness, Father's Day Cookout, and Time To Stop the LDN

The humidity is killing me! We were outside, me and my 2 day laborers, it was fairly cool, but after a few minutes, I was soaking wet. We were preparing for father's day on Sunday. We are having the wife's family here for a cookout, we have kind of taken over the responsibility, and are thrilled to do so. I was hoping my mother was going to make the trip up for a few days, I have to check to see the plan. I think we are having BBQ country spare ribs, corn on the cob, and cole slaw, can't wait.

Bioness called today, they are replacing the cuff that the electrodes sit in, mine has so many magic marker circles on the inside, it looks like it's 50 years old. The electrodes seem to be working better now that I'm not hydrating them prior to putting on the cuff. It is much easier to do without the water also, especially if I have to take the brace off for any reason away from home. I'm able to walk farther with each passing week, and walk stronger, that is to say steadier. Now if I can get rid of the swelling, all will be well.

I am going to stop taking the LDN, I have decided it isn't really doing anything. Trying to be positive, I think I was trying to convince myself that the leg cramps had lessened since I began taking it. I think the cramps went away because of the stretching I was doing at physical therapy. I say that because the cramps have returned, and I'm not stretching anymore. The new plan is to stop the drug, replace it with stretching, and see if the cramps subside again. The good news is I can always start it back up if the cramps get too bad.

Multiple Sclerosis, Economic Insanity, and Zoned Weakness

I was watching a thing with Tom Brokaw, he's traveling across the country on RT. 50 from Ocean City, MD, all the way to California. It's the first installment, and I'm already mad! He started in Cambridge, MD, at a crab picking company. The owner of the company is worried he is going to go out of business, not because there isn't enough work, but because there are not enough workers. The county has an unemployment rate of 11%, I sure hope they have suspended all public programs and support until there isn't a job opening anywhere. Can't find workers, who'd of thunk it?

That's like GM, they are going to go the way of Chrysler by the sound of it. The UAW said they would consider a cut in benefits, that's real grown up of them! Now I'm not an economist, I'm not even college educated, but it seems to me that if you have something that is dead, and GM is dead, shouldn't we pull the plug, and look for a new date to the prom? We have GM stock, so I suppose we should be appreciative of the extra help the "experts" are giving our portfolio, but I have got to say, maybe it's time to cut our losses, and let survival of the fittest take over.

Why is it that there are days that part of my legs feel weak, but not the whole leg? My thighs are actually painful they are so weak today, and I don't understand it. They may stay this way for a few days, they may not change for a few weeks, I never know. My eyes are the same way, I never know when or why they are going to act up. It makes it hard to plan, never knowing when, or why I don't feel good. I guess I should stop whining and just be happy that I have days that aren't so bad? That's a hell of thing to be thankful for, things aren't always so bad!

MS Walk Towson, Mounting Fatigue, and Another Slow Day in Baltimore

Today was a total washout, bit off more than I could chew yesterday. This is one of the biggest parts I resent about MS, the way it lets you forget for a few minutes, then slaps you upside the head! I had fun yesterday in the yard, but paid the price today.

I meant to go to the MS walk to see the friends who did the walk in my honor, but I didn't make it. I woke up this morning to a body that was screaming to be left alone, and it's a scream I've heard before, and one that can't be ignored. It's been a slow day. The team of 4, plus a few children in strollers did the walk, dressed in Orioles orange, thanks ladies.

The brother came over and moved 3 bushes for me, it was a huge help. What he did in 45 minutes would have taken me all day, and cost a few days recovery. The thing that is looming off in the distance, is the time when my normal few days to recover are gone. It's happened before, and unfortunately it will happen again.

The wife is off tomorrow, we have goads of things to do! We are going to do some banking stuff, move this here, put that there. She obviously is the brains in the outfit, I just don't know what my role is? We are going to get my tomato plants too, it's time to put them in the tubs. I think this may call for a trip to Andy Nelson's for lunch, smoked meat lunch, does it get any better then that?

Remember, if you stop in, leave me a shout so I know, it will be appreciated!

MS And the Blues, Leg And Foot Pain, and The Boredom Is Killing Me

I have a full blown case of the blahs today. Many scientists have tried, and failed, to come up with the exact term for this condition. For me it usually stems from not being able to do what I want, and though similar to a tantrum, this differs because it is more about disappointment. I can't come up with what my niche should be, one I've been trying to figure it out since childhood. Oh well, life goes on.

I'm tempted to shave my head today, but am too scared I would look like Buddha, not that he was a bad looking guy, just not sure if that is the look I want. Our Silver anniversary is coming up and we are renewing our vows. Both Mothers are worried I'm not going to get my hair cut, or shave off my goatee, so I'm sure a shaved head would be just right!

The more time that slips by, the less I drive. I mentioned the truck was in the shop, but what I didn't say was that it hadn't run in 2 weeks. I don't drive long distances, that being over 5 miles or so. I also don't have anywhere to go farther than that, except for family, so it works out well. I think it's time to make my solar powered, whip antenna equipped Trike.

My legs feel like I sprayed gas on them and lit a match. I wish that was enough to take my mind off the fact my feet hurt so bad. I remember my grandfather, one hand rubbing his belly, saying how bad the pain was in with his feet. Sorry I didn't appreciate how bad that was then. I also don't know the significance of rubbing his belly, but he often did.

Well, it's either time to clean, time to cook, or time to come up wit a new scheme. The house is already clean, and I just vacuumed, the living room, dinner is going to be easy, and I am fresh out of new ideas. I guess that means it must be nap time, or time to watch the Orioles whip up on the Yankees again, yeah!

Multiple Sclerosis, Time Out For My Legs, and Ignorant People

Boy, did I have a busy weekend! I'm not used to being on the go so much, either is my body. I'm really tired today, both physically and mentally. I'm also having cramps real bad in my right foot, really bad on top of my foot. I need to remember that I have a problem with an increase in activity, especially going from no activity! I have this problem where if I get overheated from activity, or have said activity for a prolonged period, the numbness is almost total the next day. Prolonged activity includes standing at a reunion for a long time, or being the enter, do not enter cop at a rec council skating show, and guess what? Today is the next day, but boy was it worth it!

Let me tell you what I think about people in general. In general, I very much dislike the average person. Society, for the most part, has jumped the track and is heading straight to hell. I think of the things I see on a regular basis. People don't RSVP anymore, they don't keep their word, and they don't think rules apply to them. The skating show this weekend was a prime example. The program asked them to please refrain from leaving their seats until after the performance, I know, because it was my voice on the tape telling them. There was one particular family that was the clear winner of the worst family at the show award. They talked through the entire show, loudly, except during their child's part. They also kept not only leaving their seats, but leaving the building! I think you should be able to give those people the bums rush out the door, and that's just what I will do when I rule the world!