It has been awhile since I’ve done an update. I don’t have a good reason for the delay except that life as I had known it has changed completely. Not to be dramatic but I guess we all understand that feeling now that somehow our world will be never be the same again. We are all processing this new normal. It is a challenge. In the year of Nourishing me, this is where I’m at:
- I am down 10% of my body weight from January 1, 2020. The pictures show that I have lost weight. My clothes are hanging on me and it will be a while before I can try on new clothes. Since I’m not going out much and working from home, I will deal with the slouchy, loose look.
- It has been harder to stick to my food protocol than before. Not because of shortages or shopping issues. It’s been easier to find the time to cook. The problem is the new stress of a pandemic has increased my desire for the food that used to comfort me. Kale and tuna do not comfort me. So I’ve had to admit that food might comfort me in the short term in the long term, it fails me. I am not proud of it, But I’ve cried over the desire for an Arby’s chicken finger recently or maybe a taco with cheese. I am proud to say I have stayed the course with no cheat days.
- For about a week, the combination of this diet and the lighter work schedule (I’m currently working from home) brought great improvements to my physical symptoms. My pain has substantially decreased. My fatigue is much improved. And for a brief time my legs were improving. Then I hit some kind of snag and my left leg weakness increased along with pain. I don’t know why. I guess that is the nature of MS, it is a silent and impressive foe acting where it will rear it’s ugly head, often without rhyme or reason. My legs are improving again. I continue to accept that some of my disability appears to be permanent.
- On that note, it’s time to add another piece to this puzzle. I am going to increase my activity because I know it will help my body continue to heal. Exercise is my Achilles heal, my kryptonite, that which I loathe more than anything else. . . It has always been difficult for me. But sticking with a food plan for 16 weeks also seemed impossible. And walking without my cane seemed improbable (I haven’t used it since March 13). Shopping during a pandemic also seemed daunting. But I have done all of that this year. So onward and upward.
- Managing stress is also a big part of managing my MS symptoms. I am thinking that added stress of the pandemic plus a couple of bad nights of sleep were the cause of my momentary increase in symptoms. Deep breaths, good sleep and continued prayer are helpful. Letting go of control and resting in the moment are also helpful. My faith is a huge part of this component. I’ve also been uplifted by contact with others – my kids, my friends, my colleagues. We’re in this together after all. There is more stress ahead so this will also be a place to be diligent.
That’s where I’m at. Succeeding in some areas. Not doing great in others But mainly like most of us, I’m surviving a pandemic. We should all get a medal when this over. Let me know how you’re doing during this crazy time. Because we’re all in this together.
Nourish 