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| Forgotten ImprovementsDecember 15, 1998My apologies for being so long with a Journal entry. I'm still getting used to the idea of my expectations not being met. Although, the improvements I have are way better than none at all... I don't think I'm going be the "Poster Child" for Immunex! Other improvements that I'd forgotten, (I've become used to them) is while coughing or blowing my nose, I still have more strength than before treatment. My stamina has increased and is staying. I'll give you an example.When my arm or arms get tangled in the bed sheet, I can get them un tangled. I'm exhausted after but the point being, I can do it! I can rub my eye, nose, and mouth all in one session. Before I would have to do them (if at all) at different times, resting between each action. I'm noticing (this may be hard to describe) is when I'm rolled over (during hygiene) on my left side, the wrist on my right arm usually gets bent forward, from my hand getting folded under my arm. (I'm not fast enough to move my hand out of the way) After I'm in that possession, I'm noticing that I can pull my hand out flat... That means, I'm able to lift my wrist (and forearm) up enough to move my hand out flat after its been bent. That also means,I'm going against resistance from having to drag my hand along the mattress. It's a slow struggle but I can do it. When transferring, I can lift my right arm about 1/4 to 1/2 up along side the person that's transferring me. If something bumps my hand or gets in the way (I mean ANYTHING in the way) any resistance and I'm done for! When I'm doing resistance exercising with my arms, my live-in says (I can feel it also) she can feel a little bit more strength. This exercise is as if I were arm wrestling. This also includes my left arm. I'm laying down at the time. I can't tap my index finger as steady as I had been. That's gone down about 70%. What I'm noticing is that my fingers don't respond as quickly as my arms do. My fingers were doing Great while using Novantrone but they're getting stiff again since stopping. I haven't been doing resistance exercising or stretching my fingers for about 1 month (no excuse, just haven't) that may have an effect. Bowel movements are still 3 to 4 days but with extreme constipation. (MSers know this ain't fun!) I'm taking 600mg of calcium per day, that may have something to do with it. I was supposed to be getting calcium injections each day for 6 months but VNA won't come out anymore because SCHO (Santa Cruz Health Options) won't authorize it. I was supposed to be taking the tablets along with the calcium injections because Solumedrol is damaging to the bones. I'm still working on someone to come and do the injections. Anyone arranging for this treatment, PLEASE, PLEASE move your body. (Geez, where have I heard that? Could be from me!) If you can do it yourself, Great! Don't over due it but exercise the parts you can move now and force the ones you can't. If you need assistance, (like myself) try to get your family, friends, neighbor or milkman, whom ever to help! By force, I mean if you can put the weight of an apple on your arm and start lifting it, start there. Right now, Professionals, Medi-Cal and more than likely Insurance Companies don't seem to think that this is important enough to give access to PT... (calcium either!) (that's beyond my thinking!) Don't wait for them to come around. Start now! And definitely start now, in case you have my kind of luck... I hope your Holidays are good, wherever you are. And please let me know if or how your doing with the treatment.
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