Establishing routine back into my life, with MS

  Things are beginning to return to "normal" around here.  I am sensing a small amount of improvement every day.  My balance and stamina are much better.  I am able to get around without the need of my wheelchair, for the most part.  I am also able to keep up with the day better.  Sometimes I feel like I cannot make it another minute without laying down for a nap, or cant lift my arms for they are so heavy, but I push through and do it.  I am just about able to get back into the routine with my kids , which is great.  As long as I am home with them.  Out in the world is still too tough because I cant yet keep up with them as they run away(which they do).
  I got to the pool for the first time the other night.  It felt great.  I felt almost completely normal in the water.  I could even play with the kids.  Its amazing how they reacted to me too.  They knew I felt different in the water and they felt comfortable with me.  The two things I miss most don't have anything to do with my body, brain, vision or anything... its the bond with my kids I had before my stays in the hospital and the bond with my husband we had in the hospital.  I'm trying very hard to get these back a little every day.

  My second  visit with my Specialist at Yale, Dr Bailey, was this week.  Its one of the first doctors visits Ive had in a long time that I haven't had to get blood drawn, or an MRI or something.  They assessed where I was at neurologically and reminded me it could take up to a year to get back to "baseline".  That period gets longer ever time I talk to a doctor.  They watched me walk and timed my walking to see how fast I could walk.  The nurse asked be about any possible side effects of the Tysabri or any concerns I have.  Besides the fact that any day the white matter in my brain could start to get eaten away, I have no concerns or side effects. They gave us a tour of their brand new infusion center that they will have up and running by September.  It will make my monthly Tysabri infusions much more comforting knowing that my doctor is right there.  Besides, the skill and competence of the Yale staff are hard to find elsewhere.
So, I received my long awaited ipad.  The tablet that is supposed to make my world so much easier....It sucked.  I honestly do not understand all the hype of the apple products, granted it was an ipad 2, not the latest and greatest, but I feel it was comparable to the first computer I ever owned.  Awful.  I had it one night and returned it.  I think I will stick with my
">Galaxy Tab, loved it.  For the few shortcomings it had, it was worlds better than the ipad.
  My routine at home is holding steady, and building momentum.  Instead of just resting, PT, OT,  caring for my plants, watching the fish and reading my cooking magazines.  I am now back in charge of the kids, house cleaning, laundry, etc...  I forget how much work it is.  My garden has taken a lot to keep up with with all this humidity, instead of pulling weeds, I'm pulling mushrooms.  I made my own mildew/pest repellent spray with baking soda, dish detergent and water, that seems to be working good. http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/homemade-organic-gardening-sprays.htm. Two plants that are thriving in this weather are my orchid and avocado tree.

 

   I also took my first few "non-essential" trips out.   The family and I went to BJs, we went to the beach here in our community and I visited some family.  It finally felt great to be out.  I guess it helps now, the fact I look completely normal.  No one knows whats going on inside me or how I feel. 

Well, you are all up to date.  Hope to see you out and about as I feel better. 

Galaxy Tab