This description isn’t actually a bizarre turn in my daily life activities but is how my MS has felt for the last 18 months.
Spasticity, a common MS symptom, is affecting my legs.
The definition of the word describes how it is “abnormal muscle tightness due to prolonged muscle contraction. It is a symptom associated with damage to the brain, spinal cord or motor nerves, and is seen in individuals with neurological conditions, such as: Cerebral palsy (CP) Multiple sclerosis (MS)”
The main problems I have experienced are drop foot, lack of joint flexibility, much less able to walk longer distances and pain in my lower back and from my knees.
The foot drop has hugely affected my independence.
I have used a walking stick since I was diagnosed in 2009. I’ve never been vain about using it and it has allowed me the confidence to walk independently in most places, whether I was on my own or with others.
Since the spasticity has affected me however I now very commonly have to rely on my wheelie walker.
I am so glad I have this aid as it means that I am much more comfortable and safer from tripping.
However, I am finding it so hard to come to terms with both the fact that I need it because apparently I’m disabled now AND that I’m 44 and have a Zimmer frame!
Being referred to as “Molly’s Nan” recently from one of my daughter’s friends hurt!
To be fair she hadn’t met me before, so just assumed that was my role and I guess Granny’s are looking younger these days right?!
I’ve decided this year that I really do need to start respecting my body more where my MS is concerned. Who knows maybe the spasticity will calm down a bit through being kinder.
I’ve focused on three main areas of change.
Firstly diet. I have been mainly vegetarian for many years but I still need to be more aware of adding more fibre, fruit and vegetables into my diet.
Over the last few months, I have made steps by adding ingredients such as lentils and beans into curry’s and bolognaise. Similarly adding extra vegetables into meals, whether these are added ingredients or as a salad.
I’ve also started making overnight oats for breakfast. These are an easy way of including oats and fruits in your breakfast. Plus, they are so yummy!
Overnight Oats ingrediants
- Oats: This is really the only ingredient that’s non-negotiable. Make sure to use plain old-fashioned oats and not quick oats because the consistency is best with rolled oats. You can also use gluten-free oats. Do not use steel cut oats.
- Milk: For the liquid part, you can actually make this with water! But it’s more common to use milk. You can use full fat, 2% or low-fat milk. You can also use plant-based milk like almond milk, coconut milk, cashew milk or oat milk.
- Chia seeds (optional): These seeds are packed with tons of nutrition, and they help give the oats a pudding-like texture. So I always like to include them in my base recipe.
- Greek or vegan yogurt (optional): This gives the oats a tangy flavour, creamy texture and boost of protein.
- Vanilla extract (optional): This enhances all the flavours that go into the overnight oatmeal as well as giving it sweetness without any sweetener.
- Sweetener (optional): Use honey or maple syrup to sweeten the mixture, especially because oats can be somewhat bland on their own.
- Toppings: This is where you can have some fun with fresh fruit, dried fruit, nut butters, nuts, seeds and spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom). There are so many topping ideas and combinations, and I think that’s what makes this such a great versatile recipe!
Add these ingredients to a mug/jar/glass in a layered fashion in the above order (oats first).
Put into the fridge in the evening and then in the morning your Overnight oats will be ready!
The second thing is probably the most important – exercise.
I have been adding a series of Pilates stretching, low impact cardio and muscle toning into my day and this has really improved both my mental and physical health.
Exercises as simple as rising up onto your tip toes 20 times thus stretching my calves have really made a difference to my drop foot.
The imagee below is also a great exercise to flex stiff calf muscles (and one recommended to me by a Nurse)
The other change I’ve been making is that of mental calm.
I’ve always been “a worrier” and I have found my MS symptoms have been much worse if I am stressed, worried or anxious about something.
Your body can hear what your mind is saying.
I have been much more aware of using mindfulness (a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations) and meditation (focus your attention on your breathing—to its natural rhythm and flow and the way it feels on each inhale and exhale) throughout the day.
These practices can be done while you go about your day and in any time such as going to bed or having a bath.
I’ve found this so beneficial to me and it really calms the mind.
Rather than finding it a bit of a chore to make sure these three areas or included into each day, I see and feel the benefits daily.
Who knew that such easy changes can improve your health, whether or not you live with Multiple Sclerosis 😊
The Kids, Me and MS 