MS Awareness Month Blog-a-Thon

March is National MS Education and Awareness Month.  It started in Fort Lauderdale, FL, the home of the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.  


How am I going to celebrate?  With a March Blog-a-Thon.  Friends and family may remember my 30 Days until I’m 30 blog phenomena, and this won’t be much different.  Instead of bitching and moaning about turning 30, I am going to bitch and moan about MS.  I didn’t actually finish the 30 days to 30 because of all the celebrations when I turned 30, but I fully intend on finishing the MS Month of March blogs.  The only distraction this month will be St Paddy’s Day.  Mmmmm Green Beeeeeer.  


It’ll be a blog a day about different aspects of MS.  I’ll try to not be a Debbie Downer for 31 days, but maybe make all two of my readers think and laugh a little.   


So brace yourself those who read my blog, you’re in for a treat.

Constantly Aware of my Surroundings

Because my balance isn't the greatest, nor is my reaction time, I make an effort to be very aware of my surroundings.  When walking I look all around me and try to not text or talk on my phone.  Normally I do fine.  However, working on a busy college campus poses it's difficulties.

I love the students.  I truly do.  They are the reason I have a job and they will keep me young.  The masses do make it difficult to walk however.

When a student is looking down at her phone or ipod, they're not paying attention to where they are going.  While keeping an eye on this student to make sure she doesn't stop abruptly or change course quickly, I also have to watch out for students on bikes and longboards. Sidewalks are for WALKING!  Makes sense right?  There are even messages painted on the sidewalks saying that bicycles are not permitted, but they seem to ignore them.  I come off as the curmudgeonly old woman when I yell at the kids to not ride their bikes on the sidewalk.  It was more fun when I had my cane to shake at them. 

When I was using my cane, it was a sign to people that I have a disability.  I don't always feel the need to use it, but that doesn't mean I'm not handicapped.  I shouldn't hold it against the students.  Why would they think that someone who appears normal, isn't exactly normal?  It's about education.  The MS Society does a great job of awareness, but I believe I should approach them for assistance in educating those who may not be aware of the "invisible handicap."  I have contacted Disability Access Services on campus, but they seem more geared toward students, which is awesome, but it would be nice to give support to faculty and staff too.  I asked about support groups and what they do to educate people on campus. Hopefully they can help me.

I also did a little research on the National MS Society site to find a support group in my area.  Every 2nd Wednesday a group meets at Osborn Aquatic Center.  Maybe I'll jump into the pool after the meeting.  ;-)

Multiple Sclerosis Exercise Program at Oregon State University

I played rugby for nearly 10 years.  My last relapse really did a number on my physical ability, but I’m not ready to give the sport up yet. However, I haven’t had the nerve to attend practices.  I don’t know whether or not I am embarrassed of my current physical state or just afraid to play at full force.  I have tried working out on my own, but running is difficult.  For one, I hate it.  Always have and I doubt I’ll ever get that “runners’ high” that so many people talk about.  Secondly, running is a bit difficult right now.  My gait is a bit off, so running with a consistent pattern hasn’t been working out for me.   Having a stable gait and proper form while running prevents injuries.

I’ve been thinking of ways to build my strength and stamina.  I thought about joining Dixon Recreation Center at Oregon State and seeing a personal trainer, but I wondered if I could find someone who was capable of working with someone with MS.  Then I thought about asking my doctor for physical therapy, but didn’t think I could justify my reasons for wanting to go.  Then, without even asking, my needs were met. 

During a meeting with local National MS Society volunteers, I learned about an exercise program for those with MS on Oregon State University’s campus.  They meet twice a week where graduate students in the Movement Studies in Disability program help participants create an exercise program that is catered toward their specific needs and abilities. 

I stopped by on a Wednesday afternoon to learn more about the program and to see it in action.  I was really impressed.  Each participant was paired up with a Physical Therapy or Exercise Science student.  Their exercise program was specifically designed to cater to their personal needs, goals and abilities.  There was a variety of ages and abilities in the program and after witnessing the program, I feel confident that something could be customized for me.  I look forward to my consultation and to starting my exercise program twice a week. 

If you are in the Corvallis area and are interested in knowing more about the program, you can get more information at health.oregonstate.edu/ms-exercise.