Continuing to Reduce the Medications

I hadn't planned to reduce anymore of my medications until after the holiday season, it can be such a stressfull time of year to be making drastic changes, but after much encouragement from many readers and I'm sure prayers too, I have decided to continue the process of dwindling down the amount I'm taking until I'm not taking any at all.

For the past three days I have successfully taken less clonazepam and neurotnin. I am now down to taking only ½ tablet of 0.5 mg of clonazepam per day from 1 tablet of 0.5 mg three times per day that I was taking in October. I have reduced neurotnin to ½ tablet of 400 mg per day from taking 1 tablet of 400 mg three times per day. I'm glad to report that my pain, numbness, tingling, and burning aren't any more intense than they were while taking 2400 mg of neurotnin daily. I think I'm actually having improvement in all those areas. Since I have a virus that possibly could be the flu, it is hard to tell right now, since pain is synomous with the flu.

As my body has adjusted to less clonazepam I have surprisingly been able to manage my anxiety better than I thought I could, while having a husband deployed. Below are a few variations to my life that are making a powerful difference in my successful reduction of clonazepam:

• many wonderful people praying for me
  
• TCM doctor treating me for these conditions through acupuncture, reflexotherapy, cupping, moxibustion, herbal foot bath, herbs, and ear acupoints. I have tried to get off clonazepam before without any success. With my extreme fatigue, I can't afford to be on a medication that causes such drowsiness. However, in the past when I would reduce the dosage, my nystagmus (jerking of my eyes…that fortunately isn't visible to others but makes me extremely sick with motion sickness and sometimes unable to drive) would flare.
  
• being able to talk with many wonderful friends on facebook, helps to keep my spirits lifted and eases my anxiety
  

I'm looking forward to posting by the beginning of the New Year, that I'm no longer taken any clonazepam or neurotnin. 2009 is turning out to be a good year for me, a good year indeed! J

The Importance of Correct Footwear

Early on, even before I knew something was wrong...before the profound weight gain...my feet would often ache at night; a side effect of teaching all day on linoleum floors. But now, I had to plan my shoes for work. No longer was the pain limited to my feet at night. I was beginning to feel pain radiate from my heels all the way up to my hips. I began carefully selecting shoes that would help absorb the shock of each step.

During one of my professional development days for a new school system, I hadn't walked far when my legs and feet began to ache. I made a mental note to myself...definitely need to buy some more shoes before school begins. These shoes had obviously had their day, losing all comfort and support. Through out the professional development meeting, I couldn't stop thinking about how badly I needed to buy some more shoes. After all, my feet were in pain. My new shoes would need provide comfort while walking around the classroom and standing on the hard floors. Multiple sclerosis has made shoes, the most imporant part of my career wardrobe.

Three hours after walking into the doors of the school where the professional development was occurring, I looked down at my feet while we were breaking between workshops. My shoes were on the wrong feet! They had been that way all morning! Before going to my next workshop, I swapped my shoes around. Walking to the next room, I felt like I was wearing new shoes. Funny how your stride is so much more pleasant when your shoes are on the correct feet!

Planning the Escape

This blog will hopefully be an inspiration to others to escape a prison that they may feel they too are in due to their health; whether it be physical, emotional, or mental. Writing has always helped me to learn more about myself...allowing me to take a step back to really analyze what is going on in my life. I no longer want to feel as though my only option in life is to take medicine for my symptoms of multiple sclerosis and other afflictions. There has to be more that I can do to help me. Not being a health professional or scientist, these posts are meant for encouragement not medical advice. However, as you follow me through my journey to freedom, I hope you are encouraged to live your life free from health restraints. I no longer want my fatigue, pain, or being ill to dictate my schedule.


When I first heard about MS, I didn't know anything about the disease. I devoured books, internet sites, and journals trying to find out as much as I could. I wanted to know more about the symptoms...know what to expect. Therefore, I will write about symptoms...not sure how often or how much I will say about them at this time. Don't want the symptoms to take over the excitement of the escape. Yet, I want to be realistic for others who are like me...who are looking for a true source that lets them honestly know what to expect. Finding the right balance will occur as my blog develops.