MS Support
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| Well, I figured, if I'm going to have another page in this website, I should really have something about MS. Guess you could say I'm an expert! Although, I'm learning every day!! And now as the local Tullahoma contact for MS Self Help Support, I felt the need to make sure there was a way to connect! So I'll share what I know and what I'm learning here. A lot of the info on this page is from the National MS Society. I have multiple links to their website, if you are interested in more information, please contact me or Meredith Hillin at the Midsouth Chapter. If you have any insights you'd like to share, please feel free to contact me. |
What is Multiple
Sclerosis?
Sclerosis?
MS is thought to be an autoimmune
disease that affects the central nervous
system (CNS). The CNS consists of the
brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves.
Surrounding and protecting the nerve
fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called
myelin, which helps nerve fibers
conduct electrical impulses.
In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas,
leaving scar tissue called sclerosis.
These damaged areas are also known
as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the
nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken.
Myelin not only protects nerve fibers,
but makes their job possible. When
myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or
damaged, the ability of the nerves to
conduct electrical impulses to and from
the brain is disrupted, and this
produces the various symptoms of MS.
disease that affects the central nervous
system (CNS). The CNS consists of the
brain, spinal cord, and the optic nerves.
Surrounding and protecting the nerve
fibers of the CNS is a fatty tissue called
myelin, which helps nerve fibers
conduct electrical impulses.
In MS, myelin is lost in multiple areas,
leaving scar tissue called sclerosis.
These damaged areas are also known
as plaques or lesions. Sometimes the
nerve fiber itself is damaged or broken.
Myelin not only protects nerve fibers,
but makes their job possible. When
myelin or the nerve fiber is destroyed or
damaged, the ability of the nerves to
conduct electrical impulses to and from
the brain is disrupted, and this
produces the various symptoms of MS.
| If you'd be interested in learning more about what we with MS deal with every day, here's a really interesting page on the NMSS site. It's called "The Faces of MS" |
| My personal story is under "Facing MS with Attitude" |
For more infomation on MS and it's
causes, symptoms and treatments, visit
the NMSS website at the link above.
causes, symptoms and treatments, visit
the NMSS website at the link above.
Support Now! Every 2nd Monday of the Month!
If you live in Tullahoma or the surrounding area and would be interested in attending a Self Help Group Meeting
for MS, we hold them every second Monday of the month at the Western Sizzlin' on Jackson Street at 11AM
in the back room. We're a small but committed group, and willing to share our collective knowledge, and help
you find answers if you need them.
Call me at 931-455-3568 or 931-841-2178 or just show up!
We are sponsored by the Mid South Chapter, Nashville of the NMSS.
for MS, we hold them every second Monday of the month at the Western Sizzlin' on Jackson Street at 11AM
in the back room. We're a small but committed group, and willing to share our collective knowledge, and help
you find answers if you need them.
Call me at 931-455-3568 or 931-841-2178 or just show up!
We are sponsored by the Mid South Chapter, Nashville of the NMSS.
And Now... A Few
Helpful Tidbits I've
Started to Collect....
Helpful Tidbits I've
Started to Collect....
| These little bits and pieces are things that I've found out myself in my trials and tribulations with MS or suggestions from other MS patients I've met. I know for me, if I'd known some of this stuff before things started happening, it might not have been so scary, so I figure if I share what I know... maybe it won't be so scary for somebody else out there. Just remember! Everybody's different! That's the weirdness of MS. No two people seem to react the same, although we all tend to go through some of the same weirdnesses... :) So... Take it all with a grain of salt!! And always check with your own doctor if you're having new problems... your doctor needs to know what's happening to you in order to track any progressions or remissions. |
When you first start taking shots, take them before bedtime, so you can sleep through most of the side
effects. In the beginning, I slept through most of them. The first month I have to say with Avonex, the side
effect DID last about the 24 hours they advertised. But then I slept through most of them and only had to
deal with a few hours the next day of feeling really crummy. Eventually, the effects subside. Now I'm taking
Rebif, and when I take the shots at night, even really late, I wake up feeling pretty good!
effects. In the beginning, I slept through most of them. The first month I have to say with Avonex, the side
effect DID last about the 24 hours they advertised. But then I slept through most of them and only had to
deal with a few hours the next day of feeling really crummy. Eventually, the effects subside. Now I'm taking
Rebif, and when I take the shots at night, even really late, I wake up feeling pretty good!
Take your TylenolPM or whatever you take for your pain about 20 minutes before your shot. That helps not
only with the pain of the shot but helps with the first effects too.
only with the pain of the shot but helps with the first effects too.
In the beginning, the effects (at least for me) are like major flu-like symptoms: skin hurts, you feel hot like
you have chills and a fever, & you sweat as if you have a fever too. I slept with a hoodie on for the first few
months because I would wake up drenched and I wouldn't want to catch a cold. Luckily, that went away
pretty soon!
you have chills and a fever, & you sweat as if you have a fever too. I slept with a hoodie on for the first few
months because I would wake up drenched and I wouldn't want to catch a cold. Luckily, that went away
pretty soon!
After you have been taking the shots for an extended period of time, shot sites become a problem. It's a
good idea to switch sites as often as you can. For example, I take 3 shots a week. I have 6 sites that I
rotate every 2 weeks. My MS nurses aid helped me figure out the best way to do that: 1 wk, Tue, Rthigh,
Thurs, Rbutt, Sat, Rstomach, 2nd wk, Tue, Lthigh, Thurs, Lbutt, Sat, Lstomach and so on. It works really
well, because by the time the sites come back around again, any redness that may have been there is gone!
good idea to switch sites as often as you can. For example, I take 3 shots a week. I have 6 sites that I
rotate every 2 weeks. My MS nurses aid helped me figure out the best way to do that: 1 wk, Tue, Rthigh,
Thurs, Rbutt, Sat, Rstomach, 2nd wk, Tue, Lthigh, Thurs, Lbutt, Sat, Lstomach and so on. It works really
well, because by the time the sites come back around again, any redness that may have been there is gone!
I wish someone would have told me this one! There is something that those who have MS call "The MS
Hug". I don't know what the medical reason is for it other than some spasticity in your body, but It's a
feeling you get like you have a belt wrapped around you -- either through your chest or around your
waist, even through your abdomen or pelvis. Sometimes it's just a little tight. Sometimes it feels like an
elephant is sitting on you! It comes and goes for those of us with relapsing/remitting MS, so when this
happens with an exascerbation, don't panic! It feels pretty bad, and yes! It's very scary!! I had 3 "belts"
with this last attack! But it's not forever, and it will probably subside after a while... like with everything
MS, you have to wait and see. Mine went away except for a little tiny band in my back, which I don't even
know is there unless I sneeze!
Hug". I don't know what the medical reason is for it other than some spasticity in your body, but It's a
feeling you get like you have a belt wrapped around you -- either through your chest or around your
waist, even through your abdomen or pelvis. Sometimes it's just a little tight. Sometimes it feels like an
elephant is sitting on you! It comes and goes for those of us with relapsing/remitting MS, so when this
happens with an exascerbation, don't panic! It feels pretty bad, and yes! It's very scary!! I had 3 "belts"
with this last attack! But it's not forever, and it will probably subside after a while... like with everything
MS, you have to wait and see. Mine went away except for a little tiny band in my back, which I don't even
know is there unless I sneeze!
This last time, I had some cognitive problems with my little attack. I couldn't think straight. Things were
coming to me slowly, and I couldn't get my words in order in my head before I could spit them out of my
mouth! Talk about scary!! I was petrified that I wouldn't be able to continue to function. But my brilliant
sister came up with a great little solution for me. She told me to start playing games! And it worked!! I
first started playing hand/eye coordination puzzle games, like putting the blocks in the right place. At first I
couldn't do them. But then I got faster and faster until I was winning them. Then I started playing card
games - different types of solitares. And finally word games. They really, really helped. I still have some
slight problems, but I'm so much better now. I really attribute my improvement to the puzzles and games!!
Try 'em!! Besides -- they're fun!!!
coming to me slowly, and I couldn't get my words in order in my head before I could spit them out of my
mouth! Talk about scary!! I was petrified that I wouldn't be able to continue to function. But my brilliant
sister came up with a great little solution for me. She told me to start playing games! And it worked!! I
first started playing hand/eye coordination puzzle games, like putting the blocks in the right place. At first I
couldn't do them. But then I got faster and faster until I was winning them. Then I started playing card
games - different types of solitares. And finally word games. They really, really helped. I still have some
slight problems, but I'm so much better now. I really attribute my improvement to the puzzles and games!!
Try 'em!! Besides -- they're fun!!!
I had people giving me a hard time about using a cane to walk with, saying things like, "If you keep
depending on the cane, you'll never get rid of it..." and "...that's just a crutch, you can walk without it."
Well, the fact is, I CAN walk without my cane, but I can also FALL without my cane too. One of my first
neurologists told me not to pay attention to what people said to me. I know if I need the cane for my
balance. I know how many times that cane has saved me from falling down when my knee gives out or my
back just gives way. And a broken ankle or broken leg from falling down will be MUCH harder to drag
around in the long run than worrying about walking around with your cane! PLUS! He also told me --
ANYTHING that will save your ENERGY -- DO IT! The whole game is to conserve your energy, because
you need every bit you can get to get you through the day! So if you need a cane, don't worry about it.
I don't anymore! :)
depending on the cane, you'll never get rid of it..." and "...that's just a crutch, you can walk without it."
Well, the fact is, I CAN walk without my cane, but I can also FALL without my cane too. One of my first
neurologists told me not to pay attention to what people said to me. I know if I need the cane for my
balance. I know how many times that cane has saved me from falling down when my knee gives out or my
back just gives way. And a broken ankle or broken leg from falling down will be MUCH harder to drag
around in the long run than worrying about walking around with your cane! PLUS! He also told me --
ANYTHING that will save your ENERGY -- DO IT! The whole game is to conserve your energy, because
you need every bit you can get to get you through the day! So if you need a cane, don't worry about it.
I don't anymore! :)
| If you have any experiences or tips you would like to share on this page, please feel free to contact me at kmmartin_7@yahoo.com. Include your name and email address and I'll post them (unless you would rather be anonymous... we can do that too! ;) |
| Welcome! |
Other Good Info from the NMSS website and/or MidSo-chapter :
| If you have trouble reading due to any optic nerve problems you may be experiencing, there is a way to continue to enjoy books! Contact Books for the Blind & Handicapped at 1-800-342-3308. Also, another helpful phone number and website for questions about MS: 1-800-LEARNMS, which is the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. (Thanks to Vicki and Ken for these two tips too!) |
5/15/07
We had our May monthly meeting, and it was decided that we would try to shoot for an October Walk... I'm looking
into the logistics and protocol with the powers that be and will hopefully have the info to share for an update at
next month's meeting. We had some great ideas and participation from the members, and a fun meeting.
Thanks to everyone who showed up! See you next time, and ... stay cool! :)
We had our May monthly meeting, and it was decided that we would try to shoot for an October Walk... I'm looking
into the logistics and protocol with the powers that be and will hopefully have the info to share for an update at
next month's meeting. We had some great ideas and participation from the members, and a fun meeting.
Thanks to everyone who showed up! See you next time, and ... stay cool! :)
Also, here is the information from our April meeting regarding the Aquatics with Barb Batson. If I'm not mistaken,
I believe she said she was from Chattanooga, but she also said, if there was enough interest in the area, she
could work with Nashvill NMSS to set up a class in the area. Just click on the thumbnail document
below:
I believe she said she was from Chattanooga, but she also said, if there was enough interest in the area, she
could work with Nashvill NMSS to set up a class in the area. Just click on the thumbnail document
below:
This is the link to Clay Walker's website,
that hunky :) country music star who's
walking the path like the rest of us! He has
the most beautiful leather band of support
that he sells from his website as well as lots
of great info and ways to help! Check it out!
that hunky :) country music star who's
walking the path like the rest of us! He has
the most beautiful leather band of support
that he sells from his website as well as lots
of great info and ways to help! Check it out!
And speaking of canes...
I have had several requests of where to find specialty canes. Here are a few websites I have found:
And we have it on very good advise that there's a place on the town square in Fayetteville, TN that has some very
nice and unique walking sticks and canes at reasonable rates... =] (We LOVE your cane, Vicki!!!!!) :)
nice and unique walking sticks and canes at reasonable rates... =] (We LOVE your cane, Vicki!!!!!) :)
April 2007 -- Multiple Sclerosis Coalition Established
In order to facilitate an international movement which will lead to a world free of multiple sclerosis, it is essential
for all those impacted by the effects of MS to join together. This has led to the recent establishment of the
Multiple Sclerosis Coalition, an affiliation of independent MS organizations dedicated to improving the
quality of life for all those affected by multiple sclerosis.
The Coalition's mission is to increase opportunities for collaboration among the network of independent MS
organizations and through this collaboration enhance MS education, advocacy and overall organizational
efficiencies.
In addition to the Society, core membership in the MS Coalition includes:
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis
Montgomery Multiple Sclerosis Center
MS Helping Hands
MS World
Valdosta MS Support Group
Vision Works Foundation
To learn more about the MS Coalition and the special activities and programs of its member organizations,
visit: http://www.multiplesclerosiscoalition.org/.
for all those impacted by the effects of MS to join together. This has led to the recent establishment of the
Multiple Sclerosis Coalition, an affiliation of independent MS organizations dedicated to improving the
quality of life for all those affected by multiple sclerosis.
The Coalition's mission is to increase opportunities for collaboration among the network of independent MS
organizations and through this collaboration enhance MS education, advocacy and overall organizational
efficiencies.
In addition to the Society, core membership in the MS Coalition includes:
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation
Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis
Montgomery Multiple Sclerosis Center
MS Helping Hands
MS World
Valdosta MS Support Group
Vision Works Foundation
To learn more about the MS Coalition and the special activities and programs of its member organizations,
visit: http://www.multiplesclerosiscoalition.org/.
9/5/07
Guess I've slacked off on updating these meeting notes, huh? Bad group leader!!! :) Anyway, we had
discussed in June and July the possibilities of the October Walk, but it was the general consensus that we don't
have enough people and the people we do have don't have the time or energy! to put this all together... so we'll
just continue to support whatever Walks are locally given, and put our thinking caps back on the next time an
opportunity comes up for us to help!
8/13/07
For the August meeting, we had decided to meet at Ken & Vickie's house outside Fayetteville for a change of
scenery to "close out" the summer... Thanks again for their wonderful hospitality, for Vickie's dulcimer music! :)
and Ken's great, yummy, grilled chicken!!! We'll be meeting in September back at Western Sizzlin' on Monday,
the 10th. Hope to see you then!
Guess I've slacked off on updating these meeting notes, huh? Bad group leader!!! :) Anyway, we had
discussed in June and July the possibilities of the October Walk, but it was the general consensus that we don't
have enough people and the people we do have don't have the time or energy! to put this all together... so we'll
just continue to support whatever Walks are locally given, and put our thinking caps back on the next time an
opportunity comes up for us to help!
8/13/07
For the August meeting, we had decided to meet at Ken & Vickie's house outside Fayetteville for a change of
scenery to "close out" the summer... Thanks again for their wonderful hospitality, for Vickie's dulcimer music! :)
and Ken's great, yummy, grilled chicken!!! We'll be meeting in September back at Western Sizzlin' on Monday,
the 10th. Hope to see you then!
Meeting Minutes... sort of.... =)
I'll try to give you the basic idea of what we talked about (what you missed!) here... I promise to get better about this! :)
Miscellaneous...
H O P E
| Join the movement! Stop MS before it Stops Us! Thanks for the visit! |
September 2007 -- MS Aquatic Training
NMSS will be holding Aquatics Training for those interested in becoming Certified
Aquatics Instructors for people with Multiple Sclerosis. All participants will receive 3
AEA CEUs. Click on the thumbnail of the flyer at right for more information if you
think you may be interested in attending. Thank you!!!
Aquatics Instructors for people with Multiple Sclerosis. All participants will receive 3
AEA CEUs. Click on the thumbnail of the flyer at right for more information if you
think you may be interested in attending. Thank you!!!
10/8/07
Our October meeting was small but productive! Met a new friend, Marie from Fayetteville! And through her
suggestion, I'm going to start posting whatever information we can find on this page for affordable housing in the
area for the handicapped... when you have MS, sometimes it's not so easy to maneuver stairs or regular
bathrooms... this info might help to find alternatives!
In our discussions, we realize that it's very confusing as to exactly what the colors of MS are these days... so my
mission for next meeting: to get the definitive answer!
Our October meeting was small but productive! Met a new friend, Marie from Fayetteville! And through her
suggestion, I'm going to start posting whatever information we can find on this page for affordable housing in the
area for the handicapped... when you have MS, sometimes it's not so easy to maneuver stairs or regular
bathrooms... this info might help to find alternatives!
In our discussions, we realize that it's very confusing as to exactly what the colors of MS are these days... so my
mission for next meeting: to get the definitive answer!
Handicapped Housing Alternatives
As I find out about housing options in the Tullahoma and surrounding areas, I will post them
here. If you hear of anything, please let me know! :)
As I find out about housing options in the Tullahoma and surrounding areas, I will post them
here. If you hear of anything, please let me know! :)
| Affordable living for the handicapped... One bedroom Apts available for the handicapped of any age and rent is according to income. Generally its 30% of your income, minus medical bills and etc. That includes, all electric, water, garbage P/U. Phone and cable are NOT included. Fayetteville Square 2000 West College Street Suite 119 Fayetteville, TN. 37334 931-433-0339 A waiting list is required as they only have 5 handicapped apts available. Also a background check is required. Average waiting time is 1-2 years. |
Here's a link to the Demos Publishing Website... they have many
useful, interesting books about multiple sclerosis... including this
one about Living With Progressive MS... check it out....
useful, interesting books about multiple sclerosis... including this
one about Living With Progressive MS... check it out....
Other Helpful Links
All Access Mobility in Tullahoma, 931-454-0055. They can help you find out about obtaining
transportation if you're in need of handicapped transport options. GREAT staff, and right here in
town! :) Or check out the website! Lots of great info!!!
transportation if you're in need of handicapped transport options. GREAT staff, and right here in
town! :) Or check out the website! Lots of great info!!!
LifeAid Medical Equipment LLC
1241 South Jackson Street
Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Phone: 1-931-455-0111
Toll Free: 1-800-279-0341
The folks are very helpful and, tho' you sometimes have to wait a while for orders to come
in, you can always get what you want, and in a friendly, neighborly way! :)
1241 South Jackson Street
Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388
Phone: 1-931-455-0111
Toll Free: 1-800-279-0341
The folks are very helpful and, tho' you sometimes have to wait a while for orders to come
in, you can always get what you want, and in a friendly, neighborly way! :)
The Ribbon Mosaic -- Supportive Services and Information for families
undergoing short term medical treatments and recovery for critical illness.
This is a brand new organization, with some amazing ideas and potential to help...
check it out... and if you are throwing support anywhere -- give them a thought or
two! :)
undergoing short term medical treatments and recovery for critical illness.
This is a brand new organization, with some amazing ideas and potential to help...
check it out... and if you are throwing support anywhere -- give them a thought or
two! :)
Sharing a part of an email I exchanged with Angie, one of the founders of The Ribbon Mosaic. These
are the kinds of issues they are trying to address and fix.... thought it was interesting and the walker
info was worth sharing.... :)
... You can keyword U-Step and get information on it. My husband's uncle could not manage the traditional walker.
He would bend over and the walker would be ahead of him. It was unsteady managing between walker and chair
or bed. Since he could not manage the walker, he was going to be confined permanently to the wheelchair. I found
the U-Step online - and located one at our local medical supply store. It was $625 - cannot be rented and Medicare
will not pick it up. Fortunately, he was in a position to pay for it. It has seven wheels on it - will go over cracks in
sidewalks and glides over the space between floor and elevator. Turns on a dime, so there is no lifting or shifting -
it moves with you easily. You have to squeeze the handles in order to make it move - and when you release it
automatically brakes - allowing assistance in standing and moving from walker to chair or bed. The U-Step is
designed so you are walking inside the U - forcing you to stand up straighter. The width fits your body, so you do
not have all this space on each side of you, making the handles easier to grip. It is adjustable. Comes with a
seat/basket and the whole unit folds like a stroller so you can put it in a car. When I brought the U-Step into the
physical therapy room, I asked them to try it - if it worked great - if it didn't - didn't lose anything. (The medical
supply place said as long as it didn't show any use and still had the tags on it, that I could test it and bring it back if
it didn't work - but we have a friend with advanced Parkinsons and would have given it to him.) They adjusted the
U-Step to his size and he literally took off on it - with ease. Because of it, he was able to get into his own apartment
and be more independent - easier taking him out, too. The physical therapist said there were at least a dozen
residents that were wheelchair bound - unable to walk with the traditional walker, but would be able to walk again
if they had a U-Step. There is hope. It's like a Hummer - just goes over all kinds of flooring, ground, cracks, etc., with
tremendous ease, but will not get away from you. You cannot slump and get bent over - you are instantly standing
straight up. If you can find one - please test it on your Aunt. And pass the word to others. I had never heard of the
U-Step - was doing research on walkers and it came up - specific for those with balance issues. There is a laser
attachment for MS and Parkinsons people, so they can judge walls and doors.
What bothers me is the price and Medicare not willing to pay even part of it - something The Ribbon Mosaic will
address as we go along.
are the kinds of issues they are trying to address and fix.... thought it was interesting and the walker
info was worth sharing.... :)
... You can keyword U-Step and get information on it. My husband's uncle could not manage the traditional walker.
He would bend over and the walker would be ahead of him. It was unsteady managing between walker and chair
or bed. Since he could not manage the walker, he was going to be confined permanently to the wheelchair. I found
the U-Step online - and located one at our local medical supply store. It was $625 - cannot be rented and Medicare
will not pick it up. Fortunately, he was in a position to pay for it. It has seven wheels on it - will go over cracks in
sidewalks and glides over the space between floor and elevator. Turns on a dime, so there is no lifting or shifting -
it moves with you easily. You have to squeeze the handles in order to make it move - and when you release it
automatically brakes - allowing assistance in standing and moving from walker to chair or bed. The U-Step is
designed so you are walking inside the U - forcing you to stand up straighter. The width fits your body, so you do
not have all this space on each side of you, making the handles easier to grip. It is adjustable. Comes with a
seat/basket and the whole unit folds like a stroller so you can put it in a car. When I brought the U-Step into the
physical therapy room, I asked them to try it - if it worked great - if it didn't - didn't lose anything. (The medical
supply place said as long as it didn't show any use and still had the tags on it, that I could test it and bring it back if
it didn't work - but we have a friend with advanced Parkinsons and would have given it to him.) They adjusted the
U-Step to his size and he literally took off on it - with ease. Because of it, he was able to get into his own apartment
and be more independent - easier taking him out, too. The physical therapist said there were at least a dozen
residents that were wheelchair bound - unable to walk with the traditional walker, but would be able to walk again
if they had a U-Step. There is hope. It's like a Hummer - just goes over all kinds of flooring, ground, cracks, etc., with
tremendous ease, but will not get away from you. You cannot slump and get bent over - you are instantly standing
straight up. If you can find one - please test it on your Aunt. And pass the word to others. I had never heard of the
U-Step - was doing research on walkers and it came up - specific for those with balance issues. There is a laser
attachment for MS and Parkinsons people, so they can judge walls and doors.
What bothers me is the price and Medicare not willing to pay even part of it - something The Ribbon Mosaic will
address as we go along.
| Click on the U-Step Walker for more info |
MS Magnets -- and other cool stuff to show your
support! And yes! The official color of the MS
Movement - ORANGE! :) This site is through the
MSF, and you can get support merchandise.
support! And yes! The official color of the MS
Movement - ORANGE! :) This site is through the
MSF, and you can get support merchandise.
MS and Divorce Support - a unique place where these two maladies are handled....
Montel Williams MS Foundation - tons of great info and ways to help...
11/12/07
Such a lovely meeting we had! Surprised by Suzie and newcomer Pat, and returning "veteran" Marie!!!! Jane
and I were so happy to have you there!!!! Lots of great discussion and commiserations and laughs -- I know I
sure felt better! :) Anyway, we also decided a few other things as well:
Such a lovely meeting we had! Surprised by Suzie and newcomer Pat, and returning "veteran" Marie!!!! Jane
and I were so happy to have you there!!!! Lots of great discussion and commiserations and laughs -- I know I
sure felt better! :) Anyway, we also decided a few other things as well:
- We will continue in to have our meeting at the Western Sizzlin back room (as long as they'll have us!) ;)
- We will have a Holiday "Party" for our December meeting on Monday, December 10th! We hope to have
music, games and some MS trivia with prizes to be had! :) :) :) We're gonna make it fun! - I'll be sending out info to all "members" but welcome any and all with MS to the fray!! That goes for MS
caregivers as well... we certainly know how much you go through sometimes too... if you need some
support -- we're here for you too!
Anyone interested in getting Teri Garr's great book
"Speedbumps" - here's a link!
"Speedbumps" - here's a link!
Great MS fact sheet from "Squiggy" :) -- David L. Lander gives us info and insight.
Also links to get his book, "Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis
and Didn't Tell Nobody"
Also links to get his book, "Fall Down Laughing: How Squiggy Caught Multiple Sclerosis
and Didn't Tell Nobody"
The Heuga Center for Multiple
Sclerosis - This link page on this site
has lots of great connections.....
Sclerosis - This link page on this site
has lots of great connections.....
| I have had several requests for information on Prescription Assistance. I contacted Meredith at Midsouth and she sent me the contact list: phone numbers and websites where you can try to find help! I'm adding it here to the page as thumbnail documents. If you have any trouble reading it, please contact me and I can email it to you! :) |
| Remember... if there's any info you're looking for, there's a good chance we can get it for you through the NMSS or MSF. Just ask! MS is ever changing.... and we all learn as we go! |
| These are other links to sites I've found useful. If you know of websites that are reputable, local or otherwise, and that have useful and current information that you'd like to see on this page, please send me and email and let me know. I'll be happy to post a link! Thanks!! |
I'll keep adding links as I find them or as YOU bring them to my attention! :)
12/10/07
Our "Holiday Party" meeting was lots of fun! With what has now become the new core of our membership, we
had a blast just yakking it up over lunch, catching up and talking about plans for the new year! Thanks to Jane,
Vicki, Ken, and Marie for keeping the faith! :)
We will be here for anyone with MS or who cares for someone with MS who needs a sounding board or just a
place to feel not so alone! Every 2nd Monday of every month...
All best wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2008! See you on Monday, January 14th!
Our "Holiday Party" meeting was lots of fun! With what has now become the new core of our membership, we
had a blast just yakking it up over lunch, catching up and talking about plans for the new year! Thanks to Jane,
Vicki, Ken, and Marie for keeping the faith! :)
We will be here for anyone with MS or who cares for someone with MS who needs a sounding board or just a
place to feel not so alone! Every 2nd Monday of every month...
All best wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2008! See you on Monday, January 14th!
1/14/08
The first meeting of the New Year was small but sweet! :) We not only discussed our respective holiday
experiences, but we decided that an MS fundraising event that our group might be able to handle is the "Stand
for MS" lemonade stand idea... :) I will be looking into the specifics for us.
The first meeting of the New Year was small but sweet! :) We not only discussed our respective holiday
experiences, but we decided that an MS fundraising event that our group might be able to handle is the "Stand
for MS" lemonade stand idea... :) I will be looking into the specifics for us.
2/11/08
A big welcome back to our founding member, Mr. Roy! So great to see him!!! We know he can't make it all the
time, so it was a nice surprise and a pleasure to have his company at our February meeting. And a wish for a
speedy recovery goes out to Ms. Jane... don't let the flu bug get you down, girl! We ate a bite of cobbler for ya!
:)
Next meeting I hope to have more info on the lemonade "Stand for MS" and where we might be able to hold
those here in Tullahoma. Any ideas in that regard, please feel free to send me an email on the subject! :)
We hope to see Ms. Marie then and also any new members from the Dechard area that might want to drop by
(hint, hint) :) :) :) We will be meeting on Monday, March 10th (see Marie -- I got it right this time! :) :)
A big welcome back to our founding member, Mr. Roy! So great to see him!!! We know he can't make it all the
time, so it was a nice surprise and a pleasure to have his company at our February meeting. And a wish for a
speedy recovery goes out to Ms. Jane... don't let the flu bug get you down, girl! We ate a bite of cobbler for ya!
:)
Next meeting I hope to have more info on the lemonade "Stand for MS" and where we might be able to hold
those here in Tullahoma. Any ideas in that regard, please feel free to send me an email on the subject! :)
We hope to see Ms. Marie then and also any new members from the Dechard area that might want to drop by
(hint, hint) :) :) :) We will be meeting on Monday, March 10th (see Marie -- I got it right this time! :) :)
3/10/08
Our meeting for March was our "core four"! :) We decided to keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities in
the upcoming months for local events that might lend themselves to our having a "Stand for MS" lemonade
stand fundraiser event... any ideas in that regard, please don't hesitate to contact me.
We also agreed to have our April meeting "On the Mountain"! So the April meeting of the self-help group will be
held at Ken & Vicki's place in Mulberry, TN (outside Fayettsville). For more information please contact me. It
will be beautiful up on the mountainside in the Spring!!! And Ken says he'll be cooking pork tenderloin!!! Yum!
We had a great time the last time we held our meeting at our "annex"! It will be another relaxing and fun day
away! Come and join us!!
Our meeting for March was our "core four"! :) We decided to keep our eyes and ears open for opportunities in
the upcoming months for local events that might lend themselves to our having a "Stand for MS" lemonade
stand fundraiser event... any ideas in that regard, please don't hesitate to contact me.
We also agreed to have our April meeting "On the Mountain"! So the April meeting of the self-help group will be
held at Ken & Vicki's place in Mulberry, TN (outside Fayettsville). For more information please contact me. It
will be beautiful up on the mountainside in the Spring!!! And Ken says he'll be cooking pork tenderloin!!! Yum!
We had a great time the last time we held our meeting at our "annex"! It will be another relaxing and fun day
away! Come and join us!!
April 8, 2008 - Pediatric Teleconference
April 14, 2008 - Aquatic Training
4/14/08
The April meeting at "the annex" :) was wonderful! Big thanks to Ken & Vicki for hosting us at their mountain
retreat of a beautiful home! The pork rotisserie was a dream, the fresh cole slaw was to die for, and the 5
minutes we ventured out onto the front porch -- tho' brisk -- was breathtaking! :) Thanks again!!
Next meeting will be same bat time, same bat channel -- back in Tullahoma at the Western Sizzlin', back room -
on Monday, May 12th. Hope to see you there!
The April meeting at "the annex" :) was wonderful! Big thanks to Ken & Vicki for hosting us at their mountain
retreat of a beautiful home! The pork rotisserie was a dream, the fresh cole slaw was to die for, and the 5
minutes we ventured out onto the front porch -- tho' brisk -- was breathtaking! :) Thanks again!!
Next meeting will be same bat time, same bat channel -- back in Tullahoma at the Western Sizzlin', back room -
on Monday, May 12th. Hope to see you there!