Egull1's Journal

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08 March 2024

So, one of the things I do on an 'almost' daily basis is stretch and roll baby...stretch and roll. And, technically I "should" do it EVERYDAY as an individual managing multiple sclerosis. Specifically, since my lower appendages are the most impacted with stiffness and spasticity. But, most often just do it on workout days.

PSA here: Impact and/or lesions on the spinal cord are actually not the most common way in which MS presents itself. It's not considered "rare" but it's not the most common. The most common way in which MS first presents itself is through vision loss or impairment. More specifically, optic neuritis. The blindness is usually temporary and will abate after inflammation in the optic nerve has subsided. But, if damage to the optic nerve has incurred - symptoms can be permanent.

Unfortunately, lesions on brain and spinal cord such as I have often have a higher prognosis for progression. But, ya girl has been a "stable abel" now for seven years. Let's keep it going! Deep Breath!

However, with my first presentation and DX - I did incur damage to the spinal cord which is why my symptoms and lack of sensation will be my best buddies forever, LOL!

That being said, those of you that have followed me for all these years know I have tried to make the very best of what mobility I have and even used all that stiffness to my advantage in my fitness pursuits. But, there's a trade off. Some neurologists actually define spasticity as "increased muscle" tone. There's a little bit more to it than that...like muscle groups can uncontrollably pull in opposite directions when the message is skewed between brain and spinal cord.

But, yes it's true we MS'ers with stiffer limbs will accrue more muscle tone because of it. That doesn't mean I skip leg day. I definitely discovered the "turbo boost" affect of spasticity during my training runs for the 70.3. It's weird to because when it kicks in the speed is crazy and I can barely control it. It's exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time.

When a girl can turn a 9 minute mile into a 6-7 minute mile GOING UPHILL because her leg muscles contract and stiffen up - that's a turbo boost!

Once I discovered that magical power - I wanted to keep it even when 70.3 ended. However, with more muscle tone comes more muscle contractions so stretching and rolling is no longer optional.

A strength training day was officially set aside for lower body only so that I might maintain or even increase the muscle tone in the lower half because the benefits are so amazing. But, with more muscle comes more spasms, contractions, and the fascia does not readily release.

So, stretch and roll is not optional anymore. It has to be done. I roll every part of my body, including my calves and feet muscles which tend to Charlie horse the most. I also slather CBD lotion on my legs because it seems to help keep the muscle stiffness at bay until I work out.

Note: I DO NOT IN ANYWAY USE MY MUSCLE RELAXERS DURING THE DAY OR BEFORE WORKOUTS. I ONLY USED THEM POST WORKOUT AND BEFORE BED. AND, NO I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO DO THAT AND I DON'T CARE. I LIKE DOING IT MY WAY. IT WORKS FOR ME. END OF STORY.

During workouts - as always I use that turbo boost to my advantage. But, I have to be careful because I do heart rate training as well and it's often difficult when the legs have to pedal faster, and the heart rate hasn't quite caught up to their level yet. She's trying, though...

Oh, and I also use a scraper to help release the fascia in addition to IT band stretches, which are critical for me because for whatever reason when those legs stiffen, the IT band on the right leg is impacted in not so fun ways. It can get pretty untenable, even to walk, if I don't keep the quads and hammies stretched and somewhat at ease.

Anyhow, I know it's not the most popular thing to do whether one does endurance or strength training. But, none of that muscle or increased endurance means anything if I don't have the flexibility to use it or adapt to new training stimulus. Being able to turn or steady myself on a dime takes more that just muscle. Most of the functional things I do in a day require bending, rotating, or assuming some odd posture in order to reach for something.

After watching my mother go through 5 joint surgeries so far and struggling now to do all of those things - If there is anyway to preserve the flexibility I do have I'm gonna do it!

(18 comments)

08 March 2024

My bowl of oatmeal 🥣 I only couch this on rest days because I seem to burn a through it so quickly and I don’t want to be bonking in workouts. But it’s tasty and has chia seeds, granola, pumpkin, and a scoop of caramel protein powder

(1 comment)

06 March 2024

We gave Cassie a nip pillow this morning (a little pouch full of cat nip). I firmly feel we all need to start our days feeling this good 😊

(7 comments)

05 March 2024

I really enjoyed this mornings reading meditation. Some thoughts worth remembering not just today, but for a lifetime.

"To insist on perfection precludes growth.
To accept imperfection as part of your humaness is to grow

If you can love the part of you that you think is imperfect
then the act of transformation can begin

When you judge and throw it out of your heart
it becomes a hardened shell that blocks the light.

Who you are is a necessary step
to being who you will be, and so it goes..

Be comfortable but not complacent
with your imperfections."

-Emmanuel Book 1

May we all take a moment to "fumble forward joyfully" as one of my spiritual teacher's like to say. Whether it's mentally, physically, or emotionally. May we allow our follies to be a part of the dance of life and ultimately are growth.

Have a blessed day, everyone!

(4 comments)

02 March 2024

Quote of the day:

“We will never have better times unless we create them”

-Buddhist Monk, Shaolin

May we all have a moment or two to embrace the creativity around us that bring our heart’s joy. Have a blessed day everyone 🥰

(6 comments)

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