Whats this healthy you speak of

Being healthy I think is a privilege sometimes. No I’m not making fun or trying to get under anyone’s skin so calm yourself. Think about it. Now days, EVERYONE has something.  We as humans are so fragile. We like to think we are the greater species. If you think about it we aren’t.  There are things out there that can take us down in just a second. From viruses to  wounds.  And we are the top of the food chain!!  Diseases are everywhere and Im sure we don’t know the half of it.  We have to take the pro active to stay healthy. Yes healthy people still outnumber the sick. Thank you lord. Value your health.

Treasure it, protect it, So many take it for granted until  bam… they don’t have it anymore.

Health is not something you want to test to see the limits of how far it can go.  Dr’s can only do so much.  yes there are great medications out there but do you realize each medication comes with risk. (read the side effects people)

If you already have an illness what then?  well, From what I understand, have experienced and learned.  Guess it is pretty common sense.   You build up everything around it like a big shelter. Eat what you can to fix it, believe it or not food if for  healing.  when food isnt enough talk to your dr. tell them the truth about where you are in treatment options and WHAT YOU ARE WILLING TO DO.  if you arent going to follow the direction then whats the point?  They can’t help you if you don’t help yourself.

Some of the medications that we end up having to take though, I tell ya…

I feel like this little dog! On many occasions.

If you tell your dr this medication is interfering with my daily life that I want to be active and live. Trust me. They will help you find options. If they won’t FIND A DR THAT WILL.   YOU HIRE THEM.

You have to be open to the fact that there is only so much they can do though. reality is reality.

Multiple sclerosis is a hard disease.   I know that so many of us want to do things that we just are unable to when we get in flares. The depression of the life we want and the life that we are in just doesn’t match at the time. We have to keep looking forward.  Think about this.

When I was first diagnosed there were 4 choices (plus steroids there is always steroids) of medications for multiple sclerosis treatment. DO YOU KNOW THAT TODAY.. THIS DAY there are 11?

Yeah I just read that.  So that should show you there are improvements being made.  This should show also other diseases that things are happening with research.

Another thing with M.S. I firmly believe we have chemical sensitivities.  I know a lot of you will say “YEAH RIGHT” I used to be one of those people. I proved it in myself.  If you want to say yeah right fine. what is the risk. OH yeah.. feeling better? Prove me wrong.  I DARE YOU.

 

~~~~~~~~MS AND DIET~~~~~~

I don’t like to use the word diet because it isn’t it is life style. You have  to completely change how you think. I am not saying you cannot enjoy the occasional donut but you cannot jump off the lifestyle you have an underlying illness that will come screaming out like vultures.  ask me how I know!!

Here are some of the well known MS related diets. Personally I just like clean eating. These basically have all of the same in it and are structured toward illness.

*CHECK WITH YOUR DR BEFORE STARTING ANY TYPE OF DIET OR EXERCISE PLAN*

http://www.overcomingmultiplesclerosis.org/Recovery-Program/Diet/

http://www.swankmsdiet.org/

About The Wahls Protocol

Terry Wahls is amazing!!

Paleo is a promising one also. Terry Wahls bases a lot of her diet around that.

 

~~~~~~~MS AND EXERCISE~~~~~~~~

an object in motion stays in motion.   Move it or loose it.  We have all heard the phrases.  They are awesome.  There is some truth to them also. You see people that are still active at 90 years old and people say “oh Good genes.”You talk to them and what is the same thing they say? They stay active.  They are doing something every day with purpose.  We can not loose our purpose.  So we have to get up and move. If you are unable to get up then move it in your chair or where ever you are. If you can’t lift anything but your head lift your head! MOVE SOMETHING.  KEEP ON MOVING. If you stop then.. well.  you  exactly that. Don’t let can’t be your word.

Stretching is important for Multiple sclerosis and well anyone with anything actually.  It keeps your muscles stretched and helps us with those GOOD HEAVENS those muscleeee spassssmmms. We hate to so much. We can stretch through them!!

I found this page that has some great stretching exercises. It shows you how to do them.  look through it and get up and do them. You may like some of them You may not like some of them. Do em anyway with me.. 🙂                     You can find it                    HERE

 

Sorry this is so big but If I couldn’t read it… I figured my MS people would have trouble as well.

~~~~Some funnies and other stuff!~~~~

How many of us can relate to the above huh? NOW you understand why I want to get the diet in check?

Sorry This made me cry I laughed so hard. (still laughing)

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Find something to smile/laugh about.

smooches

I am “Still”

~~~Nancy with a Jones~~~

MY ONE LITTLE WORD for 2015

I don’t know about you all, but I have had a lot of trouble this year trying to think about what word to use as my signature word.  I went through all the usual, Blessed, Amazed, Grace, Love, Precious, Live,Love, Laugh, Shine, …. it all sounded so,, superficial then I thought hey that’s a word. Not one I want as THE word though. (You can see where my brain is) I have been so scattered for a while now. I think this flare up has just thrown my brain into a big heaping pile of Random and shook it around and let it go flying about. Everything has been so out of the normal it seems and we have been struggling to get back to our groove. So as I sat here tonight thinking about 2 sweet awesome people I spent time on today. (I just loved,  may I add that) It made me really stop and think (yes, thinking, It did kinda hurt I know you will ask)  😉

I need to just get to that place where I can be “Still” again. Then it hit me. AHHHHHH!!!

 !!STILL!!!  I know, IIII KNOOOW,  that seems like such a crazy, strange, word to be MY word. BUT hear me out. (and well duh MY WORD what do you expect anything but normal right?) I knew you would agree.
Still, is a VERY versatile word and is kinda all over the place. Like me right now. It means so many things. This word can be A noun, A verb, an Adjective, even an adverb. I KNOWWW!
It describes so much of where I am at right now what I am striving for, What I wish to be, what I so very much need. And who I am.. Still me. Looking for stillness,  Still the same ol same ol, we are STILL doing this huh? see where I’m going with this? But in the end. I hope to  end the year with calm Still, peace Be Still While right now its all… Still me! going AHHHHHCK. Make sense? Im looking forward . to the end.

Lets look at the definition (s)
STILL

stil/Submit
adjective
1.
not moving or making a sound.
“the still body of the young man”
synonyms: motionless, unmoving, not moving a muscle, stock-still, immobile, inanimate, like a statue, as if turned to stone, rooted to the spot, transfixed, static, stationary
“the parrot lay still”
antonyms: moving, active
(of air or water) undisturbed by wind, sound, or current; calm and tranquil.
“her voice carried on the still air”
synonyms: calm, flat, even, smooth, placid, tranquil, pacific, waveless, glassy, like a millpond, unruffled, stagnant
“the lake was still”
(of a drink) not effervescent.
noun
noun: still; plural noun: stills
1.
deep silence and calm; stillness.
“the still of the night”
synonyms: quietness, quiet, quietude, silence, stillness, hush, soundlessness; More
antonyms: noise, disturbance, hubbub
2.
an ordinary static photograph as opposed to a motion picture, especially a single shot from a movie.
adverb
adverb: still
1.
up to and including the present or the time mentioned; even now (or then) as formerly.
“he still lives with his mother”
synonyms: up to this time, up to the present time, until now, even now, yet
“she’s still running in circles”
referring to something that will or may happen in the future.
“we could still win”
2.
nevertheless; all the same.
“I’m afraid he’s crazy. Still, he’s harmless”
synonyms: nevertheless, nonetheless, regardless, all the same, just the same, anyway, anyhow, even so, yet, but, however, notwithstanding, despite that, in spite of that, for all that, be that as it may, in any event, at any rate; More
3.
even (used with comparatives for emphasis).
“write, or better still, type, captions for the pictures”
verb
verb: still; 3rd person present: stills; past tense: stilled; past participle: stilled; gerund or present participle: stilling
1.
make or become still; quieten.
“she raised her hand, stilling Erica’s protests”
synonyms: quiet, silence, hush;

 

I think this is going to be the perfect word for 2015,

So That’s out of the way.I know you are excited huh HA HA.

 

Speaking of “Still” Im FINALLY Weaning off the steroids (GOO MEE!) So Im not sitting  picking out the marshmallows in the Lucky charms any more as much.. or ok.. Ill play along. “STILL”

 

 

That is my dream cereal though. Why they don’t make that. I have no Idea. Cause… MMMHM! :hand up to the lord::

 

I am still feeling a LITTLE.. like this but well if you know me.. I`m kinda this way even without steroids.

 

Yeah, that with the virus on top of it. My face.. Just like that.  I kid you not. But I’m not “still” like that as much. Ok maybe.

NOW THIS… UGHM yeah. I am “STILL” lookin like this.   I love taking steroids because I feel better but man. I reallly do not like what they do to our bodies. Although we feel better on them.  I look like stay puff Marshmallow girl and Michelin man’s love child.   MICHELIN PUFF “STILL” yess I STILL look all puffed out. I know it will go away though.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~For my Clean eating people and MS People This  is for you~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A TIP OR TWO

RAW ALMONDS.. As long as you don’t have an allergy to nuts. Keep RAW almonds  around in the snack size (yes they make those short zip lock bags) zip lock bags for emergency snacks. In case you get caught in traffic, or You are late to your lunch. Measure them out ahead of time. Keep some in your purse, glove box in car, or gym bag. ALL THE TIME. You can measure them out by cupping the palm of your hand. That is about how many you need to eat (and don’t pile them up)  A few reduced fat triscuits are another option. READ THE SERVING SIZE.  PRE MEASURE IT OUT into the zip lock baggies.  This way you won’t over eat if you are late for meal. It is advisable to  have your meal on time every time.   That isn’t always possible. They make chicken instead of in the can in pouches now. A great quick easy GO MEAL. (can eat it with triscuits  read serving size!!) or straight out of the pouch with a fork.

When you learn to eat to live instead of live to eat. Everything changes.

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Having M.S. we are burdened with so many freaky things  Muscle spasms are a constant question people ask about on message boards and chat groups.   Most dr’s prescribe medications that will just make you out of it and all you can do is go to bed.  If you are like myself and have a child. That just can’t happen. we have a life going on and we want to live it. Not sleep all the time.

My goal is to live.  I have found some things that WORK FOR ME  and I am gladly sharing these suggestions here on my blog.  These may not work for you. So try at your own risk. I don’t know your underlying issues so please talk to your dr first ok? Deal? Thanks.

I have battled muscle spasms that are not only painful but down right freaky and crazy. They freeze up, tighten up and the screaming will commence. At times nothing will release them until I just go get shots and everything they can throw at it to just MAKE… IT… STOP. that has happened twice in my life. Looked so freaky to have one leg and hiney cheek tensed up all the time and the other normal.

So when I say We have tried EVERYTHING. Im serious.

I do a LOT of stretching. I have found keeping my muscles stretched helps.

HERE

is a FREE  illustrated step by step manual from the national MS society that shows you several  stretches you can do daily to help alleviate or lessen these muscle spasms. At first it may be hard. It may hurt. You may not be able to do them. Don’t quit, Don’t give up. Keep doing it.  All this didn’t happen in a day. MS got worse over time. It will take time to help.

Start slow on the stretches and build your way to more.

I also use a series of Essential oils to help. Lemon grass (diluted with  coconut oil) because it is a hot oil and can burn your skin also helps me.  I have a mixture of essential oils that I have added to my regime that help me.  Lavender and Lemon grass  are 2 of the ones that seem to help ME to relax my muscles the most when spasming.  Everyone is different and what works on me may not be what works for you.  I will be glad to help you with finding what works for you if you are interested.  just let me know.  I have done a lot of research and also have contact with very knowledgable accredited people that will make sure you do it correctly.

PLEASE DO NOT just go to a store and buy oils and start using them.  All oils are not made the same and there should be a lot of research involved before a decision to use  them.you should have support in helping you educate yourself with them as well.  It can be dangerous just like using vitamins and herbs. It is medicinal and can also interfere with medication you are taking. So always let your dr know if you are taking any essential oils along with a health care medical routine.  There are many do’s and Don’ts. I would be irresponsible if I just  told you OH this helps me get it!! So know that  it is important to use them safely. I care that you get relief not more problems.

Thanks.

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It is believed mostly that HEAT can cause MS to go all bonkers but, DID YOU KNOW, that any sudden change in temperature can trigger an MS flare? This is true.  This was released in a study recently  that any sudden change in temperature can cause symptoms to worsen. So when these “Arctic Blasts” hit and we feel all ickified.. its not just oh I feel cruddy. It truly is our MS. So be watchful of symptoms just like you do when you flare up at other times.

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I know people with Chronic Illness get this.

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Keep fighting! Never ever give up!

I’m …

“Still”

Nancy

with a Jones 🙂

2015 TRIED AND TRUE.. Back to me and you

I an effort to get my me back in 2015, I have decided to start writing again. It did me a lot of good. I also have A LOT of scrapbooking to catch up on. It did me a lot of good in accountability and daily self checks. I know my family likes to look at the pages and things so this is a place that is standard that everyone can see. So much happened in 2014 and I didn’t get much done really. I had a humongous Shingle flare up which led to an M.S. flare up, which led to a new medication I took one of that caused an allergic reaction and HUGOMONGOUS WORSE SHINGLE OUTBREAK IN THE HISTORY OF  SHINGLE OUTBREAK, more steroids… then eye infection, then shingles on the other side… and then a viral infection.  This was the biggest break out I have ever had in my life. It was terrifying because it wouldn’t go away and got right around my eye, down in my ear and places that caused pain I never have had. Im not saying that for woe is me, but if this helps just one person to understand, and get diagnosed earlier. Or to understand what someone else with this horrific disease does. then YAY. The last 6 months have been unreal.  a True test of so much.  one day to the next not knowing what now.. So many are sick I understand that.  this was a really bad place I was in. I’m very blessed with the support I have. I want to pay some of it forward to others.  So I can give back here.   I want to do something positive. Something that I know.

Our bodies change. MS is a fickle illness. Having Chronic Shingles along with it makes it difficult. I am fortunate to have one of the leading MS specialists in Mobile as my dr …. but wait. He is leaving in April. I KNOWWWW. I have cried, Begged, Bribed. But His heart is in research and teaching. Honestly we are so lucky to have him there. He promised me if a study comes up that fits me He will call me. I love this dr yall so My next one … he will be in for it. ha. He is making sure I am well taken care of before he goes (thank you lord)

I wanted to do a catch up  post on here the first post of wonderful things that happened in 2014 I can only tell of one thing. Nothing can top this.

THE BIG ONE..

BELLA GOT BAPTIZED!! We were/are beyond proud.

 

 

 

 

(Photo compliments of David Carter Photography)

This photo looks amazing in person I took a picture of it with my phone so you could see how amazing this day was. So forgive my shaky hands. My photography isn’t so great anymore.

 It was a wonderful day. We were so happy that Aunt Irene, My Mom and a very special person in our life Bellas teacher from kindergarten as well as a close family friend Mrs Glenda Massengill  were all able to be there.

We had tried to do the baptism several times, Things kept happening. Bella would get sick or I would get  sick or family couldn’t be there or something was going on at the church.

I didn’t personally take any pictures. (I KNOWWW) I was too busy  looking in full amazement.  Y’all! The choir loft was  dark and all of the choir was turned looking  up at the  baptismal, it is  hard to explain it was surreal,  The  Lights were all off except the spot light.   The over flowing light of the Choir looking up at them… It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It kinda reminded me of a glimpse into heaven sorta maybe almost and made me think the lord himself was right there and these were all the angels of heaven stopped still, looking at what was happening.  Rejoicing that my baby was now  part of this kingdom. I know .. How arrogant of me to think such. Who am I but just a human. But if you could have seen what was in front of me.. It was breath taking. Yes I was crying.

I knew at that moment Bella’s Nana in heaven and my Grandmother  well everyone that had gone before us and is waiting on us there were ELATED beyond Joy and I KNOW that the Lord Jesus was thrilled. Bella had given her heart to Jesus a long time ago.  She was little when she came to us with this decision. Matter of fact Mrs. Gloria Massengill played a huge part in that.  So many people think children are too young. But, I dunno.. She knew.  I talked to Mrs. Gloria and she talked with her too. It was the sweetest thing ever. That is why I was so happy she was there to see the follow through of the baptism. Bella never wanted to  physically get baptized.  Pastor Brett did a sermon one sunday and in his sermon he spoke a little about why we get Baptized. On that Sunday Bella came in and said ” Ok  fine…  I need to do it. she sighed.. I need to get Baptized. If Jesus can do it… I can do it.”  (she was scared of the water) My heart leapt.  Yes I cried. (You see a pattern here?)

When you accept Jesus as your savior it is the most amazing day ever. You feel so alive and excited. People, let me tell you… When your child gets baptized… When your child accepts Jesus and you KNOW they get it. They truly mean it and you know they are fully there. without a doubt.  There is not a feeling in the world like it.

I know I am not perfect. I fail daily I am far from worthy.  I am easy to loose focus and get frustrated so easy. YET, I can say this. I recognize blessings when I see it. I know Where my hope is found. I know Jesus Christ as my lord and savior.

 I know 2015 is going to be better because THIS was the most amazing thing that happened in 2014.  When I sat trying to think of something positive. All I could think about was this. So 2015 is going to build on it.

We haven’t been in church in the last .. long while. I miss it. Sickness has been a mess. BUT, IT IS  better.  We waited out today because I start new medication and I DID NOT want to risk it.  If I get sick I cant start it.

 2015 is going to be a rebuilding year for us.  Going back to what we know. We tried all the other stuff in 2014.. we tried other ways of doing things.  we tried medications that led to getting very ill.   When the way I was doing things was working (clean eating exercising and doing steroids when I had the occasional flare up)  Going to church  living simply and staying with the basics. Scrapbooking our life  and living our love song day to day the way God intended.  Sometimes it is just best to stick with what you know works.  Quit trying for “NEW AND IMPROVED” when TRIED AND TRUE is NOT BROKE.

So I will be updating this more regularly and putting some recipes on what clean eats I use. Exercises that help me with certain  problems with things.   THESE ARE THINGS THAT WORK FOR ME!!!! So for the necessary stuff: (sorry I have too because.. well you know those labels on hair dryers that say don’t use  this in the shower.. there is a reason for that so I have to do this same reason)

I am monitored by a dr. I am not just going all willy nilly doing all this.  So do not just do this and then say NANCY SAIDDDD. Go your self to the dr and tell em whats going on. Ask them if this could work for you. Everyone is different and you could have a different set of issues that it could hurt.  Cause… I ain’t gone be tellin you to do nothin to hurt you.. with me? k. just gettin all that straight now. 

Starting tomorrow I will start eating clean so … approach with caution as I go through detox of sugars , excess toxins blah blah and etc. 🙂 Prayer will be happening all day and welcomed.

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COOL STUFF

Tip: Have a Pre made jug (I do a gallon) of ICE COLD, as cold as you can get it water with lemon, cucumber, a little fresh mint if you have it, and lemon wedges. (lime works ok but lemon is a great detox) Prepare the night before and put in the refrigerator so it sits over night. (I have a big jug that has a little spout on the front i can push and it fills my cup straight from the fridge no lifting) drink on this all day long until it is empty!!!

Here is why. As the cucumber, Fresh mint and lemon sit over night they soak into the water and flavor it with its goodness. The cucumber helps flush out toxins and promotes clear skin, They aid in digestion and help us absorb hydration.  Use half a medium cucumber per gallon,  Lemon (take out seeds) is a diuretic that will help FLUSH your system, and cut down your cravings for sweets,   CUT THE LEMON AND CUCUMBER AS THIN AS YOU CAN FOR OPTIMAL FLAVORED WATER.  MINT about 10 to 12 sprigs.. The mint will help appetite suppression.  All of it together also increases your metabolism. It is good for you. I would NOT drink this every day  Good plain water is good also.  But it is great during the first 3 days of detox to help speed it along to get those toxins out!! DRINK DRINK DRINK.

BONUS TIP: Pre make your food for the day the night before so you wont be hungry and “looking” for something quick. It will be right there for you to grab and eat. I always make a turkey roll up or lettuce wrap, I have my protein shake sitting on the cabinet ready for me to mix so It is a NON THOUGHT.

I learned this from some very intelligent people and they were right. It works.  I keep veggies cut up, I keep my salad prepared for lunch or my rice and chicken whatever my meal is ready for quick eating so I wont attempt to grab something that is “easy”

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RECIPE

Here is something easy for you to get you started. I  like to do this and make enough for several days. SO MUCH you can do with this, Freezes well also!

SLOW COOKER SHREDDED CHICKEN

Instead of the seasonings they use. I use ONLY Mrs.Dash Original, Mrs Dash Onion and Herb and  Mrs. Dash Garlic and herb.  A little pink salt and a little pepper. If you want evoo and Acv add a bit to taste.

You can  drain then cool completely.  Store it in  pre measured zip locs or just in a dish. Then have wraps, Chicken and rice with Broccoli, Spinach or whatever veggie, Chicken and salad. Or whatever  your clean meal is and the chicken is already done. If others in your family are not eating clean (which THEY SHOULD BE) They can add it to whatever they are eating as well (Bella likes it in Mac and cheese)

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Again be sure to check with your dr before adding subtracting or changing any medication to your healthcare regimen.  I am not a dr.. I don’t even play one on the internet. I just read stuff that looks interesting. If It helps AWESOME!!!

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HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.

NancyJ

Let me know what you think of this post. More of the same? not so much? eeeh?