Category: Random Thoughts

Before i get into the story for this post, I’ve got to share.  I’ve fallen more times than i’d like to keep count; i think it’s quite amazing.  I do remember when i was growing up, i used to say that i would fall on flat ground with shoes with the most grips and it was a joke, but who knew…anyhoo, so I was exercising last nite (yea!), doing yoga and i was in the middle of the Warrior 2 pose, when i thought that i should adjust my stance. 

I didn’t think that i was doing it properly.  Well who tell me do that…i lost my balance and FELL FLAT ON MY ASS!!!!!  Again, no injuries – just a slightly bruised behind – but WTF?!?!?

Anyways, so onto my news…yesterday, the FDA approved a new drug! This drug is ORAL (WOOHOO) and is the first drug ever approved that specifically treats a symptom of MS – the symptom?  walking and gait problems! 

This is FANTASTIC news for patients like me who suffer thru this regularly…it is actually my biggest complaint right now.  The other good news is that it can be used in conjunction with any treatment that we might be on right now.  As with any drug, there are side effects, but I’ll be honest, the side effects are not the worst that I’ve seen/heard about (would u believe tho that in the clinical testing, some patients reported INCREASED falling?!?!?! – is that even possible with me?) and I have decided that i will definitely be talking to my doctor as soon as possible (it is scheduled to be available by prescription in March) about going on this new drug. 

Here’s hoping that my insurance will cover the drug and it will help me in the long run…take a read on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society webpage.

I had to go to the dentist (the devil) this morning.  I parked my car in a 1 hour short term parking zone – I knew that i was taking a chance – and went into the office.  4 hours later, i made the trek back to the car, that was still there (with no boot/ticket, etc) and it occurred to me that I could tell this story. 

The place i feel safest and most comfortable is driving (speeding) in my car!  I actually own my “dream car” (of sorts).  Years ago, my then boyfriend, C and I used to talk about owning a manual Civic EX with a sunroof..at the time we were driving a Buick Skyhawk that we lovingly referrred to as Betsy (of course).  He paid $500 for Betsy and we drove $5,000,000 worth of that car.  Betsy took us where we needed to go, when we need to go – no questions asked, until the day that she just died!  I’ve stepped up from that and I actually own the Civic EX with sunroof.  It’s automatic because G can’t drive a stick…WTH???  anyhoo…i digress…

I feel safest and most comfortable in my car.  If i’m out somewhere and have to walk to it, i can’t wait to get to it.  It’s the one place that i don’t feel affected by this disease AT ALL!  

• When I can hardly walk/stand, I can drive – no problem
• I will NEVER fall while IN the car (maybe coming out or going in but never while sitting in it)
• No-one can see me struggling to get by
• I can still drive “like a bat out of hell” if I want to (i have to take my time when i’m walking esp if i’m on my own) 

On top of all that, i actually LIKE my car and never once regretted buying it!

I had to go to the dentist (the devil) this morning.  I parked my car in a 1 hour short term parking zone – I knew that i was taking a chance – and went into the office.  4 hours later, i made the trek back to the car, that was still there (with no boot/ticket, etc) and it occurred to me that I could tell this story. 

The place i feel safest and most comfortable is driving (speeding) in my car!  I actually own my “dream car” (of sorts).  Years ago, my then boyfriend, C and I used to talk about owning a manual Civic EX with a sunroof..at the time we were driving a Buick Skyhawk that we lovingly referrred to as Betsy (of course).  He paid $500 for Betsy and we drove $5,000,000 worth of that car.  Betsy took us where we needed to go, when we need to go – no questions asked, until the day that she just died!  I’ve stepped up from that and I actually own the Civic EX with sunroof.  It’s automatic because G can’t drive a stick…WTH???  anyhoo…i digress…

I feel safest and most comfortable in my car.  If i’m out somewhere and have to walk to it, i can’t wait to get to it.  It’s the one place that i don’t feel affected by this disease AT ALL!  

• When I can hardly walk/stand, I can drive – no problem
• I will NEVER fall while IN the car (maybe coming out or going in but never while sitting in it)
• No-one can see me struggling to get by
• I can still drive “like a bat out of hell” if I want to (i have to take my time when i’m walking esp if i’m on my own) 

On top of all that, i actually LIKE my car and never once regretted buying it!

I have the ability to laugh at myself.  Again, if I don’t laugh, i’ll cry…so I have to tell this story.  In the post before my birthday, I mentioned that i was off that Friday because the crew was going to be headed to the mountains – as an aside, we never made it to the mountains because of the weather here in GA that weekend (snow and ice cyah done)…steups, BUT we made the best of it and it was a good weekend nonetheless.  Anyway, I had BIG plans for the Friday because i had a lot of errands to run before we headed up there.  Woke up early, took G to work and headed home to get started. 

We live in a 9-unit townhouse structure with a shared driveway, which is where we can park.  So i get home and pull into my spot, open the door and as i place my left foot on the ground, i realize that it’s on a big patch of ice.  hmmmm, but i’m a woman on a mission, so i figure if i hold on to the door for leverage, i’ll be okay right?  WRONG!!  As i pushed up out of the car, i slipped and buss meh ass right in the parking lot.  OYE! 

No biggie, I’ll just get up and move on…well the problem with that was it was such a big patch of ice that no matter how much i tried to get up i kept slipping right along.  So by now, i was laughing so hard because i couldn’t believe this pickle i was in.  Then, i had a thought…gosh i hope noone is looking out their window and seeing this.  Same time, i hear my neighbour’s garage door opening – GASP!  By this time I have edged over trying to get past the ice, so she runs over and as  i get into the SNOW (yes in Atlanta) she helps me up.  K, who was inside the house at the time came flying downstairs just about that time and she too, slides into the car as she was trying to get my stuff that was left behind – luckily she didn’t fall too!  We get inside, laugh my ass off, WARM my ass off and the day continues….remember I’m a woman on a mission.

About 2 hrs later, I decide to go to the bank.  I pull up in the parking lot and as i put my left foot out, it slides so i realize that i’m by a patch of ice AGAIN.  I say to myself, “Stacey, falling down in the parking lot outside ur house is one thing, falling down on ice in the bank parking lot is a whole ‘nother story!!!”  So, i put my foot back into the car and move to a dry spot.  I get out the car, lock the door (i always forget to do that) and was so proud of myself for doing the right thing.  I’m on a mission…i took 2 steps to make my way into the bank and TRIPPED over the fleckin pavement!!!!  FELL DOWN AGAIN!!  My phone went flying one way…my handbag the next.  i couldn’t believe it.  What the?!?!?!?  This time, fortunately, i was able to get up, no problem.

I have good news – no broken bones, no casualties – I am fine and this time tho, as far as i could tell, no-one saw a thing 🙂