tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75293787311024924732024-02-18T17:40:11.301-08:00The Lesion JournalsWelcome! I am a number crunching photographer who loves riding my bicycle really, really fast. I happen to live with Multiple Sclerosis and write about my experiences here on this blog. Thanks for stopping by!Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-43678331814407562892017-01-18T12:16:00.000-08:002017-01-18T12:16:11.777-08:00Woof, meow, tweet…the benefits of having pets in our MS life<div style="text-align: left;">
Dog, cat, chinchilla, hamster, ferret, fish, bearded dragon, parakeet, pig, monkey – whatever your choice, pets really make us feel good, better even, as we live with chronic illness and disability. Not only can they provide physical assistance, they also warm our hearts and make living with MS a bit easier <a href="https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/the-benefits-of-having-pets-in-our-ms-life/">more <span style="font-size: x-small;">>></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla7iHnmAAg1zjh_buo1swjC-uKiQn96s1GbbtuD0G3btrgf_WLD2RUK7sMWLGRuYqnDASfPZkIGk_me-GPBwfgjZUi9rM-6DWwbI_kt90I6Mp6muXSDEiITt1vYSn4bYHo62jgFKQIOU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-18+at+11.58.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla7iHnmAAg1zjh_buo1swjC-uKiQn96s1GbbtuD0G3btrgf_WLD2RUK7sMWLGRuYqnDASfPZkIGk_me-GPBwfgjZUi9rM-6DWwbI_kt90I6Mp6muXSDEiITt1vYSn4bYHo62jgFKQIOU/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-01-18+at+11.58.53+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This cutie is amazing at making me feel <br />better when those bad days show up</span></td></tr>
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Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-83132373283117839702016-02-14T09:35:00.002-08:002016-02-14T09:35:35.202-08:00Photo shoot highlighting that Multiple Sclerosis is only part of the "Big Picture"<div class="MsoNormal">
What great fun! This past week I participated in a photo shoot for <a href="http://www.healthcentral.com/more-conditions/c/174035/179344/chronic-illness">Health
Central’s Big Picture</a> project. Have you heard of this? It’s a very cool, Humans
of NY-ish approach to showcase that living with chronic illness is only part of
the ‘bigger picture’ of our lives. In my case, we snapped pics of me riding my
bicycle, one of my hobbies (and there are plenty) that I am really passionate
about. My health story will be highlighted which is that I try my best to live
my life by doing things that I really love, including riding my bike as fast as
I can, despite Multiple Sclerosis.<br />
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The morning of our photo shoot, we met <a href="http://www.kentmercurio.com/">photographer Kent Mercurio</a> at a little
coffee shop in sunny Coronado, California. We chatted over treats and coffee
while we got to know each other. We talked about a lot of stuff including the
diagnosis process of Multiple Sclerosis, my journey living with the disease,
and, of course, cycling and photography, my two favorite hobbies. Our chat was
really nice because it set a relaxed and friendly tone for our photo shoot.
Kent is a really nice guy.<br />
<br />
The shoot consisted of several shots of me riding (I was really careful not to run Kent over in the process – we had a couple of close calls!), posing with my bike, and a few contemplative portraits. We even managed to squeeze in a few shots of Luca the Sock Monkey who is our mascot for <a href="http://bit.ly/1SLyTGn">Team Luca</a> in the annual Bike MS Bay to Bay event. Kent shot with sunny San Diego as a backdrop – the bay, the palm trees, sail boats, San Diego city skyline - I can’t wait to see how the photos turned out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunny San Diego!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kent capturing my love for cycling</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great back drop of sunny San Diego</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId4qP7Mm7X9-kpS4Ba6DxIrahytRL__Mh8z3UEg_zTo5na8lhSNOfi9AIehb-wgexSplMnecBrHj947eNev-EaR_Q49y2bQT56v5Vdhc1lFmpKurSKTpyTnPbP6WCmER34aZ6O8iScWU/s1600/IMG_9870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId4qP7Mm7X9-kpS4Ba6DxIrahytRL__Mh8z3UEg_zTo5na8lhSNOfi9AIehb-wgexSplMnecBrHj947eNev-EaR_Q49y2bQT56v5Vdhc1lFmpKurSKTpyTnPbP6WCmER34aZ6O8iScWU/s320/IMG_9870.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luca the Sock Monkey! </td></tr>
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The photo shoot also gave me the motivation to hop back in
the saddle after a wee break. Last year was a tough one for me personally and I
did what I often do when I am stressed or face life-altering challenges – I put
the bike aside. This photo shoot turned things around for me and cycling around
Coronado that day helped me remember that, yes, I have a serious neurological
disease, but, you know what? I choose to ride on. I choose to do the things
that I love. I choose to live a happy life despite it.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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P.S. a HUGE thank you to the team at Remedy Health Media,
Health Central, and Kent Mercurio for giving me this opportunity and inspiring
me to make 2016 the year of cycling, despite living with Multiple Sclerosis –
you guys rock! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Take care,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie<o:p></o:p></div>
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For more information, please check out the links below:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li>“Why You Should Share Your Story about Living with a Chronic
Illness” <a href="http://www.healthcentral.com/more-conditions/c/174035/179344/chronic-illness">www.healthcentral.com</a></li>
<li>Remedy Health Media: <a href="http://www.remedyhealthmedia.com/">http://www.remedyhealthmedia.com</a></li>
<li>Kent Mercurio Photography: <a href="http://www.kentmercurio.com/" style="font-family: cambria;">http://www.kentmercurio.com</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-58190040715115809092015-09-01T05:56:00.000-07:002015-09-01T05:56:30.410-07:007 great things accomplished by patient powered iConquerMS<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so delighted to share that the iConquerMS initiative
has made a lot of progress these last few months. Membership keeps rising and a
lot has been achieved in a short time. What a great team to be a part of!</div>
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The focus continues to be facilitating research on stuff
that matters most to us, folks living with Multiple Sclerosis. And, it involves
MSers across the entire process: idea building, collaboration, protocol
development, project results, and sharing of final research results. Pretty cool, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7h6Lgxn6_Pgv0e_nJWQqYGaw-Q1DKBba7CSKUSCZGDE1APMy66Ky5KzFyfSy8TQ963Uj9LdmLiOHHGb6-FlKd1VPujGAmH4pozNH9CCoqZhhKuX5KgvnBAxDBN-gxwXIpG2WiXApeSs/s1600/Why+not+join+us+today+and+help+facilitate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7h6Lgxn6_Pgv0e_nJWQqYGaw-Q1DKBba7CSKUSCZGDE1APMy66Ky5KzFyfSy8TQ963Uj9LdmLiOHHGb6-FlKd1VPujGAmH4pozNH9CCoqZhhKuX5KgvnBAxDBN-gxwXIpG2WiXApeSs/s320/Why+not+join+us+today+and+help+facilitate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I thought I would share some of the recent highlights. Here are seven great things accomplished by iConquerMS so far:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Launched the new data collection and patient
engagement portal</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Registered over 2,250 people living with
Multiple Sclerosis</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Collected a lot of health data – from about ½ of
those registered</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Garnered support from MS clinics, neurologists, MS
nurses, MS advocacy organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and collaborators</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Created its first research project that will
focus on how folks with MS get insurance coverage</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Collaborated with PPRN (patient powered research
network) on a study proposal to examine the effects of depression, anxiety, and
other mental health issues in folks with Multiple Sclerosis</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Planned four ‘Research Studios’ events, which will
bring together small groups of MSers and researchers to brainstorm on research
topics. These are scheduled to launch this fall</span> </li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Of course that’s not all as the full list of accomplishments is much longer. Also, several research projects are underway, all
at different stages of planning and ideas keep coming in from those MSers
registered - teams are very busy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">iConquerMS puts people with Multiple Sclerosis at the center of
research in the fight against MS. We’d love for you to be a part of this so please
join us today by clicking on the link here: <a href="https://www.iconquerms.org/">https://www.iconquerms.org</a>
. </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Take care,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie<o:p></o:p></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-40778593773757174862015-05-22T08:07:00.000-07:002015-05-22T08:07:14.168-07:00Perhaps I am stronger than I think<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKs3e4B3Y9GRCnX32Qzi1yrbaXDLH40fQxY2eEBOotIy0-or9MIrj8WF8LrntQCJmUJ9ecttKpTTmP59lRiFxlUOyz8UGL9b2dJbywJsjTxl-6sp413TQAGMM_8yKmrFSIIa9EnD1p-k/s1600/Perhaps+I+am+stronger+than+I+think-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKs3e4B3Y9GRCnX32Qzi1yrbaXDLH40fQxY2eEBOotIy0-or9MIrj8WF8LrntQCJmUJ9ecttKpTTmP59lRiFxlUOyz8UGL9b2dJbywJsjTxl-6sp413TQAGMM_8yKmrFSIIa9EnD1p-k/s400/Perhaps+I+am+stronger+than+I+think-3.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps I am stronger than I think. <i>Thomas Merton</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-14800066299936484412015-05-19T11:00:00.000-07:002015-05-19T11:00:26.366-07:00The day I met Jack Osbourne<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple of weeks ago, we had the honor of traveling up to
LA to attend the Race to Erase MS Spring Forum and Expo on behalf of
iConquerMS. We drove up the night before and stayed in the same hotel where the
22<sup>nd</sup> Annual Race to Erase MS Gala was happening.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything was a buzz as guests arrived for the Gala that
night. With the hope to catch a glimpse of some Hollywood stars, we hung out in
the hotel lobby bar to watch the action. As you might guess, the excited noise
of laughter, chatter, music, and clinking of glasses filled the hallways.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We saw a few stars come through the crowded lobby and head out
to the orange carpet: Lea Thompson (of Back to the Future fame), Anne Heche,
who later introduced the live auction which included a gorgeous 2015 Aston
Martin V8 Vintage GT (vroom, vroom!), Ne-Yo the rapper (truth be told, we
didn’t really know who he was, just got the sense that he was famous due to the
patrol around him), Rumer Willis, and, Tommy Hilfiger, who was the event’s
Honoree. Eventually, we tried to sneak down to the orange carpet area but it
was impossible to see anything as the Osbournes had just arrived when we did.
Flash bulbs and people everywhere!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We later learned that over 1,000 people attended the event
with tickets ranging from $1,000 - $2,500. The car? It went for $150,000! All
together, the event raised $1.7M with proceeds going to MS research and
therapies. That’s pretty awesome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day was our chance to talk about the importance of
iConquerMS and meet so many wonderful people. This includes Nancy Davis, the
founder of charity event and Race to Erase MS, and Jack Osbourne, who was on
the Spring MS Forum panel. Later, I pretty much chased Jack down like a crazy
person as I caught him briskly walking through the hall but he was really,
really cool about it, especially once I introduced myself as a fellow MSer. He
was nice to snap a photo with me and kept it real as I thanked him for being so
honest on the panel about his positive attitude despite bouts of occasional
depression.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are some shots of the event and notes about the
pictures. Starting on the bottom right corner going clockwise and finishing in
the center square:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Anna on
the orange carpet at the Race to Erase MS Gala</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The amazing
panel, including Nancy Davis and Jack Osbourne, who covered topics such as the
latest therapies for MS and engaged in an open dialogue about depression. Did
you know that 50% of MSers are clinically depressed? And that the third cause
of death with MSers is suicide, due to depression? We need to talk about this
more</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Anna has
the power to conquer MS – yeah!</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">At the
iConquerMS table, spreading the good word</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Me and
Jack O. I appreciated his candidness during the panel discussion of depression amongst
MSers. He talked about times when he enters the “jar of shadows” yet encouraged
everyone to be positive and live a healthy lifestyle</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">On the
orange carpet with my limited edition Top and Derby Chatfield walking stick in
MS orange</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Surrounded
by MS orange balloons at the Spring MS Forum and Expo</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I, too,
have the power to conquer MS</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We were
pretty excited to step out onto the orange carpet although all the stars
already left the area by the time we snapped this! (center photo)</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWokKIZ6vYyfk4C6ZE1UuVkrkHF52GknbcjCzRB6VVWriB06PQ_WJLnTRYWA1A-Ys_GWPayn05EJzREvAXiz0GUUhJRnzLF1yjdtpmCFkA_MKBQY326M6HY4SybpkhZOWCp9f6kANJTM/s1600/Race+to+Erase+MS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWokKIZ6vYyfk4C6ZE1UuVkrkHF52GknbcjCzRB6VVWriB06PQ_WJLnTRYWA1A-Ys_GWPayn05EJzREvAXiz0GUUhJRnzLF1yjdtpmCFkA_MKBQY326M6HY4SybpkhZOWCp9f6kANJTM/s640/Race+to+Erase+MS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s fairly obvious
that we had a great time and look forward to next year. Who knows? Maybe you
will see the two of us actually walk the orange carpet, amongst the stars, as
we all work towards curing Multiple Sclerosis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If interested in
supporting Race to Erase MS via the “Orange you Happy to Erase MS” campaign
this month, check it out here: <a href="http://www.erasems.org/may-ms-awareness-campaign/">http://www.erasems.org/may-ms-awareness-campaign/</a>.
Proceeds of the campaign go towards some of the nation’s top MS research
centers<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To join the
iConquerMS initiative, register on the site here: <a href="https://www.iconquerms.org/">https://www.iconquerms.org/</a>. Submit your
ideas, information, and become part of the heart and soul of iConquerMS.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take care everyone,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie<o:p></o:p></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-3881888300241491282015-04-12T07:39:00.001-07:002015-04-12T07:40:08.191-07:00LA artist raises awareness about MS through gorgeous muralI recently came across this CBS report that highlights LA artist Lydia Emily. Lydia created this amazing mural in downtown LA, hoping to spread awareness about living with Multiple Sclerosis.<br />
<br />
Have a watch and be prepared to be inspired!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZSzXoxzJuRk" width="480"></iframe>Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-64594472169417978702015-04-05T07:50:00.000-07:002015-04-05T07:50:55.870-07:00You’re invited to share your MS inspired tattoo with Healthline.com<div class="MsoNormal">
Getting inked can be a powerful reminder that you are stronger
than your MS, and a great way to raise awareness. While I don’t have a tattoo
myself (reason being is that I cannot decide for the life of me what to ink
myself with – I am forever contemplating the perfect design), I think what our
friends over at Healthline are doing is pretty cool. They are hosting the “My
MS tattoo” campaign and are looking for tattoos inspired by your fight with MS.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXBj_c7Vp3HoEaatueblIHYvgWGHpq0A1THVLaWiCynOki9t40Ir2k9vaQjcjX0qtc2kEmCpBD0AY77DluCOvDXfy7UCeVhx7ZQh76Ww-O-VWUs9EoSWDyTYlO_53tS_dWAjs6IA7f04/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-05+at+7.19.29+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXBj_c7Vp3HoEaatueblIHYvgWGHpq0A1THVLaWiCynOki9t40Ir2k9vaQjcjX0qtc2kEmCpBD0AY77DluCOvDXfy7UCeVhx7ZQh76Ww-O-VWUs9EoSWDyTYlO_53tS_dWAjs6IA7f04/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-04-05+at+7.19.29+AM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s how to participate:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Send a clear photo of your tattoo (at least
285x285 in .jpg or .png format) to nlascurain@healthline.com with the subject
line “My MS tattoo” by April 17, 2015</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In 90 words or less, describe the inspiration
behind your tattoo</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Please identify if you'd like your name
published or not</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Healthline will then publish them and share with
their Facebook community</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
When describing the inspiration behind your tattoo, think
about these questions: What does it mean to you? Why did you decide to get the
tattoo? Was there anything special that motivated the design?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have fun and I look forward to seeing your MS inspired
tattoos out on Healthline.com. Perhaps seeing yours will inspire me to finally decide on what my tattoo should look like! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take care,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>P.S. check out these tattoos, inspired by MSers journey and fight against Multiple Sclerosis: </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/multiple-sclerosis-tattoo-winners%232">http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/multiple-sclerosis-tattoo-winners#2</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-6847630315125489902015-03-29T08:47:00.000-07:002015-03-29T08:47:11.189-07:00Call your neurologist on Monday morning and ask for guidance on Vitamin D<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a common theme at a couple of events I attended
recently yet what I heard was nothing new to us, especially if you are reading
the news, set up on Google Alerts for Multiple Sclerosis, and hanging out in
social media chat rooms. What’s the advice from our favorite neurologists,
professors, nurses, MSers, and friends of the MS community?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">If you live with MS and are not
already taking the "sunshine vitamin", call your neurologist on Monday morning
and ask for guidance on Vitamin D. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The benefits of the sunshine vitamin have been talked about
for a while and if you cannot relocate to sunny San Diego to absorb more sun rays,
it is certainly worthwhile having a conversation with your neurologist about
how much Vitamin D to take. Me? I take 50,000 U every week, as prescribed by my
awesome neurologist. He monitors me closely and we talk about Vitamin D each
time we visit together. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdcRsrKdw4_e7QmidbZMTIQgNKzeeTwdZeE9-AnQpdwmip3rJtaBKUikRQdqBaguPiBpkFcqd2mAcCm5GKeIVlUgiVJshk1fuSCnCrO5tC8fFysUBM4fDEQ-_8R8I25CxR15UUjzobaI/s1600/Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZdcRsrKdw4_e7QmidbZMTIQgNKzeeTwdZeE9-AnQpdwmip3rJtaBKUikRQdqBaguPiBpkFcqd2mAcCm5GKeIVlUgiVJshk1fuSCnCrO5tC8fFysUBM4fDEQ-_8R8I25CxR15UUjzobaI/s1600/Beach.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you cannot relocate to sunny San Diego to <br />absorb more sun rays, call your neurologist <br />to talk about the "sunshine vitamin"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More and more research is pointing to the fact that low
levels of Vitamin D in our blood is a risk factor for developing MS. Conversely,
studies show that in MSers, high levels of Vitamin D may be linked to lower
chances of attacks and less severe disability<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7529378731102492473#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>. This
sounds amazing to me! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, it has been suggested that Vitamin D
deficiency may impact bone health, as MSers are more prone to osteoporosis.
Another concern? MS associated weakness may be associated with low levels of
Vitamin D. Also, there’s some talk that low levels of Vitamin D could worsen MS
disease process. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got these bits of info from the “Vitamin D and MS:
Implications for Clinical Practice bulletin put out by Allen C. Bowling, MD,
PhD via the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS). Have a read as it
contains great info about Vitamin D deficiency, the effects on MS, costs
associated with the “sunshine vitamin”, and what to do in clinical practice. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This all being said, incorporating Vitamin D into your life
is certainly worth exploring. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;">5 easy steps to take when considering
Vitamin D:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Call your neurologist on Monday morning to set
up an appointment</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Read the bulletin about Vitamin D and MS (<a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Clinical-Bulletin-Vitamin-D-and-MS_-Implications-for-Clinical-Practice.pdf">here</a>) - empower yourself with knowledge</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Get your blood levels of Vitamin D checked with
your neurologist</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The blood tests and Vitamin D prescription
should be covered by insurance yet it’s worthwhile calling your provider to
ensure coverage</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Once on a Vitamin D regimen, monitor, monitor,
monitor by working closely with your neurologist. She/he will evaluate your
blood levels and give guidance on how much Vitamin D to take</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, everyone’s case of MS is different so it is very important that you have discussions with your neurologist about how best
to incorporate (or not) Vitamin D into your lifestyle. We know more studies are
required to truly understand the fact-based benefits of Vitamin D and several
researchers, doctors, et al are seriously committed to analyzing this
relationship between the “sunshine vitamin” and Multiple Sclerosis.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope this post helps you in your journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take care,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="mso-element: endnote-list;">
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="edn1" style="mso-element: endnote;">
<div class="MsoEndnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7529378731102492473#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[i]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> Allen
C. Bowling, MD, PhD , “Vitamin D and MS: Implications for Clinical Practice”,
Clinical Bulletin via National MS Society<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-22801374404079147002015-03-01T09:53:00.001-08:002015-03-01T09:55:07.393-08:00Now you can have a gorgeous cane and support Multiple Sclerosis awareness! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Cr8WOqKgYAXC7IUzEIweIHDgLQrLeF7KOaNtZbEMjkDKP_kcG1ZovkjompsaKSV-B1s_PiBgS4HFPICGZcb9qW1-opMl1DlrvrtffaY29ATYH33wS5KsPg92V5XKVS-bmUyewGPPNrc/s1600/Top&Derby_MS+orange+Insta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Cr8WOqKgYAXC7IUzEIweIHDgLQrLeF7KOaNtZbEMjkDKP_kcG1ZovkjompsaKSV-B1s_PiBgS4HFPICGZcb9qW1-opMl1DlrvrtffaY29ATYH33wS5KsPg92V5XKVS-bmUyewGPPNrc/s1600/Top&Derby_MS+orange+Insta.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Canes for a Cure" from Top and Derby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friends over at Top and Derby have done it again. They’ve
gone ahead and made another gorgeous, design inspired cane. This one is truly
special because it is a limited edition Chatfield cane featuring the color of
Multiple Sclerosis – Pantone 158 (or, in other words, MS orange!), just in time
for the kick off of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month that began today. Know
what’s even better? These are “canes for a cure” as proceeds from each sale
will be supporting research and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These guys are awesome. I just love ‘em.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s the deal with the canes and the launch:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Only 200 were made. The Limited Edition Chatfield
cane features MS orange (Pantone 158) with custom packaging and laser
engraving. The same comfort, stability, and design of the original Chatfield
still applies! </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Buying the limited edition cane supports their “enable”
mission promoting “canes for a cure” as the tag-line in an effort to raise
money for MS awareness and research. Proceeds from the sale of each cane will
go directly to the MS societies in Canada and the US. Top and Derby already
issued a press release covering this (</span><a href="http://www.heraldonline.com/2015/02/26/6835255_canes-for-a-cure-fueling-multiple.html?rh=1" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">here</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">) and have really stepped up in this
awareness campaign.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s come together to get the media talking about Multiple
Sclerosis, educate the general public about MS, and raise some money for the
cause. These are the main reasons that Top and Derby created the limited edition cane
in MS orange.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many people who have
purchased their lovely canes live with Multiple Sclerosis and this is their way
of giving back, showing support, and spreading the love. As Matt, the Creative Director over at Top and
Derby, says in the press release, “…launching the cane is the least we could do
to support those who’ve supported us.” Hugs Matt!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The canes are now available on Top and Derby’s site (<a href="http://www.topandderby.com/collections/the-chatfield/products/copy-of-the-chatfield">here</a>).
They include a sizing chart feature to ensure a proper fit. Measure twice,
order once! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, please share some photos if you end up buying one! I’d
love to see you strutting around town with your new orange cane. I will do the
same and will post images soon. Feel free to share photos on Twitter, Facebook,
and/or Instagram using the hashtag #canesforacure<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks and be well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-13270601577872344902015-02-28T09:23:00.001-08:002015-02-28T09:23:34.881-08:00Orange is the new black via the #Orange4MSF campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5X7_3EqvosrC2-8F7tmbYsOrEifovVKoret6yymXGmwkkIo3aMV7mNA8Dm32fYERPNMDMfPfmbXsl8L6VAuy-CJrz5X84f7sqOXvtjB-XJpqGQvA1s9jl3zhrBAW2PuoKSHbnzLWLCQ/s1600/IMG_5674.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5X7_3EqvosrC2-8F7tmbYsOrEifovVKoret6yymXGmwkkIo3aMV7mNA8Dm32fYERPNMDMfPfmbXsl8L6VAuy-CJrz5X84f7sqOXvtjB-XJpqGQvA1s9jl3zhrBAW2PuoKSHbnzLWLCQ/s1600/IMG_5674.PNG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Multiple Sclerosis Awareness month kicks off on March 1 and
there is no shortage of awareness campaigns out there. The first one that
caught my eye is the #Orange4MSF campaign which invites everyone to take a
selfie with an orange. Why an orange?
Orange is the official color of Multiple Sclerosis awareness and we’re really amped
to make orange the new pink, the new black.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) launched this fun
effort and its main mission is to spread the word about Multiple Sclerosis,
educating the public and building hope for those living with this often debilitating
and complicated neurological disease.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
all hope that the campaign goes viral as social media channels explode with
this important message. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And, you can help! Show
your support by snapping a selfie with an orange and then sharing it on Facebook,
Twitter, and Instagram. Be sure to use the hashtags #Orange4MSF and #4MSF in your
posts. Let’s build hope and let’s educate.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mine’s coming soon so stay tuned!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take care and be well,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For more information, check out these sources:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.news-medical.net/news/20150216/Multiple-Sclerosis-Foundation-launches-Orange-4-MSF-campaign-to-promote-MS-awareness.aspx">http://www.news-medical.net/news</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/multiple-sclerosis-foundation-announces-orange-is-the-new-black-in-observance-of-national-ms-education-and-awareness-month-300036339.html">http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases</a></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-79918765397551393772015-02-15T07:39:00.000-08:002015-02-15T07:39:28.170-08:00If I can bicycle, I bicycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5qUqUtw4p-zJx0XvizhsDDE0MhcGskQ8G_oMfN2CSaOYFaIRC7_Qja4V7YdmZZyahCR_NtJxQXjPLoJs6H_xJm7d1E4cROAVQhPWLtbO_xVHwIeDV70agdtr8aA5fYcXyA72Mq5oOME/s1600/IF+I+CAN+BICYCLE,+I+BICYCLE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5qUqUtw4p-zJx0XvizhsDDE0MhcGskQ8G_oMfN2CSaOYFaIRC7_Qja4V7YdmZZyahCR_NtJxQXjPLoJs6H_xJm7d1E4cROAVQhPWLtbO_xVHwIeDV70agdtr8aA5fYcXyA72Mq5oOME/s1600/IF+I+CAN+BICYCLE,+I+BICYCLE.png" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cycling is something that brings me pure joy and helps me
forget that, if even for a few moments, that I am someone living with Multiple
Sclerosis. For me, that can be one of the greatest benefits<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– not to be consumed by life with a chronic
illness as I fly by the ocean waves, pedaling as hard as I can, on my bicycle. It is pure happiness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Certainly there are days when I cannot ride, those days when
the fatigue kicks in full blast. I simply rest through these moments, reminding
myself that tomorrow is a new day and on that new day, if I can bicycle, I
bicycle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take care,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-38639686084104212182015-02-05T10:27:00.000-08:002015-02-06T06:06:41.386-08:00iConquerMS™: Our Voices. Our Data. Our Power.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hey everyone -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">iConquerMS has been hitting the national scene and invites you to participate in this incredibly important research project. If you want more information, there is a great (and free!) webinar coming up on February 9th that explains it all. Hope to "see" you there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check it out:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">On </span><span style="color: #222222;">Monday, February 9, 2015 at 2:30 PM EST,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> Robert McBurney, PhD, President and CEO of the Accelerated Cure Project for MS and the Principal Investigator for iConquerMS™, and Laura Kolaczkowski, the Lead Patient Representative for the initiative, will talk about iConquerMS™ and what it means for the MS community. To sign up, register </span><a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=acp&id=54" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In the meanwhile, here is a video that highlights how important our voice is, how important our data is, and how important our power is in our journey to fight Multiple Sclerosis and to eventually land on that cure. And, in the event that you'd like to read more about iConquerMS, check it out <a href="http://thelesionjournals.blogspot.com/2014/12/im-conquering-ms-wanna-join-me.html">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jpNEbvyWIBw" width="480"></iframe><br />
iConquerMS - Our Voices. Our Data. Our Power.<br />
<br />
Best to you always,<br />
ChristieChristie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-27211802011863396922015-01-07T06:34:00.003-08:002015-01-07T06:34:51.174-08:00Just for fun on a (somewhat) wordless wednesday<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://thegraphicsfairy.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xL9GqFCN7KQva9_f7bnsugNSEq-YfIHoF3xDZnMz6Er7OXPJ6Qj4h3MmK6NPn12az7q0IvEUy4wPmGJzGVjQ14lpqa5mBgROn6Cl6BJaoKZCHdW0xi2MW1haAunpuAiXMIbyoDg-bcA/s1600/Vintage-Bicycle-Girl-White-GraphicsFairy.jpg" height="307" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Tahoma, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><a href="http://thegraphicsfairy.com/">© The Graphics Fairy 2007</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Nothing compares to the simple pleasure </b><b>of a bike ride</b>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;">John F Kennedy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cheers to more bike rides in 2015! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy New Year friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Best always,</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Christie</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7529378731102492473%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-zSC_mpDLEUc%252FVK1AyGhHgaI%252FAAAAAAAACFU%252F2O8b0RkaqiI%252Fs1600%252FVintage-Bicycle-Girl-White-GraphicsFairy.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 353px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7529378731102492473%23editor&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-zSC_mpDLEUc%252FVK1AyGhHgaI%252FAAAAAAAACFU%252F2O8b0RkaqiI%252Fs1600%252FVintage-Bicycle-Girl-White-GraphicsFairy.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 353px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-6085986444401018342015-01-04T10:58:00.001-08:002015-02-06T06:04:01.550-08:009 cool things that happened in 2014 for treatment and prevention of MS<i>I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV. Before trying anything listed below, please consult with your physician or neurologist. Further, this recap is based on info I gathered from exploring other websites including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s “Strides Made in 2014 Toward a World Free of MS” published early last month. Be sure to check it out in its entirety because the list of accomplishments is long – hurray for our fight against MS! </i><br />
<br />
2014 was a pretty great year for those of us living with Multiple Sclerosis. So many amazing things happened in our journey towards treatment and prevention of the disease. We’ve got more drug therapy options, saw great studies come out on myelin repair, identified risk factors for developing MS, and even learned that dance therapy may help those of us living with Multiple Sclerosis.<br />
<br />
Without further ado here are 9 pretty cool (and important) things that happened in 2014 for treatment and prevention of MS:<br />
<br />
<b>There are now 12 disease-modifying treatment options for those living with RRMS</b>. This is up from 10 options about a year ago. The FDA approved Plegridy and Lemtrada in 2014. This is pretty remarkable because it was not long ago when the choices were so few. Plegridy is injected under the skin every two weeks and designed to lengthen the effect of interferon. Lemtrada is a bi-annual infusion option for those seeking therapy after other MS drugs did not reach desired results. Oh, and the FDA also approved a new and improved Copaxone allowing MSers to inject three times a week vs. every single day. That’s a pretty big win.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BOA9O4h33sWQICZ0YSgvO-rIbCpN_9fX4uxNxymrpPkWg9ZFUqMWx9gvHYaTAK3IAK9xY7XfVsKTXv1wLoSAGveWxsLd0isU_edHyzNXTkjp0-hgMZrmpVIFFmK3gx-LaGRDxdz3wJE/s1600/IMG_4482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BOA9O4h33sWQICZ0YSgvO-rIbCpN_9fX4uxNxymrpPkWg9ZFUqMWx9gvHYaTAK3IAK9xY7XfVsKTXv1wLoSAGveWxsLd0isU_edHyzNXTkjp0-hgMZrmpVIFFmK3gx-LaGRDxdz3wJE/s1600/IMG_4482.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infusing with one of the 12<br />
DMTs now available to<br />
MSers - Tysabri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Statins show promise in slowing brain atrophy in those living with SPMS</b>. Based on trials, this cholesterol-fighting drug slowed the rate of brain atrophy by 43% vs. placebo over a two-year period. Fingers crossed that more studies like this continue and help those living with SPMS.<br />
<br />
<b>Smoking continues to be bad for MS health</b>. Building on other studies, researchers in the U.K. found that for every year since quitting smoking, the risk for MS progression reduced 5% (for those living with MS). So glad I quit smoking those many years ago. Cheers to that!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>The sunshine vitamin continues to help those living with MS.</b> An international study helped show that analyzing Vitamin D serum levels in early MS may help predict future disease activity and progression. And, those in the study with higher levels of Vitamin D had reduced disease activity and progression vs. those with lower levels. On a personal note, I am on a Vitamin D program prescribed by my neurologist as he feels my levels are too low. Wish me luck for improvement!<br />
<br />
<b>There may be something to cod liver oil, too</b>. Studies show that those who took cod liver oil, a source of Vitamin D, during the ages of 13-18 had 50% reduced risk of developing MS (vs. those who never took it or took it at other ages).<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFkqEmAJtWrSFZthxcdhXUU8lMVHv1ZmnVnx6cYZW-G7GYp-5TSflxy7MPHKLc3lyrzQt-ICZM62JqPJDAIE4_0g7UO5c3OT1F2BtnyBDiZZX1XScn33nq2C1LUY7gaTKFVt4yKE98dU/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFkqEmAJtWrSFZthxcdhXUU8lMVHv1ZmnVnx6cYZW-G7GYp-5TSflxy7MPHKLc3lyrzQt-ICZM62JqPJDAIE4_0g7UO5c3OT1F2BtnyBDiZZX1XScn33nq2C1LUY7gaTKFVt4yKE98dU/s1600/IMG_4339.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did you know the sunshine <br />
vitamin may help in predicting future<br />
disease activity and progression? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Researchers continue to explore ways to repair damaged nervous systems</b>. Very smart people all over the world continue to analyze compounds, antibodies, stem cells, molecules, and other elements to find ways to repair myelin damage. Check out the NMSS site linked (<a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/Strides-Made-in-2014-Toward-a-World-Free-of-MS">here</a>) for more info on these important studies.<br />
<br />
<b>Our health data has power!</b> iConquerMS.org is now live and is putting MSers at the center of research in our fight against MS. This is an incredible project that will use health data to help those living with Multiple Sclerosis and to find that eventual cure. Check it out (<a href="http://www.iconquerms.org/">here</a>).<br />
<br />
<b>Taking up Salsa lessons may help MSers</b>. Studies show that the Salsa dance form helps with gait and balance issues for those of us living with Multiple Sclerosis. Larger studies are being developed now to see how dance can be incorporated into physical therapy programs for MSers. Everybody Salsa!<br />
<br />
<b>Biogen hands out Fitbits to some living with Multiple Sclerosis</b>. Biogen hopes get useful data about the progression of the disease and lead to better treatments. To do so, they gave out 250 Fitbit bands to MSers and will analyze mobility and sleep patterns. Read more about it (<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-12-23/biogen-straps-fitbits-onto-ms-patients-wrists?campaign_id=mashable">here</a>).<br />
<br />
The list of accomplishments, trends, and other important elements from 2014 is much, much longer than what’s listed above. Please be sure to check out the resources featured at the bottom of this page for more information about everything that is being done for treatment and prevention of MS.<br />
<br />
I hope the new year is good for you and yours.<br />
<br />
Best always,<br />
Christie<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sources:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">“Multiple Sclerosis Year in Review”, Neurology Advisor, 2014 http://www.neurologyadvisor.com/multiple-sclerosis-year-in-review/slideshow/2349/#1</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">“Strides Made in 2014 Toward a World Free of MS”, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, December 9, 2014 http://www.nationalmssociety.org/About-the-Society/News/Strides-Made-in-2014-Toward-a-World-Free-of-MS</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-4111183656622968222014-12-10T06:21:00.002-08:002014-12-10T06:31:32.261-08:00I'm conquering MS, 'wanna join me?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">From time to time groundbreaking stuff happens
on the planet that gets us really jazzed up and the launch of </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">iConquerMS.org</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"> </span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">is no
exception. As someone who lives with Multiple Sclerosis, this project is so
very near and dear to my heart and I am super proud to be part of iConquerMS team
and watch this go live.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">So, you
might be wondering, “Who/what exactly is iConquerMS.org?”</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">iConquer MS.org is a patient driven initiative that focuses on using
‘big data’ in the form of research suggestions and health data, to tackle all
kinds of issues important to the MS community, including finding that cure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Via an online portal, MSers will register, contribute information, and
suggest ideas for research. Researchers will then review the idea, analyze the</span>
data, and gain important insights on varying aspects of Multiple Sclerosis. This
MSer: Researcher collaboration may lead to better diagnostic procedures,
treatment recommendations, and the ultimate goals of preventions and cures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes! Throw confetti in the air! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vpnntR4LxC6YwacdRptq24L_xgzp9nWY_AcCTK5O7h7Fj0jprIK4P6qF9xtZfnvl2PS6d6wAlU041WCZVBe7Y2ZR11YCrXBfmd9-pCPxZ7uTj9wuUaJwGf16D_pDUBBAaBXihBb6Dlg/s1600/iConquerMS_badge_300x108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vpnntR4LxC6YwacdRptq24L_xgzp9nWY_AcCTK5O7h7Fj0jprIK4P6qF9xtZfnvl2PS6d6wAlU041WCZVBe7Y2ZR11YCrXBfmd9-pCPxZ7uTj9wuUaJwGf16D_pDUBBAaBXihBb6Dlg/s1600/iConquerMS_badge_300x108.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After spending some time with the iConquerMS.org team, doing
a bit of beta testing on the site, and registering myself, I am getting more
and more excited about this project. Here’s why:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">iConquerMS.org
is driven by folks living with Multiple Sclerosis. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Yep, we’re steering the MS
research ship.</span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">iConquerMS.org is an
initiative by and for folks like us, living with MS, who truly understand the unique
needs of MSers and want to contribute ideas and health data to fuel research. I
love this because it’s patient driven, not a bunch of folks wearing goggles and
white lab coats while holding test tubes in a back room laboratory, as my
friend </span><a href="http://justkeepsmyelin.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Stephanie Butler</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> would say.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">iConquerMS.org
will really focus on the MS issues that matter most to us because research
questions will be raised by the MS community</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">. These questions may include: what
causes the disease and what strategies might prevent it, cure it, or slow its
progression; which treatments work best in which individuals; what factors
affect the progression of the disease; and what insights can be found to enable
new and more effective treatments to be developed. Yes! More confetti in the
air!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Things
may actually move along faster. </b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Advances in research may occur sooner as MSrs
play a more active role by facilitating the use of our most personal asset –
our own data, including lifestyle habits and health histories.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please join us in this new way to fight MS. Let’s speed
things up. Let’s use “big data” to truly make an impact. Let’s work closely
with researchers to get closer to what matters most to us. Let’s work together
on this important journey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simply go to <a href="http://iconquerms.org/">https://iconquerms.org </a>and click the “join now”
button. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By the way, this amazing project is backed by all kinds of
respected groups including: National MS Society (NMSS), and the Multiple
Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). And, Accelerated Cure Project for MS
(ACP), Feinstein Kean Healthcare, and Arizona State University, and Patient
Powered Research Network. Pretty hefty support. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take care,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Christie<o:p></o:p></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-38101816710173932082014-11-16T15:29:00.000-08:002014-11-17T08:39:32.045-08:00Walking around in style with my Top & Derby walking stick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who says assistive devices have to be drab, ugly, and without color?
Not me. And two award winning companies agree: meet Omhu and Top and Derby
who infuse the mobility sector with color, design, and cool looking walking
sticks. I jotted up a <a href="http://thelesionjournals.blogspot.com/2011/11/omhu-this-is-totally-rad-walking-stick.html">post</a> a while ago about Omhu. They bring us totally rad canes,
made from natural wood and <span style="color: #232323;">high-strength
bicycle-grade aluminum materials, in six gorgeous colors. </span>Our friends
over at Top and Derby make a great cane, too, and I<span style="color: #232323;"> think you’ll agree that this is</span> a really nice
departure from the usual cold and clinical ones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Check it out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Top and Derby feel like “…no one should be walking around
with a gnarly looking cane…” and, thus, the entrepreneur, innovator, and designer
collaboration of Matthew Kroeker, Gerrit de Vries, and Ben Grynol created their
debut, the Chatfield cane. It’s both gorgeous and extremely functional.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The design and
materials of Top and Derby’s cane are pretty amazing<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To start with, the Chatfield has a distinct and intuitive
handle, beautiful solid walnut shaft, and sneaker inspired tip (or, as they
like to call it, shoe, since it’s a bit like a sneaker sole). Top and <span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Derby do
not skimp on quality either. The Chatfield handle is aluminum coated with
silicon so your hand doesn’t slip while gripping and it totally absorbs
vibrations while you walk. The solid walnut shaft is coated with a durable
satin finish, and the shoe? It’s made of a durable thermoplastic rubber
material. To top it off, it comes in three colors, all perfectly complimentary
to the walnut and you’ll love their descriptions: L</span><span style="color: #343434; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">ights-out Black, Crybaby Blue, and
On-the-vine Red.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeLa6v_h8dwYMl-mlCexlMzw3cZnvDUxEIuFkpVD-hP7H42th3FYtUNTqfwlYGYmoeD961GQeRcDSIrQzfm6RJ3s6jekYpmJrw4ygvbThIPagmrgpahyphenhyphenL0gRRMNNwqiQEt9f-hkYaZq4/s1600/TopDerby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgeLa6v_h8dwYMl-mlCexlMzw3cZnvDUxEIuFkpVD-hP7H42th3FYtUNTqfwlYGYmoeD961GQeRcDSIrQzfm6RJ3s6jekYpmJrw4ygvbThIPagmrgpahyphenhyphenL0gRRMNNwqiQEt9f-hkYaZq4/s1600/TopDerby2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Chatfield" arrives - thanks Top and Derby!<br />
(c) cgermans photography 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">I just bought a Chatfield cane and chose On-the-vine Red. It’s pretty
sweet. I ventured out with it for the first time during a recent excursion
around the coastal, walled city of Dubrovnik and the gorgeous island of Split, Croatia.
What fun I had walking around as a wide-eyed tourist with a bit more support. Minus
the lady who kicked the cane out from under me while we crowded outside at the
airport terminal. Ha, ha! I’ve since forgiven her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Yet, for
me, using a cane is a vulnerable move<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Buying the Chatfield was fun and easy (see aforementioned design shout
outs and easy-to-use shopping site linked below) yet mustering up the courage
to actually walk around with a cane is an entirely different story. It’s
extremely personal. For me, using a cane releases some of the denial that’s
been buried deep down for a while. The last time I used a cane was during a
trip to Portland three years ago. I’ve since rested said cane against the wall
and left it there. I haven’t wanted to admit that I need help. You know this
denial I speak of, right? When you gasp, “oh crap, I cannot walk long distances
without difficulty and really do realize that a cane will help and improve my
life but I cannot muster up the courage to walk around town with a cane because
what will people think and what if I see someone I know and then I’m exposed
and then what?” the realization becomes all so real. I thought I was better
than this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">The chances of seeing someone I knew while visiting Croatia, however, were
pretty slim so I felt it was a good testing ground for me to try out the
Chatfield. It was great! Super sturdy, very comfortable, and easy to use. With
my Top and Derby cane in hand, I be-bopped along the stoned streets of Split,
where Roman emperor Diocletian retired, walked the city walls of Dubrovnik
while trying to catch glimpses of Game of Thrones filming (we saw Tommen!), and
climbed seemingly thousands of steps as Dubrovnik is a very hilly town indeed.
The Chatfield was my friend during these walks and gave me the support I
needed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpB__3X9yrVmJY1eB3G9eyZS6KroEpine58X6IkEz8KGQxHMq1ic6n0_554-fUIpEuY8RWgiiaKbhVlP2dxgG1QspLAA1BVLVrXlT975vyxJBZ4jCz2XFo87GcSIs0ApOaH5X_dUEXcM/s1600/TopDerby1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwpB__3X9yrVmJY1eB3G9eyZS6KroEpine58X6IkEz8KGQxHMq1ic6n0_554-fUIpEuY8RWgiiaKbhVlP2dxgG1QspLAA1BVLVrXlT975vyxJBZ4jCz2XFo87GcSIs0ApOaH5X_dUEXcM/s1600/TopDerby1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my Top and Derby "The Chatfield" while on holiday in Croatia<br />
(c) cgermans photography 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Practice to
progress<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Using a cane is not a natural move for me, however, as I have the
tendency to walk very quickly and without much focus. It took a bit of time
getting used to but after walking more deliberately and slowing things down a
bit, I grew to like the cane as it gave me the relief I needed. I felt
empowered and so much happier because I was actually reserving energy by making
it easier to walk. Except for those brief occasions when I accidentally kicked
the cane in the same way as that lady at the airport. Gotta watch out for that.
With less weight on my bad leg, I found I could walk more easily and more
happily yet with cane in tow, I had to juggle other things like my camera bag,
ice cream cones, and shopping bags and so I found it frustrating to only have
one free hand. I did get somewhat used to it, though, and especially enjoyed
having it with me as we approached very large tourist groups. It’s amazing how
folks hop out of the way when they see someone walking towards them with an
assistive device. Outta my way everyone! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">So, with that, I wrap this up with a promise. I promise to practice to
progress using a cane when walking longer distances. And, while we are
certainly not happy to live with disability we may as well walk around with a
bit of style. Agree? What's been your experience with adapting to an assistive device? Any cool walking sticks out there that you like and would like to share with others? We'd love to hear from you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Cheers!<br />
<br />
Christie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Check out the Top and Derby and Omhu products here:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Top & Derby: http://www.topandderby.com</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Omhu: <a href="http://omhu.com/">http://omhu.com</a></span><span style="color: #232323; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Tip: definitely follow their sizing charts, as you want to be sure you
are properly fitted for your new cane. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-6318067420256102082014-11-01T09:50:00.000-07:002014-11-01T09:50:59.569-07:00My exams may be unimpressive but I feel pretty lucky<div class="MsoNormal">
“Your exam is really quite unimpressive”, says my neurologist
this past week during my annual exam. These are the words I love to hear.
Having someone tell me I’m “unimpressive” otherwise may actually hurt my
feeling (wait, what? I’m not special?) yet during my exam, I love hearing this.
Unimpressive means no new lesions per my last MRI, a normal physical
examination (for an MSer anyway) and validates that the big T flowing through
my veins every month is working and doing its magic.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes! Fist pump in the air.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The physical examination* is pretty standard for MSers. I
read tiny letters on a visual chart, blink a bunch of times, watch the wand my
doc presents in front of me go forward and backward, touch my nose with my
index finger and then touch his finger, fold my arms and try to resist his push
and then, subsequently, try to push him away, I (try to) listen for his
snapping fingers coming closer to my ears (this part I always fail since I’m
hard-of-hearing, ha-ha!), he uses cool instruments to test sensation on my
feet, hands, arms and legs (think tuning fork), he uses a soft hammer on my
knee to test for reflexes, AND THEN HE SCRAPES THAT BLUNT OBJECT ALONG THE
BOTTOMS OF MY FEET – YOWZA! I abhor this part yet my doc always stresses that
it is very, very important*. Then, I do a little walk down the hallway and
voila! We’re done. The verdict? A normal physical exam.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPr773YWf9r86tfnd6BBJn0EuWqQ_kX3Dt0pjdz_UzCF3SCRosbPR8GenaxlCMuyGVq6KemYRJqsIsHYTab0YLouEbyedPBxEXeKRWpXO1Cxyh2BHo0XJnzoDT00BbvnBa-97eHdKqf7M/s1600/IMG_4868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPr773YWf9r86tfnd6BBJn0EuWqQ_kX3Dt0pjdz_UzCF3SCRosbPR8GenaxlCMuyGVq6KemYRJqsIsHYTab0YLouEbyedPBxEXeKRWpXO1Cxyh2BHo0XJnzoDT00BbvnBa-97eHdKqf7M/s1600/IMG_4868.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sure wish I had sneakers on during<br />the "scraping of a blunt object along the<br />bottoms of my feet part" of the exam!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so it goes this way for the last 2 ½ years - he hasn’t
been impressed with me for a while. Another fist pump in the air!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my visits, my doc also interviews me about my
symptoms, we chat about life in general, and he gives me advice. It is during
this part of my exam that we talk further about ensuring my quality of life is
productive and happy. He is a huge advocate in empowerment and not letting MS
get in the way of doing things we love. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last couple of years, after walking longer
distances, my right leg has been giving out and I have had more difficulty
walking. It’s become annoying, as you might imagine, and we discussed my taking
Ampyra ®. It is designed to improve walking for those living with MS. Anyone
out there on this drug? I’m considering taking it so I can go back to enjoying
my morning walks, which I love, love to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjTmDyxJgVvp_XrkCQ13WlS4CTNUf-VYqyBVOfbOsOUhyzYGaWWtzUmj2mwpuVLNXzfY6pcDDtApzmwkzux5m0WHaHuxUjRCnXWjXpv0q1cIhEK8pBGLvH7kQ2Vrb1HvzNpF8PaKiLkY/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjTmDyxJgVvp_XrkCQ13WlS4CTNUf-VYqyBVOfbOsOUhyzYGaWWtzUmj2mwpuVLNXzfY6pcDDtApzmwkzux5m0WHaHuxUjRCnXWjXpv0q1cIhEK8pBGLvH7kQ2Vrb1HvzNpF8PaKiLkY/s1600/IMG_7556.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So, will Ampyra help me walk (or run)<br />more like these guys? If so, I'm in!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also talk about the importance of exercise and I mention
that I haven’t been in the saddle for a while as life got busy, stressful, and
there seems no time to enjoy a solid bike ride. He reminds me that now, more
than ever, is a great time to continue riding, as it will alleviate stress.
Exercise? Good for my MS. I needed the reminder and intend to jump back in the
saddle this weekend. Muchas Gracias Doc! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
New this year is the discussion about the very important
neuropsychological functioning tests I recently took to identify any memory/cognition
issues. My experience with this deserves a separate post entirely so stay tuned.
I’ll write about the test, the results, and why it is important for folks living
with Multiple Sclerosis. Until then. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meanwhile, I hope all is well with everyone out there
and feel free to leave comments about your experiences during your neurological
exams. How are your visits with the doc? Have you been prescribed Ampyra ®? How
does it work for you? Has anyone else out there taken the neuropsychological
functioning tests? We’d love to hear from you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheers!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Christie<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
P.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the main point
of the MS physical exam is to always watch out for the following:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Irregular eye movement</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Any changes in the way one talks</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lack of coordination</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sensory disturbances or, lack thereof</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Changes in reflexes</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Any weakness in arms and legs, including
spasticity</span> </li>
</ol>
P.P.S. the purpose of the scraping a blunt object along the
bottoms of our feet is to test for abnormal response (or, the Babinski reflex),
for damage to major nerve pathways. To read more about this and other details
of the neuro examination, check out MultipleSclerosis.net <a href="http://multiplesclerosis.net/diagnosis/nerurological-exam/">here</a> .<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-76754846899487178392014-09-07T18:18:00.001-07:002014-09-07T18:18:59.763-07:00Clouds come floating in<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.” - Rabindranath Tagore</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE22EOH-848eC4BMgxHiE_tO_dw9XvsdE03ET1wcH5j58pzFdNE6rUyYmgqPox6B18ppV7ECKrp9LvMy67qi8crZrehqN6vp_vwaioKn9GlUpFWuJFn0e6RpBl34AY6jEjYAljKgDc5U/s1600/photo-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisE22EOH-848eC4BMgxHiE_tO_dw9XvsdE03ET1wcH5j58pzFdNE6rUyYmgqPox6B18ppV7ECKrp9LvMy67qi8crZrehqN6vp_vwaioKn9GlUpFWuJFn0e6RpBl34AY6jEjYAljKgDc5U/s1600/photo-21.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just love this quote because it serves as a great reminder that, yes,
the clouds will roll in, bringing in the darkness that MS sometimes carries, yet,
somehow, through the storm, there is something good and positive to look for. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dwelling on all of the bad stuff that may come with an MS diagnosis will
really drive us crazy as we chant “why me, why me.” Some things are not meant
to be understood and we should try to move on. I do this by focusing on doing things
that I enjoy. Try as I might, it does work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The stuff I love includes riding my bicycle really, really fast, taking
pictures, reading, writing, planning a trip, wandering and exploring,
gardening, laughing, watching movies and all kinds of other goodies. In doing
this, I forget for a few moments, hours or days, that I am someone living with
Multiple Sclerosis. Any darkness hovering over me lifts and I move on, enjoying
the gorgeous colors of life. Corny, I know. But, it works. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You see, by focusing on doing the things I enjoy, the burning sensation
in my legs drifts away a little bit, the numbing and pain seemingly weakens.
The fatigue may stay awhile but when focused on doing things I enjoy, like
watching an awesome movie, that feeling of “I hit a brick wall” diminishes. Do
my MS symptoms go away? Nah. They simply fall to the background as I focus on
doing stuff that deters me from constantly thinking about on the numbing and
pain that I always feel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Receiving an MS diagnosis can be devastating. No doubt. It brings
hardships that can be very difficult to endure. I think lessening the load is
important as we try to remember that there is so much great stuff in life that
can really bring us a lot of joy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How about you? What are some things you enjoy doing? To help brighten
your days and help you dwell a little bit less on MS symptoms? Would love to
hear from you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Best,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christie</span></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-67111038313790238642014-09-03T06:25:00.001-07:002014-09-07T07:17:10.674-07:00What does an MSer need to know about financial stability? A lot<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">I was just made aware of an upcoming financial webinar series, "</span><a href="http://www.realeconomicimpact.org/Financial-Education/Financial-Wellness-Webinar-Series.aspx" style="font-family: inherit;">Financial Wellness Webinar Series</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">", designed by the National Disability Institute, for those of us living with Multiple Sclerosis. This looks like a great resource with a focus on taxes, employment, social security and credit. No doubt we can all use financial advice from time to time and this is a great way to learn more about planning and maintaining financial stability. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you know that a lot of MSers do not plan for our financial future? </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Based on a 2011 online survey of 3,000 MSers, 67% reported that their financial position declined after getting an MS diagnosis and 74% noted that they did not use financial planning programs/strategies to manage money. Plus, based on a very recent report by the National Disability Institute, 78% of people with disabilities had trouble making ends meet vs. 56% of people without disabilities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All good reasons to register for the 4 free webinars that offer advice, tools and information to overcome financial challenges that are unique to us living with Multiple Sclerosis. Check out the schedule below and I'll see you there!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iWilIZ6kpR7u8JFZvofCR1Z7UvoYQCJfY1L9ATHSIEN58W5KYFtyTuIN4qtWRbbcoUoVUhhMCbwfGvlZHSFPusjHB72UL-QYiF9VFfyy2WtBSZgenzQfkxeu5_yHVp888-TreZuzm3E/s1600/090314+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iWilIZ6kpR7u8JFZvofCR1Z7UvoYQCJfY1L9ATHSIEN58W5KYFtyTuIN4qtWRbbcoUoVUhhMCbwfGvlZHSFPusjHB72UL-QYiF9VFfyy2WtBSZgenzQfkxeu5_yHVp888-TreZuzm3E/s1600/090314+post.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Register Today! </span><a href="http://www.realeconomicimpact.org/FinancialWellness" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-size: medium; text-align: start;" target="_blank">www.realeconomicimpact.org/<wbr></wbr>FinancialWellness</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Best always,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christie</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sources:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<a href="http://www.realeconomicimpact.org/data/files/reports/financial%20wellness%20survey%20report%20-%2009.04.12.pdf"><span style="font-family: inherit;">online survey - the real economic impact.org</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<a href="http://www.realeconomicimpact.org/Financial-Education/Financial-Wellness-Webinar-Series.aspx"><span style="font-family: inherit;">free webinar series! register here</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<a href="http://www.realeconomicimpact.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">national disability institute</span></a></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 366px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 32px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 366px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-66818285760600494182014-08-27T06:04:00.001-07:002014-08-27T06:30:06.430-07:00Working It Out<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello, hello! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Below is another great video from our friends over at Shift.ms that talks about the challenges of MS in the workplace. They put together a great list of tips, too. Have a watch.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take care!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christie</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gwT0dKhtGQM?list=UUEMiakLC4tiJ2OV901fuMTQ" width="480"></iframe><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-36606182852961931952014-08-13T05:50:00.001-07:002014-08-13T05:50:06.679-07:00Follow my blog with Bloglovin<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Good day all. I'm just playing around with this post as I just joined the Bloglovin community. Pay no mind unless you'd like to leave word and say 'hello, hello'. Hugs and hope y'all are feeling okay, as okay as it is possible. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5560171/?claim=9rdpms5m8fp">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></span>Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-46626857517689794562014-08-03T08:18:00.000-07:002014-08-27T06:07:30.722-07:00Without you is something I cannot imagine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv0ItI1v8W5PiuF1wBZfNKxNpHcmM7zvEqLG2gYLtnCcGZ5rSX3J9oAFa3JiM9sba9DLKNoPP2pW4jFb9kAIGZ9Fv5JJTr96YBe-QRK_l8Mj7_hHPda7TsBeK9ibGFSeVGpEeuC4kV_4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-03+at+7.43.22+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIv0ItI1v8W5PiuF1wBZfNKxNpHcmM7zvEqLG2gYLtnCcGZ5rSX3J9oAFa3JiM9sba9DLKNoPP2pW4jFb9kAIGZ9Fv5JJTr96YBe-QRK_l8Mj7_hHPda7TsBeK9ibGFSeVGpEeuC4kV_4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-03+at+7.43.22+AM.png" height="320" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hand Heart<br />
(c) Claire Louise at www.puppyfat.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dear Friends,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today is National Friendship Day and I want to celebrate you as I truly value our relationship. You are all important to me as we navigate, together, the journey of living with this intense neurological disease, Multiple Sclerosis. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This blog started off as I place for me to express the emotions and feelings that came up for me during this “new normal”, as a sort of cathartic process. Turns out, I made a lot of new friends along the way, ones for whom I am truly grateful. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, thank you! Thank you for the love, support and hugs, as the months and years following my MS diagnosis have been challenging, scary, funny, frustrating, inspirational, adventurous, creative, interesting and rewarding. Without you is something I cannot imagine. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for being there for me and I wish you all the best, always. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy Friendship Day!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hugs,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christie</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-56824968456963436352014-06-28T09:44:00.001-07:002014-06-29T07:10:03.613-07:00Top 5 Reasons Why MS SoftServe Rocks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coming soon to a computer near you - MS SoftServe! In the event that you haven’t heard about the amazing work
my buddy Amy Gurowitz is doing, here goes. Amy is running things over at <a href="http://www.mssoftserve.org/">http://www.mssoftserve.org</a> and you’ll
really be impressed. This will be the first website of its kind. Unlike any existing
site with information, this site will be a completely customizable-
individualized space for people to learn what they want, when they want about
their unique version of Multiple Sclerosis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNh75Z5MQxuALkr4Sgptv6C3106Jsmo72CkhyBDsR1wjEG8P6Hk3ErvJ7NyudqGBwyIapGnZ7wMO78pEcOWZSNLHrzm7yjOlx12ibDiWBmlUZQJ4AMXam5f8O3pzdIp8-Q2Zx9H8Y6Hg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-28+at+9.36.42+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNh75Z5MQxuALkr4Sgptv6C3106Jsmo72CkhyBDsR1wjEG8P6Hk3ErvJ7NyudqGBwyIapGnZ7wMO78pEcOWZSNLHrzm7yjOlx12ibDiWBmlUZQJ4AMXam5f8O3pzdIp8-Q2Zx9H8Y6Hg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-28+at+9.36.42+AM.png" height="200" width="198" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without further ado…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are the top 5
reasons why MS SoftServe rocks:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">MS SoftServe will empower. After all, its main mission
is to enable MSers to …”successfully cope with their disease through
customized, online, active learning on a special website that meets their
unique needs for learning.”</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">MS SoftServe will allow folks to share. The site
will serve as a space for MSers to teach others about their version of MS
without </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">unnecessary</i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> information. This
is key, right? Since all of us MSers live with a varying version of MS.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">MS SoftServe is led by an amazing woman. Amy’s nature
is to educate, soothe and speak to MSers with a compassionate voice, sprinkled
with a bit of humor. She works tirelessly at MS SoftServe, to make life easier
for those of us living with Multiple Sclerosis.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">MS SoftServe benefits from an esteemed Board of
Directors. The Board is a group of doctors, bloggers, writers, web designers,
software developers, educators, filmmakers, social workers and radio show
hosts... All of whom care about, care for or are people living with MS. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Did you know that actor Robbie Benson is on
the Board? Pretty cool.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">MS SoftServe will ultimately change how we learn
about health on the web. We believe it will become a trusted resource for
MSers. ‘Nuff said.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m on the Board of Directors for <a href="http://www.mssoftserve.org/">http://www.mssoftserve.org</a> and you can
imagine that we are all super excited to be a part of this landmark website. So, please
join me in supporting MS SoftServe. <span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">Donate,
Volunteer and/or Spread the word (<a href="http://www.mssoftserve.org/donors/donate/">here</a>). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, and do check out all of the videos – they’re very well done and you’ll meet everyone involved in this uber
important project. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/8u6GXXC3mZE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Best always,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
Christie</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-44174928434955166142014-06-16T06:48:00.000-07:002014-06-18T05:46:55.870-07:00Made Strong<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I recently met Dominick who is running
things over at</span> <b>M</b>ade <b>S</b>t<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">rong, an apparel and accessories company with an empowering message. Not only are the shirts great, a portion of the proceeds goes towards our fight against Multiple Sclerosis. He jotted up the words below to describe Made Strong’s mission
and inspiration. And, be sure to visit his shop (link below). I invited him to jot up a few words about Made Strong so be sure to have a read through his guest post below. </span></i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS4sqiMI0PBGe_hhqU7K7HgxGasDeAapUS6Tr-IMQKFebX3MeOFAaX80ATOZZkz2nkkHC7Aj3KOtutuXtE02QHn7yfZrEj0asjyBZwPnkcYjdFttoLpVqVQa72ov0aypzyVY9P78gKIo/s1600/Picfx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCS4sqiMI0PBGe_hhqU7K7HgxGasDeAapUS6Tr-IMQKFebX3MeOFAaX80ATOZZkz2nkkHC7Aj3KOtutuXtE02QHn7yfZrEj0asjyBZwPnkcYjdFttoLpVqVQa72ov0aypzyVY9P78gKIo/s1600/Picfx.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing my Made Strong bracelet during a ride - thanks!<br />
(c) cgermans photography 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From Dominick, Made Strong, Inc.:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">Though I don't have MS, the fight
against it became a personal one. Here's why:</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I was making designs for various
causes and donating portions of the shirts sold to charity. I designed the Made
Strong shirt for multiple sclerosis awareness. Soon after I started selling the
shirt, I quickly became immersed in the MS community. I started hearing more
and more stories of strong individuals who were battling MS. I became pretty close
to some of my customers. I was incredibly grateful that this mantra could
inspire someone in even the smallest way.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the time, the name of the company
was Nico Apparel but I changed it to Made Strong after receiving some really
powerful messages from my customers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I received a video from an individual
with MS wearing a Made Strong sweatshirt. In the video she is walking with a
cane for a few steps, she then drops the cane and continues to walk with no
assistance. Another time, I got this email from a customer: "I choose to
view life's challenges as opportunities. I let adversity strengthen my spirit.
My body has gone through hell but my spirit is unbreakable. This is what Made
Strong means to me."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDB-3K5rxNuXa01sF4P_26ZiLceaf4tnclMJ193voNa2a9TSRb7XEYlpUrfZIOLeNSQnZtKmAtRjIO8eqhZDYuPBOaMMEwm9fFMB65xOZjOZlL5SgIZVOqB-NuZObQG3BX9L13Xl0Za0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-16+at+6.39.52+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDB-3K5rxNuXa01sF4P_26ZiLceaf4tnclMJ193voNa2a9TSRb7XEYlpUrfZIOLeNSQnZtKmAtRjIO8eqhZDYuPBOaMMEwm9fFMB65xOZjOZlL5SgIZVOqB-NuZObQG3BX9L13Xl0Za0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-16+at+6.39.52+AM.png" /></a><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwt-ScsVtxTAWirFJ5mVsww3r-F0BNfmTaF3NjtEnFU6dhGzS3xEkU98jKYNPpwkV8lgUSmaDsLZerrrnakHA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;">I built <a href="http://madestrong.org/"><span style="color: #103cc0;">madestrong.org</span></a>
to inspire individuals by selling cause focused apparel and accessories with
inspiring messages. We spread awareness and we donate 10% of our profits to
charity. So far we’ve donated just under $2.5K to the National MS Society and
Race to Erase MS.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are a customer obsessed little
company. We do everything from customized apparel to helping people with
medical bills. We’d love to have you be part of our little community…follow us
on Facebook (Facebook.com/madestrongllc).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stay strong.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.8pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Thanks Dominick - keep up the good fight! You rock. P.S. if you would like more info about Race to Erase MS, you can check them out (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ERASEMS">here</a>) and (<a href="http://www.erasems.org/">here</a>). Race to Erase MS is doing fine work with their dedication to the treatment and eventual cure of Multiple Sclerosis. Thanks!</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Best always,</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Christie</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7529378731102492473.post-82107266180902471012014-05-17T08:46:00.000-07:002014-05-17T08:46:01.949-07:00Floating away...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">THE LESION JOURNALS</span> | 5/16/14</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>feelings</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlQa4-4W43kizqXO-VIouoNYPFDChsVD9zpaboEpKIfC1_yFvffIMOHFo4o_HjCbQaLcZzmAlKHPdJCl36aXvmvtmAhcBZwLm0UM7FhAWraiCUr3M91bNkuaFzaszsZU6GAfc66oc8Yk/s1600/IMG_4519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlQa4-4W43kizqXO-VIouoNYPFDChsVD9zpaboEpKIfC1_yFvffIMOHFo4o_HjCbQaLcZzmAlKHPdJCl36aXvmvtmAhcBZwLm0UM7FhAWraiCUr3M91bNkuaFzaszsZU6GAfc66oc8Yk/s1600/IMG_4519.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(c) cgermans photography 2014</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Floating away...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When asked, "how are you feeling today", it can be difficult to describe MS symptoms to others. I think pictures can sometimes help. This photo captures perfectly how I felt after a stressful week of scorching temperatures and a state of emergency. My brain filled with immense pressure and left me with the feeling of floating away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I snapped this photo at the car dealership, while waiting for service, and noticed this yellow balloon floating on its own, in a small patch of blue in the midst of smoke-filled skies. I thought to myself, "that's my brain today" yet seeing it in that one clear spot in the sky also gave me hope that I would feel better soon. This, too, shall pass.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take care,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Christie</span></div>
Christie @ the Lesion Journalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06633600406115639537noreply@blogger.com6