“I need you to pinch me. But I need you to pinch me hard”
The sun was already reaching through the blinds when I opened my eyes. It seemed like a normal day, it felt like a normal day. I lingered in bed for a few more moments, wishing I didn’t have to leave it’s comfort. Begrudgingly I got up and went to brush my teeth. Standing there at the bathroom sink, I quickly realized something wasn’t quite right. My right arm felt a little weird, and as I thought about it, so did my right leg. I touched my upper arm with my fingertips, then tried to pinch myself. Nothing. I touched my calf in the same way. Nothing. I gasped and ran into the bedroom to wake my husband.
My husband was barely awake, and couldn’t quite comprehend my crazy request. I don’t blame him, it’s not every day that I’m asking him to pinch me, and hard at that. But I didn’t quite comprehend what was going on either, just a few minutes ago everything was fine, everything was normal. I was laying in bed, comfortable and sleeping, and the world was the same as it was when I went to bed. But now, everything had changed.
This was the start of my first relapse, my entire right side had gone completely numb. I had never experienced sensory symptoms before and boy was I in for a surprise. I’ve read articles that say sensory symptoms are uncomfortable, but not debilitating. I call BS on that. Those articles are obviously written by people who have never experienced such sensations. Because the numbness and subsequent feelings that followed were quite debilitating, in my opinion.
Numbness and tingling are just two of the sensory symptoms that can accompany MS. Others include feelings of itchiness, burning, buzzing or vibrating. (Pain is also common with MS, and sensory in nature, but that will be addressed in another MSMonday article, I think it deserves it’s own). The technical term for these sensory symptoms, or altered sensations are parenthesias. These sensations can affect any part of the body, arms, legs, face, nothing is immune. These feelings, or lack there of, are a direct result of lesions on the brain or spinal cord that have interrupted nerve signal transmission between the brain and body. Sensory symptoms can be constant or intermittent. They can also very in intensity, appear at different times during the day or come in waves. No two sensory symptoms are alike.
Sensory symptoms can be quite debilitating and cause other issues as well. For example, if you have numbness in your hands you might have difficulty writing, holding things or being able to tell the temperature of a hot stove that you just put your hand on by accident. If your feet or legs are affected, you might have trouble walking or fall. Sensory symptoms that affect the genital region might lead to sexual dysfunction and cause difficulty within relationships (another MSMonday topic to be discussed later).
The “MS hug” is also a common sensory symptom and is attaining feeling around your chest or abdomen. This sensation can be just annoying or extremely painful. It is caused by the intercostal muscles between each rib going into spasm, these muscles hold your ribs together and expand and contract as you breathe and move. When these muscles are in spasm, just like any other muscle being in spasm, it is difficult to move them and often very painful. The MS hug can last from a few seconds, to a few hours, and for some people a few days.
What can be done about these sometimes annoying sometimes debilitating sensory symptoms? Often times sensory symptoms begin as a relapse, and IV steroids are often recommended and used to treat the symptoms. If symptoms persist after the course of steroids, there are several medications available for tingling and neuropathic pain, Neurontin (gabapentin) or Lyrica are two commonly used. After acute treatment, if needed, one of the best things that can be done, cliché as it is, is to know your triggers to sensory symptoms. Pay close attention to your body and notice when they start. What were you doing when they began? What were you doing earlier in the day? I know for me, I can’t wear skinny pants for an extended period time, or else my legs will go crazy. Finding these specifics out, can be a lifesaver.
What are your symptoms and what are your triggers? Have you taken the time to find them out yet? Being aware of your body and it’s reactions are critical in making it through life with this disease. Head to my coaching page if you’re interested in learning more about how I can help you figure these, and other triggers out.
By that Saturday afternoon, that had started out as a lazy June day, I was in the hospital getting my first round of IV steroids. It was frightening, nerve-wracking and a million other emotions. But I was just beginning my sensory journey. I would soon experience extreme sensitivity, tingling, burning and pain. I still experience these to this day, but not nearly at the intensity that I did several years ago, (many thanks to Paleo and AIP).
Whoever said sensory symptoms are not debilitating, has never walked in a numb/tingling/burning persons shoes.
follow along on Instagram:
5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms
In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics
Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?
5 Underrated Supplements to help MS symptoms
In no particular order:
• ALA- Alpha Lipoic Acid
• NAC N-Acetylcystine
• Lions Mane Mushroom
• NADH/NAD+
• Pre/Probiotics
Have you tried any of these before??
What has been your experience?
5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS
1. Addition before subtraction
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed
More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!
5 things to keep in mind about nutrition and MS
1. Addition before subtraction
2. Eat your fruits, veggies and fats
3. Think about how you’re eating vs what you’re eating
4. Hydrate!!
5. Consider elimination if needed
More questions on food for MS?
Grab your Eating for MS Guide in my bio!!
Just a guess…
Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.
I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)
Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style..
But unable to say no when asked to do anything..
You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..
In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.
Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.
Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life
Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth
Just a guess…
Did I nail it? Almost? I bet.
I’ve seen the same patterns over and over within my clients (and tbh myself)
Growing up hyper independent..
Possibly not getting your needs met as a kid..
Feeling like you’re in control of it all girl boss style..
But unable to say no when asked to do anything..
You think you’re just being helpful, or kind, or smart..
In reality you’re keeping yourself stuck and sick.
Babe lemme tell you, there is a way out.
Embodied Resilience gives you that path out from under your unhelpful patterns (that always saying yes thing) and your over stressed life
Comment OUT below and I’ll send you details on the group.. we start next week!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #multiplesclerosiswarrior #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #msawarenessmonth
Stress & MS!!
• How our nervous system should function
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response
Stress & MS!!
• How our nervous system should function
• Why it doesn’t work “right” in todays world
• How to support our nervous system & stress response
Don’t think people pleasing & being a perfectionist with 0 boundaries is adding to your stress?
Think again babe 😬
It’s amazing how different my clients have felt after stopping these patterns-
And having support while doing so is paramount.
Embodied Resilience is that place for support and change.
Comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details!!
Don’t think people pleasing & being a perfectionist with 0 boundaries is adding to your stress?
Think again babe 😬
It’s amazing how different my clients have felt after stopping these patterns-
And having support while doing so is paramount.
Embodied Resilience is that place for support and change.
Comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details!!
First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience-
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!
Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse.
My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???
While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t.
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)
You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so.
If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”.
I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..
then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”
You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡
Try this instead:
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud.
- How did that feel to your mind and body?
If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience.
This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse.
We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!!
#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior
First, comment SAFE below and I’ll send you details on my course Embodied Resilience-
(Maybe the only live round this year) we start March 10th!!
Years and years ago, someone really confused me when they said meditating made their anxiety worse.
My baby therapist-in-training brain thought, well crap- isn’t that supposed to help???
While yes, it is supposed to, it often doesn’t.
(Especially if you’ve experienced trauma)
You see, before we get quiet with our thoughts in meditation, our bodies need to feel safe doing so.
If you don’t feel safe in your body, meditation won’t “work”.
I see this all the time in my clients:
• they’re going a mile a minute throughout the day..
• thinking 10 steps ahead of what they’re doing..
• ignoring their body all day..
then all of a sudden they sit down to try and meditate and- shocker- they “can’t”
You too? You’re not broken- promise 🧡🧡
Try this instead:
- Stop what you’re doing and actually sit down (I’ll wait)
- Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths and focus on a loud whooooooshing exhale
- Put your hand on your chest and notice what your body is physically feeling (tight chest? Hole in your stomach? Exhaustion?)
- Gently sway/rock your shoulders back and forth
- Open your eyes and come back to your surroundings. Look around the room and name a few objects you see around you out loud.
- How did that feel to your mind and body?
If you’ve been trying all the things to help reduce stress + calm your body and mind but find they “don’t work” I invite you into Embodied Resilience.
This is one of my signature programs designed to help you learn how to actually manage stress in an effective way, so stress doesn’t cause a MS symptom flare or worse- full blown relapse.
We’re still in pre-sale, so to get the best price grab your spot now!!
#lissms #thisisms #becausems #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior
This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)
And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too.
Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems
This is where I start all my clients when they want to start working on their:
- stress management and response
- nervous system regulation
- undoing the unhelpful behavior patterns that got us sick (people pleasing, perfectionism etc)
And the first step I’ll share in my masterclass tomorrow, Cultivating Resilience, all about stress + MS.
I’ll tell you about the rest of the process too.
Haven’t signed up yet? There’s still time!!
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to sign up!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #healingmultiplesclerosis #thisisms #becausems
More ways my life has changed
👇🏼👇🏼
- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!
These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too”
But they absolutely will!!
I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.
The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness
More ways my life has changed
👇🏼👇🏼
- less nail biting
- my tiggers aren’t as loud and I can move through them without shutting down
- I dissociate less when experiencing really hard things
- conflicts are shorter with the hubby
- I’m able to ask for what I need
- more enjoyment day to day
- more dancing and fun
- more attending to my own needs
- putting myself first
- boundaries!!
These don’t necessarily scream “they’ll help your MS symptoms too”
But they absolutely will!!
I’m hosting a Masterclass all about stress + MS- and how we can help ourselves manage stress more effectively which in turn helps us to manage MS more effectively.
The class is happening Tuesday evening- comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register so you don’t miss it!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemhealing #healingmultiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #multiplesclerosisawareness
Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?
You betcha.
Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..
Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.
When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.
Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush
The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.
Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress?
I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving
Is people pleasing or perfectionism signs of stress?
You betcha.
Not only are they adding to your mental & physical load via ignoring your needs, demanding perfection from yourself, etc etc..
Having less flexibility in your emotions and actions tells me a lot about your nervous system and how dysregulated you are.
When we have less flexibility in our emotions or how we relate to ourselves, that usually means our nervous system lacks flexibility to manage our daily stressors effectively.
Meaning- you struggle to not feel like an anxious, out of control mess
Or like an exhausted pile of mush
The answer is cultivating resilience in your nervous system & body so that you are able to handle the stress without increasing MS symptoms or these unhelpful patterns.
Wanna know my blueprint I’ve used to help my clients finally come out of years of (partially self inflicted) stress?
I’m hosting a free Masterclass next week allll about stress + MS, and how to live WITH stress, cause it ain’t goin anywhere.
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to register!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #becausems #thisisms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosiswarrior #holisticliving
It’s a bold statement, but I stick by it.
Countless times I’ve seen my clients improve their symptoms when they change their diet, add supplements etc.
But nothing changes you, your MS symptoms & progression more for the better than working on your mindset, stress management and how your body tolerates stress (all parts of the same coin)
THAT is how you’ll find that one day you aren’t:
• An anxious mess in the morning..
• Having trouble saying NO when you really mean it
• Doing all the things to help everyone else BUT yourself
(Which I know you struggle with- and that’s keeping you sick still babe)
You can do hard things..
#lissms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing
It’s a bold statement, but I stick by it.
Countless times I’ve seen my clients improve their symptoms when they change their diet, add supplements etc.
But nothing changes you, your MS symptoms & progression more for the better than working on your mindset, stress management and how your body tolerates stress (all parts of the same coin)
THAT is how you’ll find that one day you aren’t:
• An anxious mess in the morning..
• Having trouble saying NO when you really mean it
• Doing all the things to help everyone else BUT yourself
(Which I know you struggle with- and that’s keeping you sick still babe)
You can do hard things..
#lissms #stressmanagement #multiplesclerosis #multiplesclerosiswarrior #thisisms #becausems #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing
First, save this for later!
Second, what you gotta know about “managing stress” is:
it really matters how you care for yourself in the moment and afterwards
You see, most of us know when we’re experiencing moments of stress,
but we don’t know how to attend to ourselves to mitigate the impacts.
It all comes down to awareness of:
- Your present moment
- How that moment is impacting your body
Once you’re aware of how the stress you’re experiencing is impacting you and your body, THEN you can start attending to yourself and changing how your body handles stress.
👆🏼👆🏼that’s also how we mitigate stress induced MS symptoms or relapses.
Awareness is always the first step babe.
Wanna know more?
Come to my Masterclass all about stress + MS, Cultivating Resilience
Comment ATTEND below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #spoonielife #thisisms
First, save this for later!
Second, what you gotta know about “managing stress” is:
it really matters how you care for yourself in the moment and afterwards
You see, most of us know when we’re experiencing moments of stress,
but we don’t know how to attend to ourselves to mitigate the impacts.
It all comes down to awareness of:
- Your present moment
- How that moment is impacting your body
Once you’re aware of how the stress you’re experiencing is impacting you and your body, THEN you can start attending to yourself and changing how your body handles stress.
👆🏼👆🏼that’s also how we mitigate stress induced MS symptoms or relapses.
Awareness is always the first step babe.
Wanna know more?
Come to my Masterclass all about stress + MS, Cultivating Resilience
Comment ATTEND below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #healingmultiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #stressmanagement #spoonielife #thisisms
Yes I had been moving consistently
Yes I had been eating my veggies
But, the big thing that has helped over the last few years is regulating my nervous system.
You wouldn’t necessarily think so right away but let me explain..
You see, working on your nervous system means improving the amount of stress your body can handle.
And when your body can handle more stress, you can do more things (like walk miles and miles)
Stress is one of the biggest triggers for MS symptoms and relapses, so working on your nervous system usually brings MS symptom relief.
ESPECIALLY when you’ve “done everything” and “nothing works”
I’m hosting a Masterclass on Feb 18th:
The MS Stress Solution
Inside you’ll learn my blueprint for nervous system regulation that I’ve used with my clients.
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #stressmanagement
Yes I had been moving consistently
Yes I had been eating my veggies
But, the big thing that has helped over the last few years is regulating my nervous system.
You wouldn’t necessarily think so right away but let me explain..
You see, working on your nervous system means improving the amount of stress your body can handle.
And when your body can handle more stress, you can do more things (like walk miles and miles)
Stress is one of the biggest triggers for MS symptoms and relapses, so working on your nervous system usually brings MS symptom relief.
ESPECIALLY when you’ve “done everything” and “nothing works”
I’m hosting a Masterclass on Feb 18th:
The MS Stress Solution
Inside you’ll learn my blueprint for nervous system regulation that I’ve used with my clients.
Comment STRESS below and I’ll send you the link to save your seat!!
#lissms #multiplesclerosis #nervoussystemregulation #nervoussystemhealing #thisisms #becausems #stressmanagement
As Featured In:
