Medusa

Medusa. Brought to you by MS

A purpose of this document is to give you five quick tips that have worked for me and not to bore you with that which is known. MS is incurable, debilitating, aggravating, and here to stay. So why read on? A symptom of MS regarding muscles spasticity is an object of this document. This paper offers no confirmed scientific empirical answers, however it provides tips that have mitigated muscle spasticity for me and may help you. It does not override recommendations from your physician. That statement may bring a tear to eyes of attorneys and physicians.

Tip one – get rest. I learned from an occupational therapist the importance of rest. I ignored for years during college and now it can no longer be ignored. “True rest” is nullified by constantly planning activities in your mind. What I mean is, if I could describe it correctly, “shut your mind down” and rest. Rest for me is brief and it requires a change in habit. I was accustomed to long work cycles and would rest infrequently.

Tip two – Drink copious amounts of water. The human body is made up primarily of water. Growing up in a hot humid environment I did not drink enough water. I was young, but I am no longer “10 feet tall” and invincible. Now that I am older I need to be more diligent at taking care of my health. If you are able to increase or maintain your water intake it will benefit your health and your mind.

Why Medusa in the title? According to Greek mythology gazers upon Medusa’s face would turn to stone. When muscles spasms occur due to MS the muscles become immovable as if they were made of stone. Yes there are medications that may be used to combat muscles spasticity. It requires agreement between you and your physician to decide what if any medicine may help. Yes it is confirmed that Medusa does not exist. When the muscles in the legs spasm and they feel as if they have turned to stone I question, not really, the existence of Medusa

Tip three – Be patient. Muscle spasticity has taught me patience. When the leg muscle spasm attempts to counteract this with muscles in the arms is futile. By design the leg muscles are stronger than those in the arms. Furthermore it is aggravating to attempt to resist spastic muscles in the leg with weaker arm muscles. What I have learned from a physical therapist is that I must wait for muscle spasm in the legs to subside. This is time-consuming and frustrating yet it conserves my energy. If the muscle spasticity is linked to pain, seek medical help.

Tip four – Take natural supplements as directed and agreed to by your physician. I have grown tired of medication and its use to combat the MS. I sought a way to lessen the muscle spasticity without new medication. Natural supplements that could decrease muscles spasticity include potassium. Bananas are a natural source of this chemical. Sodium is also a natural supplement and should not be taken in excess. Supplements I take include multivitamins, pro-biotics, and potassium. I get potassium from bananas that I eat.

Why? An interaction of sodium and potassium in the muscles contribute to proper muscle function. A typical North American diet has an ample supply of sodium.

Tip five - Stretch the muscles.

Keep muscles and ligaments and joints flexible. A physiotherapist can recommend ways to keep you flexible.

Wait for it…dah–dah–dah these tips did not require new medications. At no point did I state that medications may or may not be required, but that it is for you and your physician to decide.

Combating MS is a work in process and these five tips may help you in this battle.