As others have said, I also don't make many plans these days. There have been times when I've had to cancel doctor, dentist, etc., appointments because I just wasn't up to going. My family is used to "my schedule", so if I have to cancel something, they understand. I HATE THIS DISEASE!!!

I tell many that you simply cant count on me. Give me the time/date/place and if on that day I am feeling reasonable, I will see you there, and if not, I am sure you will understand.

Sometimes I dont go out of lazyness, and sometimes I dont go because i really feel bad. sometimes I miss out on a good time, and sometimes I saved myself a ton of money to stay home and entertain myself.

There are no 'Big' days, just days. I take them one at a time. If people don't understand they are not really good people so I don't have anything to do with them in the future.

1 - AntiDepressants are a great start if needed (I take Prozac)
2 - Everyone close to me knows if I can, I go. If not, MS & Paraplegia they understand.
3 - Be positive no matter how much it hurts
4 - Loud music of choice (not too loud)
5 - Exercise
6 - Neurotalk
7 - Make a phonecall
8 - Drink 1 beer/night or smoke something (if legal)
9 - Keep yourself in the best shape, & tan as possible.
10 -When the reflection in mirror's good enough, I'm happy
11- Get a haircut
12 -Say F it because worrying/depression sure as hell doesn't help

HI Eddie-Im new to post and you're really amusingly funny. Loved your advice!

Thanks everyone. . . great sharing and advice.

Walking on feet that feel broken . . .

I just got back from trying to buy the latest issue of Pastel Journal, as an artist featured in the October issue introduced me to the medium. I felt up to it when I left, and hit Borders first. No luck . . . they still had the August issue on the rack. Back to to the car (I was lucky enough to get a good handicapped spot) and on down the road to Barnes and Noble. Again, a close parking spot, but of course magazines are way in the far corner. By now I am hobbling a little, feeling like my feet have been squeezed into rock climbing shoes ( fyi -- these are torture devices that feel wa-a-a-y too small that one wears to get a good grip on steep rock faces while hoisting an able body up the rock . . . I used to do this!) and just hoping that they have my magazine. But, drats!, they have no issues, old, new, or otherwise. I did get to leaf through The Art of Avatar, however, which was a huge disappointment: I was expecting it to be of much higher quality given how stunning I found the film. Well, that was $29.95 saved.

A quick stop at JoAnn to buy some bells for keeping cats away from our bird feeders . . . and a stop at Costco . . . and by the time I was getting into my car I could barely walk. Now I am wishing I had stayed home. I am sitting here trying to remember to breathe through the stinging, burning and totally trashed-feeling in my feet. I have taken a pain pill, but will likely have to inhale some of Eddie's #8 . . . to get enough relief to cook dinner.

Next week-end we are slated to take our grandson to the fair. My dear daughter is already disappointed that I will be unable to do any rides with him. I am just hoping I will be able to enjoy the day and actually get around. It seems way too soon to have to consider renting a scooter for $50 . . . but if I have to I will.

And to think I used to carry a 40# backpack and hike upwards of 12 miles a day, sleep on the ground, and get up and do it again the next day, just for a chance to attempt an ice-and-snow summit push . . . and now just getting out of bed is a chore!

Whew! Thanks. I needed to complain loudly for a minute . . .

I rest a lot. If I overdo it I know I'll suffer so I've had to learn to limit myself. It does get easier when you eventually learn what your body will or will not let you do.

Jim and I used to make long range plans but after losing money by booking hotels, etc we stopped. Oh occasionally we'll make plans but I have to tell Jim to not get sick and he listens for the most part.

i know exactly what you're talking about.
i may have 6 errands on my list but only get 2 done.
then when i get home i have to lay down to get my strength back.
the chair isn't good enuf, it has to be the bed.

just try to pace yourself. listen to your body. going past my limits will make be suffer. i've done that enuf times to know.

just take one day at a time. and, if you use a scooter in order to have a fun day, then so be it.

let us know how your day goes with the little one.