My life has changed quite a bit. I used to do pilates, abs workouts, and water aerobics at the rec center that my students go to. I loved to travel. I loved being independent. I was not afraid.

Now I will be retiring in one year, have trouble just walking a few blocks, and worry about everything way too much.

I would describe myself as being content with my life about 50% of the time. I guess I am a glass half empty kind of gal.

It's half full too!!!

The main change I've made is learning to keep my mouth shut and not volunteer for everything that comes up. I've been very fortunate that MS hasn't changed anything for the worse (except during a flare). I try very hard to keep my stress level low and eat healthy foods but there have been no major changes. I'd love to drop 20 pounds but apparently not enough to actually do it.

C

I've made lifestyle changes but they are not all positive. I was always a high energy type person, always doing something and on the go all the time. Weekends would come and we would always be off doing something. I walked, swam, etc. every day. My mobility issues put a damper on some of that. Now, I go for walks when I can and don't do as much as I did before MS.

I did change my diet for the better as I had more time for meal preparation and things like that. Our meals were always quick ones, nothing that took more than 1/2 hour to prepare. While our meals were balanced, they were quick - like tacos or already cooked chicken and prepared salads and things like that. I now have more time to put in to meal preparation and planning.

My chores changed too. Due to the constant hug, I bought a different vacuum (canister) but even that became a challenge as I was always tripping or falling over it. Since moving in with DBF and my last flare being so bad, he now is in charge of vacuuming as well as any housework that involves heavier lifting/physical work. It's hard as I enjoy cleaning and have always found it to be therapeutic and a great workout.

I was obsessive about working out, keeping my weight down, etc... I just try to be healthy now. I could exercise more but the fatigue limits me a lot. Most of my energy goes into working. I rest most of the time on my days off. I avoid stress now too. Life is too short. My house used to be spotless but now I rarely find time to clean. I have to use my energy for work now. There will be time to clean later when I need to retire.