Hi Kelly! I have the same problem with my gait and hip pain. . The pain never goes away without some narcotic pain med.

My neuro doesn't believe PT will help. He explained that because my gait is caused by MS and the 'messages' are not getting through to my legs, PT won't help. He said I can't retrain my legs to behave the way that they should. . I am hoping to do some MS yoga (I have a dvd) when I feel up to it.

I'm sorry your neuro didn't help .

That's what my Neuro said, too. PT won't help. I try to walk correctly but my gait just sort of does it's own thing. I wonder if it looks as weird as it feels?

thankfully, the weather is a bit cooler .. in the 70s and LESS humidity!!

I'm doing good - always want to do SO much ... and have learned that I can't ... and I can NOT get stressed about not getting everything done today, either!! LOL

learning to pace myself .. and enjoy the small victories ... daily .. and sometimes, hour to hour!!

have a great day!!

Ok, I just have to get this off my chest as this is how I am feeling.

I am not able to drive until I go so many months without another seizure/neurological event. It is so hard sometimes to sit around the house all day and go nowhere and/or see no one (until DBF comes home). DD19 is gone to her bf's parents house and won't be back until this weekend. Last week I went to my mom's for a visit and to spend time in the a/c. This week, I'm home and it gets boring. Well, boring isn't the right word as I have plenty to do. I would say lonely. I think that is why I enjoyed my iChat with DD19 so much yesterday. DD21 is on vacation with her bf and his family. She'll be back today though and I asked her to take me somewhere, anywhere, once she gets back.

While I keep myself busy with all sorts of different things, there are some days I just miss the company and having someone around. It is worse when I am in pain or don't feel well. I guess it has to do with growing up in a large family where someone was always around. When I go to DD21's apartment for some a/c time, not only do I feel great in the a/c but the noise around the apartment is comforting. My house is quiet. While most of my neighbors are home all the time, you never see or hear them. Even though it's summer, I never hear the kids out playing. Maybe it is too hot. But during the school year, I love it when the bus drops the kids off and I can hear their voices and laughter as they walk home. And, they are out playing more after school.

When I was able to drive, I made sure I went out somewhere everyday. I would go to the library on some days. I would go to the store. I would even sit in McDonalds for a while. It didn't matter where I went as long as I went. And, you meet all sorts of people while out and to me that is awesome. I love meeting all sorts of people. Even though I am a shy person, I enjoy listening to what others have to say. In fact, most of my "conversation" with others is based on me just listening.

I often think of you all as I know many of you are in the same position that I am and wonder how you all do it. How do you deal with being alone so much? And, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy being by myself and can certainly keep myself entertained but there are days that it is just so hard.

So, that is how I am feeling today.

For the most part, Trish, I enjoy being alone, so I'm of little help to you. I know what you mean, though, enjoying other Ppl living their lives and the children playing and laughing.

Like you, I do miss being able to jump in my car, at the drop of a hat, and go go go! I can't *jump up* and do anything, anymore.. I had to learn to relax and enjoy what I have and can do and to not dwell on the stuff I am unable to do.

I've had years to gear up for this, though, if I was still in my 40s, 50s or even early 60s, I would still be a bit anxious about it.

(((((Trish)))))

i rarely drive anymore, and most days even if I wanted to I couldnt see to get myself to town. This isnt going to get any better I dont think. Full exam yesterday and they said my ON is a mess, and they are surprised that I do as well as I do. They were also quite pleased that I walk even tho I go blind. Said in some MS folks its really common. So, i have to count on folks to get me to and fro as well. I do have an occasional good day that I can make it to the local market, post office and dollar store, but I wouldnt trust myself farther than that. its about 5 miles away, and thats more than enough.

Its freaky hot here! WTH? did I wake up in GA?

Thanks, Sally! Today is just one of those days where I don't feel like sitting in the house all day and want some company. I do miss jumping in the car and just going anywhere. A little over a year ago, when I had vertigo issues, I stopped driving as much. Like Dej, I go short distances. Long distances are tougher on me as it is hard to hold my leg in one position and, more importantly, due to a slow processor, I have a really hard time absorbing all that is going on around me in order to be a good driver. I am not "seeing" everything and find myself jumping or changing lanes due to some visual thing that made me jump and react and yet not fully checking the other lane before switching (Does that make sense?). So, I keep my driving to a minimum.

I haven't read any of the prior posts so....how do I feel....with my hands!!!!

I fell like someone took a baseball bat with nails sticking out of it dipped in hot tar and beat the carp out of me. Between the glass in my foot, my swollen ankle, ms carp and the lack of insurance to do anything about it....I am beat down, broken, dead on my feet chasing after 2 kids and trying my best to survive the heat.

Aside from all of that, I am ok. How you doin'?

That's funny, Craig! My hands don't feel everything though.

BTW- Good to see you posting and I hope you are doing well.