Sorry you are so down Sally. You are usually so upbeat, but we can't be rays of sunshine everyday. Pain is exhausting.

Becoming more housebound is frustrating. Even when you want to go out it takes too much energy.

And we aren't getting any younger....

Hope you can find the right AD and become a happy camper again.

Hey Sally, I just thought of a thing that I get a kick out of, I've been writing to soldiers and sailors who don't get any other mail since 1989 when the desert thing really got started. Nowadays, there is a much more guarded system, but they do still really appreciate letters.

I don't send packages because it's a little more physical than I want it to be, but the kids seem to get a bang out of my letters which tend to be a little on the smart allecky side. Some write back, some email, and others I never hear from. But it's neat to get a note from someone telling me that his/her entire unit read and loved my letter. I include some plain paper photos incorporated into the letter. They really dig seeing green foliage from home.

There are lots of helpful websites to help get you started, just google "any soldier" and read up on the protocol. It's rather uplifting.

What a terrific idea, Cindy!! I'm going to look into that, and do it. My StepSon is in Iraq, right now as a civilian worker and his SO is there, in the Army.

I do communiate with them and worry about them. If Dawn is not held there longer, they should be out of there August or Sept. and back in Hawaii, where Dawn is stationed.

I do need a hobby too. Just trying to think of something I can and want to do.

Right now, the laundry is calling me ..see ya later.

Sally
My laundry has been calling, but I'm not taking calls, yet.

I understand the need for a hobby. I don't have any family here, so all holidays are a real downer. Poor me. My SO doesn't believe or acknowledge any holidays even b-days. Makes me lonely for the arguing of family togetherness.

After that brief pity party, back to hobby. I started crocheting. The first year out here I made gifts for my nieces/nephews fo xmas. My plan was to make a poncho for me. Have I done that yet ... NO. I belong to an online group that makes squares for/or blankets for cancer victims. Very fulfilling.

My hand pain has increased and haven't been able to crochet for nearly 2 months. The group is very understanding. I spend alot of time doing Sudoku puzzles. Get the books from the dollar store. I find it calming and takes my mind off the pain (except holding the pencil) like no med can. Very helpful when the roids are raging too.

Long story short. I feel for you and appreciate all your upbeat posts.
Beth

A lot of good ideas here. I don't know where you are in the progression of your MS, since I haven't seen you in real time and space. I know where I am, and I know that as I read through the ideas -- good ones, every one -- I felt the physical fatigue and weakness pressing on me like a lead weight. Every bit of available energy I have is expended in daily life. And a lot of dailyness, I can no longer do. Like dressing myself, preparing my food, driving a car, getting in and out of the shower, folding clothes from the dryer. Stuff like that. I'm typing this now one-handed, and it's about tapping me out.

Physical fatigue is deadly. Just being conscious is a drain. None of the fatigue drugs have helped me, though it's worth it to try them since MS is so individual. I remember you talking about a lift to get you outside, and I think you ought to push for that. Just having the freedom to get out improved my outlook 100%. Hang in. Just try to take each day as it comes, and deal with it as it happens.

Chris

Awwwwww Sally, I'm so sorry you're in a bad place at the moment. But, hey, so am I! Yes, I've been out via my new ramp a few times with my fur baby, but I totally understand about the loneliness. Anybody in our situations would probably feel the same at some point.

Today was a beautiful sunny day, but all I felt like doing was sleeping -- that's after staying in bed ALL day yesterday and half the night. Got up, had something to eat and fell asleep in my recliner until noon today. For some reason, my pain level has been a consistent 9 today too. There must be rain on the way.

Holidays are especially bad, I can so empathize with you. Family is having a birthday party for a little grandson (7), but there's no way I can get there and actually couldn't stand the heat and noise anyway. But somehow just knowing we can't get there if we wanted to, does a mental number on us. Like you said, who are we now? Certainly not the happy, carefree people we used to be but as many have said here, there are lots of ways to occupy our minds and the time. Maybe with an increase in the Paxil, you'll feel more "in tune" with the world.

Hang in there!! We all love you!!!!