Hi Kay,

I can't believe how good I feel in that climate! Our first time was a trip to Aruba in Oct 2002. I was on the tail end of a bad relapse then, and I felt good while there for a week. The past three years we've also gone south, and I always feel good.

It might be because I rest a lot, who knows? But even that doesn't make sense because I was on a summer vacation in N. Wisconsin during one of my worst flare ups and my symptoms seem to exacerbate somewhat each summer when we go there.

I truly envy you your lifestyle and where you live! I love critters, gardening and the Caribbean! I hope we can live somewhere similar someday.

How's it treating me today? Well don't laught I have a pain in the butt. Specifically the left cheek feels like it is burnt and is sore to touch and I can't stand to have my clothing touch it,it started last night and the left half of my privates hurt as well. MS related?? The left side of my head is tingling too today. Other than that, DH is home for the day and I'm feeling blessed and content.

there's no availability of DMDs here that I know if, and only ONE neurologist (three hours away, in Belize City)

and virtually no multiple sclerosis (I know of two expats with it, and NO locals) in the whole country.

but... this is the only Central American nation where English is the official language, and it's very uncrowded... and very beautiful.

Hi all of you complainers..LOL! Soooooo, how are things?

Mt turn....I feel a little better about things today....not much but a little better. I'm having one of my, "Is this my life now", exacerbations. I guess you'd call it, a pity party. I'll get over it, but for now, I'm wallowing.

In the, not so distant past, I was a mover and a shaker, spontaneous and happy go lucky. Yes, even with MS coming own hard on me, I still could have some fun and enjoy my friends and family.

It seems, that all changed when My DH died, in Jan, 2004. I became somewhat of a self imposed Hermit. I don't go out or do much of anything constructive or fun anymore. Don't get me wrong, I'm not lonely for anyone, other than my DH, but I am a bit bored!!

I look forward to every Sunday, when DD and Kiddles come to visit. It's such fun.....and then....back to my mundane life with one day the same as the next....a lot of the time, I don't even know what day it is or care..

I think I have a lot of nerve to complain, even to myself, when many of you are in the prime of your lives with MS much worse than mine, with Kids and Jobs and responsibilities, from which I have retired. I have much to look back on and be happy to have weathered it.

Ok, I just talked my self out of this pitiful pity party....but thanks for listening.

Next...........

hey Sally!

I'm glad you talked yourself out of a pity part today!

When I do have pity parties I put a time limit on them, that way I know I'll be ok...if it starts later in the day, I pity myself all the way to bedtime! Morning it's over.

Starts in the morning, I pity myself til naptime or til the kids get home from school. Something concrete....

As far as my sx are today, I seem awake, alert, little numbness in the face as usual. My walking seems ok at the moment....I get to hear back about my WBC today, I hope they are back to normal range so I can go out in public again!!!! Cross your fingers for me!

I like this thread, it's not all about complaining!

indulged in a small bit of poor-poor-pitiful-me yesterday.

I was out by the bunny hutches, when my visual field suddenly began to contract, and get dark gray around the edges.

as I went down to my knees in the dirt (all the while wondering if the bugs would EAT me before anyone noticed I was missing, lol!) I felt sorta sorry for myself.

during the few-moments-episode, I had plenty of time to ponder whether it was MS, or something else, (like fainting? am I dizzy?)

I don't believe I've ever fainted in my life, except for once... three years ago... but that was totally different... everything just went WHAM! blackout!

I woke up on the concrete floor with bruised ribs, and damaged interstitial whatchamacallitsitis.

THIS time, it was over almost before it began, and no injuries... but it DID leave me wondering what it all was about...

I'm glad you're feeling a bit better, Bird and my fingers and toes are crossed for your WBC report.

Hey, thats a great Pity Party Stopper, ya got going there.

Hi Sally: When you talk about how you are feeling and what is going
on in your life, we are doubles. The only difference is I have no grandkids.
Both children are married but it is so strange that there is medical reasons
on both sides for not having kids. It is my son-in-law and daughter-in-law.

That is why we all have dogs. They are my grandpuppies. I was given
a shirt by my daughter that said "I Am The Proud Grandmother Of Grandpuppies" with paw prints all over the shirt.

This past week and especially the weekend dear old ms was really giving
me a hello. I am feeling better today.

Sage sensed that something was going on and she just layed by me and
didn't bother me to play like she usually does.

The only thing that is really bothering me now, Am I going to be able to
care for her as time goes on.

To repeat your words, I guess we are a lot better off. Our family is
grown, we had many years with our dh. When you are young the future
may look bleak to you.

Take Care
Jappy

How is MS treating me today??? It keeps slapping me across the face about every 15 minutes!!!

Hey Sally! I was once a "move and shaker", too! Now, just a shaker, not a lot of moving (ha ha, ha ha ha)...
I've managed to keep my sense of humor (such as it is)..Tired of all this cold weather, though. I realize this is February and I'm in Minnesota, but COME ON already..I'm out for a short time to start my car, and the cold makes it so difficult for me to walk back to the house..Neighbors must think I get an early start, if you know what I mean..