Dealing With Uncertainty
MS is a disease that throws a wrench into the seemingly simplest tasks. Breathing is the essence of life. MS does not seem to want to even leave that most basic building block in its place.
However, living with MS today means your average life expectancy will not change. That could not be said 15 or 20 years ago.
MS and its symptoms are much more controlled than ever before. We are incredibly fortunate to have tools and resources at our disposal that were never dreamed of just a short time ago.
Dealing with your breath being stolen from you is stressful. It is unfair. It is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Empower Yourself
Empowering yourself is the best way of dealing with the stress. There are things you can do to keep yourself safe and strong with your breathing issues.
The first thing you need to do is to build and maintain a strong personal bond with your health care team.
Find a neurologist you can confide in and trust. Select caregivers that are patient-focused and willing to create treatment options that are comfortable and reliable for you. Nothing can replace a trusted medical team that is accessible, reliable and flexible!
Reduce Stress
I know, stress comes easy when breath comes hard. This is why yoga is so wonderful for people with MS.
Yoga is great for breathing. Every stretch, every position, every movement is breath-focused.
Stretching and reducing stress are what yoga is all about and, though it might seem counterintuitive, yoga can really be the perfect therapy for you when your intercostal muscles are flaring up.
Be sure to use poses that are meant for relaxation instead of exertion and you can aid in alleviating the pain of your symptoms.
If It’s Legal Where You Live…
Another stress reducer, if you are living in the states where it is legal, would be to use marijuana. I know it is still a controversial topic for many people out there, but it is useful in relaxation.
Smoking it probably will not have great long-term results for your lung health, but there are other ways of ingesting it. Also, marijuana is known for having anti-spasticity qualities that can help with your MS hug pain.
Know Your Body
Breathing problems can be scary, but they are rare. It is important to know your body and to understand the risks of complications that can come from having MS. If you take the time to care for yourself and understand what to do if and when changes occur to your body, then you will be better set towards living a long and productive life.
MS is manageable. Give yourself the space in this world to prioritize and set security nets into place and then let go of the things that you cannot control.
You are strong, you are capable, you are human. You have a place in this world and you still have every chance to create beauty and life around you. Remember that, and enjoy your time here. The world likes to throw us curveballs, but MS trains us on how to knock those curveballs out of the park.
