It's a different kind of anniversary for me today. Back in 2017 just 2 days before the pic on the left was taken, I was celebrating the 4th of July from a hospital bed, hooked up to 5 days worth of intravenous steroids, completely numb from the waist down to my feet and watching fireworks outside the hospital window.
They put me on the Oncology floor so it was a bit of a somber. 4 MRI's, a spinal tap, blood tests, and tons of assessments testing my sensitivity or lack there of yielded 1 small active 3mm lesion in the dorsal area of my thoracic spine surrounded by several old lesions, approximately 11 small lesions on my brain stem, and at least 3 lesions in my brain. Diagnosis: Multiple Sclerosis.
I only recovered 10-15% sensation in my thigh area. My waist, booty, pelvic region, calves, feet and toes still lack full sensation. I also contend with stiffness and spasticity and it is accompanied with Uthoff's Sydrome, which basically means I am temperature sensitive and the muscle weakness, numbness and stiffness increases based on temp (hot or cold). Showers are always a treat! HA!
The pic on the right is me today right before I took little Billy for a ride in his pet stroller. No cane, no walker, and still embracing every moment I have to be energy in motion and manifest some love and bliss while I'm at it.
I'm so fickle about posting pics from that time. I have to remind myself the sword of domacles might drop tomorrow. New lesions can create themselves in a 12-24 hr period and it only takes one to land my a$$ on wheels and disease progression does not actually require a new lesion. I may very well end up back on the walker or cane as I continue to age. Do I want to look back and remember?
But, for right now I'm okay. I'm standing INDEPENDENT and walking free on my own two beautiful numb, albeit stiff legs LOL! And, if it were't for the courage, spirit, and indomitable will of the girl on the left - I would not be STANDING ON MY OWN TWO FEET. There would be no Olympic triathlon, century ride, or 70.3. And, that is a freedom worth remembering and celebrating regardless of what the future brings! Happy Independence day 🥰🔥
