How important is routine to you?
One thing I've noticed over my years of living with MS is that my need for routine has become very important to me. Having the same routine for a week helps me a lot. I know how to properly expend my energy (I know where to use my spoons, as some might say). In my past, I was once a pretty spontaneous person, that seems like SO long ago though.
My reliance on routine has somehow become about more than just properly expending my limited energy, it seems to impact my mental state as well. To the point where, if my routine is interrupted, I get some anxiety and suffer mentally from the change. Even seemingly minor changes can mess with my mind a bit. This is a big reason why the holidays are so tough for me because for a month or so, it feels like my world is turned upside down. People being off when they normally aren't, the TV schedule changing, and plenty of other changes impact me. I know that probably sounds crazy to some but when things aren't how they "normally" are, I struggle mentally and that ends up triggering my symptoms.
How are you with routines? Do you find them comforting? Do you rely on them? What happens to you when things don't go as they normally do?
Hi Devin.. I totally understand how routines can affective you.. for me I have been working consistently since I was diagnosed with MS 5 years ago but have taken an LOA from my job as a nurse case manager. The stress was affecting me in a very negative way.. I was stressed with my daily routine but it was from my occupation and having MS does not help either. I am seeking help from a neuropsychologist which I am grateful for that. I Have been on short term disability and applied for long term which is in process. I know once I find myself I want to find a routine that fits ME and will make me happy again..My career is winding down at 59 years old.. I know the road ahead could be bumpy/ rocky but I will face it head on ..day by day I am trying to manage that...take care and thanks for your support on this site
Hi
. It is great to see that you practiced such good selfcare by seeking the help of a neuropsychologist and taking time away from work. That is such a healthy and wise thing to do. I hope you find a career path that is less stressful and allows you to continue working until retirement. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
MS or no MS routine is my thing for sure (( : but if it gets messed with i don't get too crazy.
Devin have you looked at ways to relax? Anything stressing you? You shouldn't let a change bother you so much. Routine is good but change can be good too.Good advice,
. I love how much people in this community support each other. Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
Hello.......I am 55 and was diagnosed in 2015. At first having routine seemed to help me. However, it eventually stressed me out because I could never seem to accomplish everything scheduled. Now I have no schedule and I do what I can, when I can. I NEVER had anxiety before MS and I am still struggling to accept this new debilitation. In general.....I do feel blessed and whenever I get over whelmed, I try to take a step back and look at the big picture. Not sure if this helps at but I hope the best for you.
Thanks for sharing that
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Mr. Devin Garlit, I Have now read a couple of your post's. And you are the only person I've come across in 55 years that is saying exactly what I'm thinking. I was diagnosed in 2014 and on the exercising front. M.S. has affected me in the same way, I've gone from lifting free weight's to having to use other means of exercise. I can't run so I have a treadmill that I have to walk on while holding the support arms. My stretching has become basically non-existent. In my life I've always thought this was one of the most important things for your body. I've had to lose 40-50lbs to help me walk, so I'm constantly fighting with strength by eating a lot of protein to eating a lot of salads to keep my weight down. Balance with my legs has really deteriorated over the last 9-10 years. I tried to hide my balance issues at first but now is impossible. I have constant vertigo and that also hurts my balance, and no one can see what I'm feeling inside. The good thing with me is I like challenges so I'm constantly having lots of those (as I'm sure you know) So I've gone from this overachieving person who does many things in one day, to a person that is struggling just to get out of bed and do maybe 20% of what I use to do. Please keep posting your thoughts, I really enjoy reading them and get ideas from your situation. Thank you very much!
I wonder if you realize what an inspiration YOU are to our readers, who will also undoubtedly glean ideas from your post! You said you like challenges, and that is likely innate for you; it is also likely the thing that will keep you thriving. By simply describing what you have done in lieu of mounting disabilities, you've laid a blueprint for the classic pivot. If you can't run, you walk a treadmill. If you can't use free weights, you use another form of muscle resistance. These are adaptive behaviors that help us continue to manage MS, and you (we) are modeling them for our community every time you (or anyone) write(s) about how you manage yours. I hope YOU keep posting YOUR thoughts too, m'dear!
