MS and Pushing Yourself

Recently, I started doing wheelchair yoga. It felt good to move my upper body in a controlled and meditative way. Last week, I decided to try a YouTube video called, “Energized Seated Yoga.” Unfortunately, I pushed myself too far and while folding myself over, I fell out of my wheelchair. I ended up needing four stitches and currently have two black eyes. Thankfully that was all. It could’ve been much worse. The whole incident made me think.

I have to come to terms with the fact that it’s okay to take it slowly and be careful. It’s not only okay but it’s necessary. I have to respect my MS. All too often, we think we “need” to push ourselves, be it doing housework, studying, or exercise. But what I’ve learned is that pushing myself too far today depletes the energy I need tomorrow. Once again, Spoon Theory at work.

As someone with MS, I also have to pay careful attention to how the environment affects my body. One peculiar symptom seen in people with MS is our sensitivity to heat. Many of us experience a temporary exacerbation of our symptoms when we get too warm. We can be sensitive to even a slight increase in our core body temperature that may be due to physical exercise or a warmer environment.

Thankfully this ‘pseudo-exacerbation’ of the symptoms does not cause any nerve damage. With time, we may figure out our intolerance to heat and be as prepared as we can be.

Unfortunately, you always have to be on your toes with MS. Be aware of your environment. Don’t let yourself get distracted or you could end up with four stitches and two black eyes.