I have MS..... yet I can still Kayak! I"m sooooo happy!

[cz1970]

Ok, this may sound so silly but I was SO WORRIED that the one activity I truly love would be ripped away from me. We went camping this weekend and it was 95 degrees in the sun. I was a nervous little beaver thinking about what may happen to me if I get too hot. But we decided to go kayaking (one of my all time favorite activities) and wouldn't you know it... GOD IS SO GOOD that as the wind/breeze blows across the water it is cooled off quite a bit and it feels like 70!  I didn't get hot... and had NO PROBLEMS! We kayaked for hours!  If I even thaught I was getting hot, I dangled my feet in the cool water and cooled off.  You dont know how happy I am!  It was also the first time I said to myself "I have MS" I know I have it but haven't been able to say it to myself yet.  So, big milestones covered this weekend!  

Just wanted to share so maybe it will encourage someone else to not give up on your dreams just because your given that dreaded diagnosis.... LIVE ON!

cz

[Quixotic1]

Wow, even more than a milestone!  MS is there, you have owned up to it, it has not robbed you of a passion and you had a good time!  I am so happy for you!   It gives great hope for seeing a future doesn't it?

I found that as each new diagnosis and disability landed, I found I couldn't picture the future.  Then as each new turn came in my life, it became easier.  

I'm so pleased that you had a great time and that you took the precautions to stay cool.  If, in the future the breeze is not so fortuitous, then remeber that evaporation is a great coolant.  Hats, neck wraps,  and shirts that can be damped and let evapaorate can help a lot, too.

This was a HUGE win for you!

(((HUG)))  Quix

[HVAC]

That is great. If you still can get exercise and do what you love that is important. I have had MS 51 years and now terminal cancer. I walk my dogs several days a week and ride or just groom a horse once a week. Last summer I swam and hour straight 5 days a week. I also sail and go camping and hiking. Keep up the kayaking.
Alex

[nichole52]

i found out in 2013 i have ms,fatigue gets me quite often,my boyfriend just bought 2 kayaks ,we took them out i had a blast it wasnt to hot that day,very little shade ,felt good cant wait to go again

[cz1970]

Just hang in there! I was hiking too. It was about a 1 mile hike up to these water falls. I had to rest in every shad I could find which wasn't alot but I didn't quit!  It was harder but I did it!  When we got to the falls I sat on a wet rock and let the Icy COLD snow melt water mist fall on me. It was soooo refreshing!  Dont give up what brings you joy. Dont quit pushing yourself. Instead find ways to strengthed yourself so that you CAN do those things you love! Like, I've started Yoga. It really helps keep me more limber (i'm so not limber yet... but getting there!) so that I have more strength to hike an kayak. It is awesom! Keep on keeping On!  KOKO!!

cz

[mercyone]

Good going - I too am making the most of life - each day in new ways - biking, lifting weights, running with my dogs.......oh, what fun to Kayak! I won't waste one little minute any more feeling sorry for myself.......

Life is just too short.

Mercy

[Fluffysmom]

YAHOOOOOO!!!

I'm so happy for you!  What a wonderful weekend!

I'm not diagnosed, but am finding myself unable to do things that I love.  A few months ago I was able to do a little hiking on my own, carrying water and resting in the shade, and it felt like I had climbed Everest!

You've inspired me to keep looking for what I CAN do.  

hugs,

Kathy

[Terrie2008]

Well done a big boost for you.

May there be many more.

Best wishes Terrie