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I can still love with MS.

nicolelemelle

My name is Nicole Lemelle. I am a writer, an activist, and a person living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I created My New Normals to educate those who do not understand MS, reassure people with similar plights and inspire everyone to seize command of their lives.

My New Normals (MNN) is a personal blog and website that chronicles life experiences of people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MNN provides an outlet to families, friends, caregivers and anyone living with MS or any other debilitating disease. Our goals are to raise national awareness and educate the public about MS.

We want to generate conversation, promote advocacy, highlight resources and inspire hope.

@ICanWithMS @MustStopMS @shiftms @CathyChes @AbiBuddComms @iConquerMS I Can #ImproveWithMS!<br /> #ICanWithMS

@ICanWithMS @MustStopMS @shiftms @CathyChes @AbiBuddComms @iConquerMS I Can #ImproveWithMS!
#ICanWithMS

by MSenIt4life via Twitter

I am sharing a piece of me with this update story. I am not the person I used to be. I am new and here is why. Three weeks ago my eye started to hurt. Within 5 days I was completely blind in left eye due to Optic Neuritis. Had a MRI of my brain and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Now I have a demyelinating disease that has changed my life and who I am. I go to the Dr's all the time. Get intervenous treatments at the hospital. Take steroids. And now will be going on a pill in the next few weeks and will be on it for the rest of my life. I don't take pills. I do not prefer. So here I am still blind and adjusting to the though of this new life and fight I have begun. I am finding relief from both the eye pain and mental struggle through Vaporization of Medical Cannabis as I am a registered patient. It totally helps both types of pain and allows me to still feel like me. Whoever or"me" is at this point. What I do know is that I am a warrior and will stay and be strong for my daughter and husband. They are my world and reason for fighting so hard. I am reevaluating everything and clearing my mind so I am ready for my new future. You may notice some changes in me, out of me, though me in the near future. Reinvention will be liberating. Reborn from this darkness will be light and color. Just like my vision. Positive mindset is the start. I am thinking in color now, clear beautifully bright color. Here's to old me...and now me...and the new me! I am a warrior!

I am sharing a piece of me with this update story. I am not the person I used to be. I am new and here is why. Three weeks ago my eye started to hurt. Within 5 days I was completely blind in left eye due to Optic Neuritis. Had a MRI of my brain and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Now I have a demyelinating disease that has changed my life and who I am. I go to the Dr's all the time. Get intervenous treatments at the hospital. Take steroids. And now will be going on a pill in the next few weeks and will be on it for the rest of my life. I don't take pills. I do not prefer. So here I am still blind and adjusting to the though of this new life and fight I have begun. I am finding relief from both the eye pain and mental struggle through Vaporization of Medical Cannabis as I am a registered patient. It totally helps both types of pain and allows me to still feel like me. Whoever or"me" is at this point. What I do know is that I am a warrior and will stay and be strong for my daughter and husband. They are my world and reason for fighting so hard. I am reevaluating everything and clearing my mind so I am ready for my new future. You may notice some changes in me, out of me, though me in the near future. Reinvention will be liberating. Reborn from this darkness will be light and color. Just like my vision. Positive mindset is the start. I am thinking in color now, clear beautifully bright color. Here's to old me...and now me...and the new me! I am a warrior!

by snowmommi via Instagram

Just realised as its now May 1st and largely thanks to the Doctors &amp; Nurses that treat &amp; monitor my condition....<br />

Just realised as its now May 1st and largely thanks to the Doctors & Nurses that treat & monitor my condition....

by nludlam84 via Twitter

Pressing it back into my face! Damn you MS!! I can't do eye make up. But I can do my lips with one eye. #lippies are @meltcosmetics #belladonna2.

Pressing it back into my face! Damn you MS!! I can't do eye make up. But I can do my lips with one eye. #lippies are @meltcosmetics #belladonna2.

by snowmommi via Instagram

I can share my story with MS.

elisagoz

I was chosen to be the Mission Speaker at a Walk MS event I attended this year. It was an awesome experience and I hope I was able to encourage someone out there.

Love this girl. Abbey is constant motivation to get out and move. Easy 6km trek on a beautiful day.<br /> <br /> #yellowlabsofinstagram #yellowlab #yellowlabs #labsofinstagram #labstagram #labradorretriever #lookatthatface #optoutside #getoutside #nature #sundayfunday #happydog #love #motivation #icanwithms #fuckms #lovemydog

Love this girl. Abbey is constant motivation to get out and move. Easy 6km trek on a beautiful day.

#yellowlabsofinstagram #yellowlab #yellowlabs #labsofinstagram #labstagram #labradorretriever #lookatthatface #optoutside #getoutside #nature #sundayfunday #happydog #love #motivation #icanwithms #fuckms #lovemydog

by niktopian via Instagram

New year new stuff going on and new decade for me. Start work for the first time in 11 plus years January 16. #IcanwithMS

New year new stuff going on and new decade for me. Start work for the first time in 11 plus years January 16. #IcanwithMS

by lcolbeck2 via Twitter

I can still live my life to the full with MS.

Niecey

LIVE MY LIFE TO THE FULLEST EVEN THOUGH I'M SLOWER....

20 mi. run with another beautiful sunrise. #hammerthewall #finishMS #ICanWithMS #injinji #running #hammernutrition #hokaoneone

20 mi. run with another beautiful sunrise. #hammerthewall #finishMS #ICanWithMS #injinji #running #hammernutrition #hokaoneone

by hammerthewall via Instagram

I can kill my workout at boot camp with MS.

Angie Rinker-Lugo

Once I started to experience symptoms, I did research. I felt in my heart that it was definitely MS I was dealing with, but needed an expert opinion.

After several months, I did get the dx. I felt hopeless. I fell into depression.I knew this was a life sentence, but not the life I wanted. I felt hopeless and tired. It took a year and I said it was time to stop feeling sorry and start my new story.

I needed to surround myself with people who build me up and not tear me down. I found Fit Body Boot Camp in Oakville, MO.

It is such a game changer for me, because I started discovering who I am and who I wanted to be. Of course I started not being able to do a pushup, sit up or lifting heavy weights. I remained focused on attending boot camp 5 days a week .

After awhile I saw the changes in me. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I want to be an example of what someone with MS can do. Not just for people with MS, but to show my family, my children, my friends, that this girl doesn't give up. This girl lost 41 inches and nearing 30 lbs of weight loss.

I fell in love with heavy lifting and leg day is my favorite day of the week at boot camp.
Sure I have the struggle days, but I dial it back if I can't complete a jump or lift heavy. Modifications are there for you to still succeed. Remain focused on the goal. Celebrate the milestones. #ICANWITHMS

The MS support group I’ve been going to for the last year, celebrated its 10yr Anniversary this week. Can’t thank P… https://t.co/aTRhsZd97C

The MS support group I’ve been going to for the last year, celebrated its 10yr Anniversary this week. Can’t thank P… https://t.co/aTRhsZd97C

by nludlam84 via Twitter

Becoming a #fitchick is my greatest accomplishment since my #MS diagnosis!! #ICanWithMS #MSWarrior https://t.co/cwXUtffKKe

Becoming a #fitchick is my greatest accomplishment since my #MS diagnosis!! #ICanWithMS #MSWarrior https://t.co/cwXUtffKKe

by msfitchickjulie via Twitter

I can thrive with MS.

 

@ICanWithMS @MustStopMS @shiftms @CathyChes @AbiBuddComms @MSenIt4life @iConquerMS I can INSPIRE with MS<br /> #ICanWithMS

@ICanWithMS @MustStopMS @shiftms @CathyChes @AbiBuddComms @MSenIt4life @iConquerMS I can INSPIRE with MS
#ICanWithMS

by MSpals via Twitter

I can Wear 4in Louboutin stilettos with MS.

Mary Sullivan

So excited for new beginnings #fitness #personaltrainer #goals #icanwithms #newbeginnings

So excited for new beginnings #fitness #personaltrainer #goals #icanwithms #newbeginnings

by msfitchickjulie via Instagram

Shit just got real over here. My #gilenya first doses just arrived. I waiting to hear when my appointment is with the cardiologist. Next step six-hour observation while I take my first dose. I hope it can be scheduled for next week. Just want to get on this and fight my #ms.

Shit just got real over here. My #gilenya first doses just arrived. I waiting to hear when my appointment is with the cardiologist. Next step six-hour observation while I take my first dose. I hope it can be scheduled for next week. Just want to get on this and fight my #ms.

by cannalisalisa via Instagram

I can I can ride my bike with MS with MS.

isgrigg95

@ICanWithMS @MustStopMS @shiftms @CathyChes @AbiBuddComms @MSenIt4life @iConquerMS #ICanWithMS I can manage my life with MS

@ICanWithMS @MustStopMS @shiftms @CathyChes @AbiBuddComms @MSenIt4life @iConquerMS #ICanWithMS I can manage my life with MS

by Toria6069 via Twitter

I can Help children understand MS with MS.

Julie Stamm

“I was officially diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (“MS”) on January 8, 2007. While I can date my symptoms back to 2001, it was in 2005 that my symptoms became too debilitating to live the life I once knew and loved. After an official diagnosis, I felt vindicated. I had known something was wrong for many years but was dismissed by innumerable doctors. Knowing gave me power. Knowing who the “man behind the curtain” was, gave me the courage to fight. It wasn’t, and isn’t, always an easy battle and the unpredictability of this disease is by far the most challenging aspect for me to accept. Currently, we have no cure but I do believe that one day in the not-so-distant future there will be one. When I was diagnosed in 2007, there were only three options available to me. Since then, we are seeing new drugs introduced at a rapid pace. Now, there are oral medications, medications with greater success rates for reducing relapses, and options for all forms of the disease which, in the past, seemed to have fallen by the wayside. At first, many aspects of this disease seem unbearable but you fight through it. We MSers fight! We battle to support each other and give each other strength. This disease has changed me in countless ways. In some ways, I am a shell of the woman I once was and the woman I dreamed I would be. I truly believe that I am where I am today because this is where I should be, need to be, and belong. I have a perfect, loving, and supportive partner. We have a beautiful son and each day, regardless of the pain, the worry, the lack of control; I am grateful. Yes, I would love to one day wake up and not have to look down at my legs and wait for them to wake up. I would love to one day wake up and not have to worry about where every bathroom will be and if I will be able to make it to them. I would love to one day wake up being able to walk and dance as much as I used to. Most of all, I would love to one day be the best mom in this world. For now, I will be the best me that I can be. I will find solace knowing that I’m not doing such a bad job. The reality is life evolves for all of us. We all want more for our families. We all face obstacles that we need to overcome. We are only here on this earth for the blink of an eye and I hope my moments will matter.
This book is my attempt to leave a footprint.”

Spring melt. We went for a 12km trek to let the dog swim but the water is rushing and full of massive ice blocks. <br /> Would love to post flowers for the #beachphotochallenge but flowers are a long way away here!<br /> #spring #springhassprung #springrunoff #springmelt #river #ice #treeline #getoutdoors #icanwithMS #fuckms

Spring melt. We went for a 12km trek to let the dog swim but the water is rushing and full of massive ice blocks.
Would love to post flowers for the #beachphotochallenge but flowers are a long way away here!
#spring #springhassprung #springrunoff #springmelt #river #ice #treeline #getoutdoors #icanwithMS #fuckms

by niktopian via Instagram

What does it take to ‘qualify’ as disabled? <br /> Canes do actually help. To go and sit between the wheelchairs at the c… https://t.co/5IFOmTQJV7

What does it take to ‘qualify’ as disabled?
Canes do actually help. To go and sit between the wheelchairs at the c… https://t.co/5IFOmTQJV7

by including_mimi via Twitter

I can run/bike 3000 mi. (fit15.org) with MS.

JonFranko

When I was told I had MS on January 15th, 2016, I thought my life was over.

But after a lot of research, finding a top-notch doc, connecting with some great MS mentors, and chewing on the news a bit – I decided it wasn’t.

This year (2017), to mark the anniversary of my diagnosis, I launched Fit15 — a year-long initiative of running and biking 1500 miles to raise $15K for MS research.

Within six months, I achieved both goals of mileage and fundraising. So now, well, I'm doubling the running and biking portion of it. Next stop: 3000 miles.

#icanwithms #tysabri Pedaled my cruiser to @PorterHospital for my 6th infusion. What works? Lifestyle choices and #tysabri.

#icanwithms #tysabri Pedaled my cruiser to @PorterHospital for my 6th infusion. What works? Lifestyle choices and #tysabri.

by getaholdofopie via Twitter

It took 2.5 days but I built an @IKEAUK flat pack wardrobe!!! I will go to hell for all the bestemmia

It took 2.5 days but I built an @IKEAUK flat pack wardrobe!!! I will go to hell for all the bestemmia

by DiStefano1410 via Twitter

I can Ride in the MS Bike Tour with MS.

Karen

I can Go kayaking with friends with MS.

 

Picture taken while out kayaking with friends on the Red River in Lockport, Manitoba, Canada

People say "body and mind" as if the two weren't intrinsically linked, but exercise is a huge mood boost. #icanwithMS #exercisematters

People say "body and mind" as if the two weren't intrinsically linked, but exercise is a huge mood boost. #icanwithMS #exercisematters

by humfreez via Twitter

I can STAND TALL &amp; BE PROUD with MS.

cklaffka@gmail.com

I Can Be a Good Friend, A GOOD LISTENER, ENJOY LIFE, LOVE - ALL THE MANY, MANY BEAUTIFUL SIGHTS & THINGS, I SEE IN LIFE. I AM A SURVIVOR

Grades in for last class, A-. Which brings my GPA to 3.06! Only 4 classes of my BS in HS left! #IcanwithMS

Grades in for last class, A-. Which brings my GPA to 3.06! Only 4 classes of my BS in HS left! #IcanwithMS

by lcolbeck2 via Twitter

Signed up for my 1st ultra, the Naked Bavarian 40 mile trail run. Sounds crazy, right? Consider this...it's a Hammer the Wall 2016 training run. Now that's crazy! #finishMS #LetsGoHOKA #HammerNutrition #ICanWithMS #hammerthewall

Signed up for my 1st ultra, the Naked Bavarian 40 mile trail run. Sounds crazy, right? Consider this...it's a Hammer the Wall 2016 training run. Now that's crazy! #finishMS #LetsGoHOKA #HammerNutrition #ICanWithMS #hammerthewall

by hammerthewall via Instagram

Last night Emma asked what I was going to be for Halloween; I told her I was going to be "awesome". Of course, she laughed. Today I took 15 minutes off of my 20 mile training run - I think that qualifies as awesome! #hammerthewall #HammerNutrition #finishMS #ICanWithMS #LetsGoHOKA

Last night Emma asked what I was going to be for Halloween; I told her I was going to be "awesome". Of course, she laughed. Today I took 15 minutes off of my 20 mile training run - I think that qualifies as awesome! #hammerthewall #HammerNutrition #finishMS #ICanWithMS #LetsGoHOKA

by hammerthewall via Instagram

I can Kayak with MS.

Tweedy

I learned to roll a kayak https://www.facebook.com/groups/67337026014/permalink/10153901072936015/

#ICanWithMS http://t.co/NBYoTDSOXh

#ICanWithMS http://t.co/NBYoTDSOXh

by theevilspawn via Twitter

I can THRIVE with #MS @ICanWithMS #2020<br /> <br /> #ICanWithMS

I can THRIVE with #MS @ICanWithMS #2020

#ICanWithMS

by pettigrew66 via Twitter

I can keep up with my crazy boys with MS.

Colin Goodman

I’m new to this MS scene. I was diagnosed on the 13th of March 2017 with MS. I have taken some the time to get my head around it and understand this condition.

It’s not all doom and gloom!

Im running, raising awareness and money for MS! Really loving life and never felt better!

Also started a Blog/Vlog (www.clearupthisms.com)

@ICanWithMS @shiftms @CathyChes @AbiBuddComms @MSenIt4life @iConquerMS I can SUCCEED with MS #ICANwithMS

@ICanWithMS @shiftms @CathyChes @AbiBuddComms @MSenIt4life @iConquerMS I can SUCCEED with MS #ICANwithMS

by MustStopMS via Twitter

I can still be my old sarcastic self with MS.

Kingpin55

When I need inspiration, I just watch the video of Richard Pryor's onstage description of his experience with MS.

I can progress &amp; impress with MS.

 

First week of being a senior in college done #IcanwithMS #UniversityofPhoenixclassof16

First week of being a senior in college done #IcanwithMS #UniversityofPhoenixclassof16

by lcolbeck2 via Twitter

Good 5 mile run after work; Harrisburg marathon training. Faster than a speeding...bulldozer?!? #hammerthewall #finishMS #LetsGoHOKA #HammerNutrition #ICanWithMS

Good 5 mile run after work; Harrisburg marathon training. Faster than a speeding...bulldozer?!? #hammerthewall #finishMS #LetsGoHOKA #HammerNutrition #ICanWithMS

by hammerthewall via Instagram

Not the best weather but I went for a short walk for the very first time since Mid-March, was very anxious before g… https://t.co/hWPCwJ5JeD

Not the best weather but I went for a short walk for the very first time since Mid-March, was very anxious before g… https://t.co/hWPCwJ5JeD

by nludlam84 via Twitter

I can Spend an entire day in bed with MS.

 

I can get married to my soul mate in 30 days!!! #ICanWithMS

I can get married to my soul mate in 30 days!!! #ICanWithMS

by Lagomacini via Twitter

I can play with my grand. daughter with MS.

 

@ICanWithMS I can train to be a yoga teacher #ICanWithMS

@ICanWithMS I can train to be a yoga teacher #ICanWithMS

by angelamcowan via Twitter

I can be an active Grandma with MS with MS.

 

Diagnosed in 2005, nearly blind with cognitive issues and all over body numbness, I continue to thrive while working full time, raised two children as a divorced mother, write every chance I get, am newly married and am enjoying my first grandchild with zero mobility issues (still). Live is good.

Training plan called for 17, was going to run 18, ended up running 20 - with some good hills! MS isn't stopping me; what's stopping you? #hammerthewall #finishMS #LetsGoHOKA #HammerNutrition #ICanWithMS

Training plan called for 17, was going to run 18, ended up running 20 - with some good hills! MS isn't stopping me; what's stopping you? #hammerthewall #finishMS #LetsGoHOKA #HammerNutrition #ICanWithMS

by hammerthewall via Instagram

Week 2 job went well. Next week will be my first full week. Still traveling for training though. #IcanwithMS

Week 2 job went well. Next week will be my first full week. Still traveling for training though. #IcanwithMS

by lcolbeck2 via Twitter

I can still take grand adventures with MS.

jrizaro

I was diagnosed in January 2017 and thought that the life I had known before, full of adventure and exploration would cease to exist.

While I'm still new to all of this, I've been inspired by seeing how much life other people with MS are still living, and how if anything, it sounds like they are thriving as well.

#ICanWithMS

I can love the World and exercise with MS.

MarikaSpb

Hello dear MS fellows! I was diagnosed with MS in 2000. After first shock and depression, which I experienced within 6 months, I felt that I was actually quite healthy:-))) and decided to keep living as full and intense as possible, for as long as I would be given. Thus, in year 2004 I started dong white water kayaking. I have been training 2-4 times a week since then. In 2013 I participated in the World master Games as a canoe slalom athlete, it was wonderful experience , very difficult though:-)) When I had MS attacks, I tried not to stop my usual life, but of course I was pushed to reduce intensity of the workouts. Now I am recovering after a most recent MS attack, and I am looking for the new challenges and methods of treatment and recovery. I believe they can be found not in the medicine, but in positive thinking, love, meditation, developing intuition and spiritual accomplishments. I wish all MS-fellows to rely on self-healing abilities of your body and spirit, pray and meditate, love the whole world and yourself! Stay fit, stay healthy!

I can Become a doctor with MS.

@lily_mccadam

@ICanWithMS #ICanWithMS #MS 1.Prayer http://t.co/tF5fSnnCNo 3.Nutrition http://t.co/fZLlKU7eLi 5.Laughter 6.Family 7. Friends 8. Exercise

@ICanWithMS #ICanWithMS #MS 1.Prayer http://t.co/tF5fSnnCNo 3.Nutrition http://t.co/fZLlKU7eLi 5.Laughter 6.Family 7. Friends 8. Exercise

by SarahHastings8 via Twitter

I just want to see again. #mswarrior #autoimmune #opticneuritis #msstrong #fuckms #visionloss #blind #multiplesclerosis #icanwithms

I just want to see again. #mswarrior #autoimmune #opticneuritis #msstrong #fuckms #visionloss #blind #multiplesclerosis #icanwithms

by CannaLisaLisa via Twitter

Got a job after 7 years. #IcanwithMS

Got a job after 7 years. #IcanwithMS

by lcolbeck2 via Twitter

Preparations underway for a 6-day hike in Ireland with my wife. Good luck and my condolences to my heart and lungs! #icanwithms

Preparations underway for a 6-day hike in Ireland with my wife. Good luck and my condolences to my heart and lungs! #icanwithms

by humfreez via Twitter

@ICanWithMS @MustStopMS @shiftms @CathyChes @MSenIt4life @iConquerMS I can be happy with MS #ICanwithMS

@ICanWithMS @MustStopMS @shiftms @CathyChes @MSenIt4life @iConquerMS I can be happy with MS #ICanwithMS

by AbiBuddComms via Twitter

@ICanWithMS I got back in the saddle! #ICanWithMS #MS #MultipleSclerosis #ActiveLiving4MS https://t.co/RPgezy5Cab

@ICanWithMS I got back in the saddle! #ICanWithMS #MS #MultipleSclerosis #ActiveLiving4MS https://t.co/RPgezy5Cab

by ActiveLiving4MS via Twitter

#ICanWithMS learning how to roll a kayak https://t.co/drp3LTFM5M https://t.co/NRsvTIaw4d

#ICanWithMS learning how to roll a kayak https://t.co/drp3LTFM5M https://t.co/NRsvTIaw4d

by cl3me via Twitter

This website was launched to give voice to all those who have not let multiple sclerosis define them. They are living life as fully as possible — and they’re inspiring others across the globe with the messages they share.

www.ICanWithMS.org is connected to www.mslivingwell.org, a site which has been a resource for multiple sclerosis information globally since 2008. Barry Singer, MD, a neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis, developed the sites to encourage those living with multiple sclerosis to be better informed about their healthcare options and to live better with MS. He is the Director of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri USA.


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