Note to readers - I might as well fess up...

 

I'm sure you've noticed the fall off in posts to THE WESTERNER.

The truth is I've been a sick puppy. The ms jerks in my legs became more frequent, and much more violent. So much so it through my back out. After about a week the pain migrated to include two right ribs. The thing I dreaded most was not additional jerks or making a wrong movement that would cause back spams. No, the thing that caused me the most discomfort was sneezing. I learned how to defend myself from the leg jerks and to only make slow and deliberate movements to lessen the chances of spasms. With sneezes, though, there is nothing you can do. There is just that terrible period as your body gets ready for what's coming and then boom, a series of sneezes and the most painful spasms you can imagine. I might add that being picked up in a hoyer lift was not a pleasant experience either.

To top it all off I learned Friday I had a bad urinary tract infection which explains which explains why I have felt so sickly during this episode.

Been surviving with muscle relaxants and a pure-wav back massager. The jerks are less frequent and less severe. The antibiotic is kicking in and the kid is feeling better.

I normally don't go public with my multiple sclerosis travails, but since this has had such a noticeable impact on my productivity, I thought I better share what was going on. Hope this will also answer the many inquiries I've received.