Moments with Dr. John Stanford with Attica Lundy Cooper January 20, 2016

I never tire of telling my story.  I had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed by Dr. Stanford on MJWJ Talk Radio.  Check it out

https://soundcloud.com/mjwj/moments-with-dr-john-stanford-with-attica-lundy-cooper-and-shade-y-adu-1-20-16

The Healing Aspects of Osha Root

When I first heard about Osha Root, it was from a clerk at Artemisia and Rue herb shop on Broadway Street in Denver.  I went in to ask about what I could take for the recent bronchitis scare I was experiencing.   The clerk told me how potent it was, and so I was eager to get some.  I purchased the herb with some others, and hurried off to begin treating my ailments.

To my joy, the Osha Root helped!  My husband boiled it for tea and the two of us began nursing ourselves back to health naturally once again.  I love it! This means no Thera-Flu or cough medicines.

Though I'm thrilled about my recent find, I don't want to pass on this information without giving you more information about it. It's a very strong herb that has been used by the Native American's in my part of the country for a long time.

This is a VERY popular herb and Native American tradition assigns much therapeutic effect to this plant. Osha Root is a Native American herb, and so that's perfect for me because I'm of Native American decent.  This important Native American herb is a wild-crafted plant, found at very high elevations west of the Black Hills. Some people call this Bear Root and some people call it Snake Root.  It has a very strong odor, something like a spicy celery like scent.

For medicinal applications, this American Indian herb can be brewed as a herbal remedy for relieving respiratory disorders and fevers.

Osha Root can also be used to flavor traditional smoking mixtures.

In ceremony, pieces of the root are burned on the hot rocks during sweat lodge as part of Native American ceremonial smudging.

Osha might be safe for most adults.  However there is special precautions and warnings for pregnant women.  This herb is really strong.  For women pregnant or breastfeeding, it's unsafe to take Osha.  It might cause menstruation if you are pregnant and this might cause a miscarriage.  Avoid use.  It's not known if its safe to use osha during breastfeeding. To stay on the safe side, please don't use it during this time either.

Fore more info click here:

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-959-osha.aspx?activeingredientid=959&activeingredientname=osha

Happy Birthday to me! I made it to 43! No Roommates Today.

Happy Birthday to me! I made it to 43!

I finally got a callback from the neurology office!  The celebration was short lived, though. Come to find out, I have one type of medicaid and they accept only a different type of medicaid.  Arghhhhhhh.

So here I am with more prescriptions.  I don't really want to talk about it too much.  I'm feeling a bit discouraged because I put myself through so much physically and now that all is said and done I'm lost.  I don't know who my neuro is, I don't know what my brain is looking like because I can't get a MRI, and I'm finding myself at a place that I just want everything to be "normal" again.

Yes, more prescriptions.  It would seem that I got myself in yet ANOTHER big, bad roommate situation with people being abusive.  This time hubby and I shared a space with other people again who initially seemed to be a good fit but we soon found out to not be such a good fit with me emotionally, which hindered my health.  Long story short, a man repeatedly talked harsh to his wife to the extent that I would say is clinically abusive.  I stayed out of it and didn't mettle, but holding my tongue about it and my concern was stressing me out.  I'm used to living in a controlled zen environment, which was what we agreed to (again).  When time had passed, I finally spoke out about it and he said in my opinion despite the fact that he assured me it was not.  Having been in abusive situations in the past, this triggered some symptoms and once again, I took a setback.  In efforts to share costs and be able to save, the health risk isn't worth it and we have now parted ways.  In just a few days the couple was gone, without a word.  I was always available for counseling despite the fact I was getting sick, but it was not requested.  All you can do is let go and let GOD sometimes.  And so for my birthday, it's just hubby and I and I am happy that I can finally relax.  I'll go more into this situation on another post, as I have to get my files together, etc and but needless to say AGAIN I am very happy to be back in just a space with my husband and I.  We have never really had a space where it was just the two of us.  I'm hoping we can see what isolation for me will do in terms of turning around my health declines.

My husband takes me out to be around glass. I've been accompanying my husband in the glass industry for a few years now, whenever I can.  There is so much to learn about.  I find that though I know a lot about what he knows, my memory is horrible and I can't ever remember enough to really consult people on my own.  Sometimes I think about why I can't be in the work force.  I mean, it's fun and all to earn a paycheck but nobody will hire me knowing how unpredictable my condition is.  They wouldn't understand "I'm tired and I don't feel like doing anything" and that be okay.  They won't understand "I zone out all day" and be okay with it.  They would not be fine with "I just need to take a nap right now so I can tune out this pain" if there was still work to do or people to service.  I could never work in retail like the glass industry head shops  because for one, I can't remember product information, I forget to record sales,  I have to sometimes just be by myself and go into my own head or take naps sometimes frequently and unsuspecting, my hands can jerk and I can break glass, people sometimes give me anxiety, I can't complete tasks in a timely manner, etc.  Nothing has changed to the point that I can do anything independently and that is annoying because some of the jobs I see actually look interesting.  Now that we have more isolation, I can get some rest.  This is temporary, as we are still on our journey to housing but we are in a better position.  I really appreciate everyone who has helped us to get here, the latest being a dear sister friend who says she prefers to be anonymous.  We try to eat very organic foods, herbs, essential oils, etc and that is expensive, too.

Today is my 43rd birthday and I just want to be happy.  I've been through a lot in the past few years and today is my day to connect with my children, to take care of myself, and to be loved by my husband and those that send me well wishes.

So No Roommates Today

And #kochecooper (my service animal) gets his own bed :) He's the perfect roommate for now.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse please do not hesitate to connect with DearTrapMary@gmail.com if you need someone to talk to, etc.

Lost And Found

I'm in a scary place, honestly. At times. I've not been seen by a neurologist and I don't know what's going on with me exactly, if anything.  I'm kind of in a fog but I'm still having to take the lead on my life, so not a lot is getting accomplished. My motivation is low.

I've spent time trying to get my children's medical needs squared away. Being out of town and away from them is difficult. Being low on funds and not having a home yet is difficult.

Been in bed all day on the one day we were at the hotel. Resting. Dreaming. People in and out but I cannot stop falling deeper into this hard mattress and deeper thinking about marketing lol. Today has been bittersweet... Got rest but I really do love being on Broadway, so I missed it lol.

My head hurts but still no pills. I refuse. I did have to take headache powder (I know, same thing) but no zans, no norco, no everything else. Solomente cannabis.

"You cannot want to heal yourself if you are not willing to do research". I cant pretend that everyone with MS that doesnt come to a safe access state doesnt want to be healed. Finances are a major concern. But if chemo was only available in some " legal" states, how many people wouldnt come then. I'm just saying. Priorities and mindset. As long as my kids are okay (and they are) , I'm going to continue to let GOD heal my body and mind organically. I'm in Denver where there is safe access and have already been blessed to be back in the smoke shop industry.

See..Its about glass, and we love glass. I support it. Glass has been instrumental in my healing. No needles.

Love and light, peace and blessings... Walk in faith.

Why I don't take MS meds- Aubagio Rant

So I'm not being medicated right now.  I went to a new doctor recently.  He gave me Baclofen for my muscle issues and referred me to a neuro.  The issue is I can't get the doctor's office to send my referral over to the neuro that he referred me to.  I have called three times since the date of my appointment which was October 9, 2015.  Since then I cannot get a referral and it's so aggravating.  I told the doctor that I needed a neuro and a shrink and because his office won't send the referral over to the neuro, i'm pretty much stuck.  I don't know how insurance out here works, but this is ridiculous. Plus I don't even know if this neuro works with MS patients.  I'm feeling lost in the system.....again.

I know I need a MRI.  My head is hurting as I type this.  So aggravating that I can't get the medical help I need, which is one of the other reasons I've been taking control of my MS. "Feel Me" when I say I am so tired of these medications with a billion side effects, anyway. I received an email with Madeline Stowe, who happens to be an actress I really like.  She is a spokeswoman for MS as well.  Well, I'm not sure how FOR MS she really is after I saw what she was presenting.  Her dad had MS so she's really trying to help, but she's pushing a new medication called AUBAGIO® This medicine has so many side effects.  The presentation goes on to say it's not just risky for women who plan to get pregnant, but also for men who have partners that plan to get pregnant, and damaging to the liver.  They even have a special registry for pregnant women.  WTF is this medicine?!

This is why I am speaking out.  I trusted Madeline, to an extent.  I never thought she'd suggest something harmful, but this medication is just that. Harmful. As if MS patients haven't had enough harm done already. This is why more celebrities and government need to support medical cannabis (marijuana) .  Marijuana does not kill, it heals.  And even this Baclofen I've been prescribed to take has side effects, though not as much as AUBAGIO®.  With Baclofen, Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, headache, trouble sleeping, nausea, increased urination, or constipation may occur.  Right now the only alternative is Baclofen or severe body cramps. Or cannabis. 

I'm testing out different strains of cannabis.  So far "Wheelchair" is helping with pain and "Purple Bush" is working out okay.  There are some pain patches I'd like to try but finances for cannabis are very limited.  Broadway Smoke Shop is still donating a percentage of sales that are made on the days when Jesus and I can go there, and so that's really been helping with living expenses including my cannabis treatments. AUBAGIO® causes liver damage, and so do a lot of other MS designated medications. Risk of liver damage is what got me off all of the medications before.  I'm saddened to see an actress I like promote this treatment, but as of right now they have findings that it's helping.  

INDICATION

AUBAGIO^® (teriflunomide) is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DO NOT TAKE AUBAGIO IF YOU:

• Have severe liver problems. AUBAGIO may cause serious liver problems, which can be life-threatening. Your risk may be higher if you take other medicines that affect your liver. Your healthcare provider should do blood tests to check your liver within 6 months before you start AUBAGIO and monthly for 6 months after starting AUBAGIO. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of these symptoms of liver problems: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes, or dark urine.
• Take a medicine called leflunomide for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Are pregnant. AUBAGIO may harm an unborn baby. You should have a pregnancy test before starting AUBAGIO. After stopping AUBAGIO, continue to use effective birth control until you have made sure your blood levels of AUBAGIO are lowered. If you become pregnant while taking AUBAGIO or within 2 years after stopping, tell your healthcare provider right away and enroll in the AUBAGIO Pregnancy Registry at 1-800-745-4447, option 2.
• Are of childbearing potential and not using effective birth control.

AUBAGIO may stay in your blood for up to 2 years after you stop taking it. Your healthcare provider can prescribe a medicine that can remove AUBAGIO from your blood quickly.

Before taking AUBAGIO, talk with your healthcare provider if you have: liver or kidney problems; a fever or infection, or if you are unable to fight infections; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet that is different from your MS symptoms; diabetes; serious skin problems when taking other medicines; breathing problems; or high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider will check your blood cell count and TB test before you start AUBAGIO. Talk with your healthcare provider if you take or are planning to take other medicines (especially medicines for treating cancer or controlling your immune system), vaccines, vitamins or herbal supplements.

AUBAGIO may cause serious side effects, including: reduced white blood cell count — this may cause you to have more infections; numbness or tingling in your hands or feet that is different from your MS symptoms; serious skin problems; breathing problems (new or worsening); and high blood pressure.

The most common side effects when taking AUBAGIO include: headache; diarrhea; nausea; upset stomach; hair thinning or loss; and abnormal liver test results. These are not all the side effects of AUBAGIO. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you.

Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your health or any medications you may be taking, including AUBAGIO.

You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please click here for full Prescribing Information, including boxed WARNING and Medication Guide.

Medical Badges and Slurred Speech

Today I saw a really cool medical badge.

It says "THE BEST MEDICAL ID BRACELET I HAVE FOUND! YOU CAN SET UP YOUR ENTIRE MEDICAL RECORD WHERE IF SOMETHING HAPPENS ALL THE MEDICS HAVE TO DO IS SCAN YOUR BARCODE AND THEY HAVE ALL THE INFO AT THEIR FINGERTIPS! BEST PART IS THEY COME IN ALL SIZES, COLORS, AND STYLES! I LOVE MY ENDVR BRACELET! MINE WAS $20 GET 20% OFF TODAY BY TYPING DIABETES20 IN THE PROMOCODE! www.endevr.com/store/?af=werenotdrunkweha "

I love this idea. When I first had my initial MS flare up, the first thing I told my boss was "I AM NOT DRUNK" . I was petrified and didn't know what was going on with me but needed her to know that I wasn't drunk.  Oftentimes people may confuse the slurred speech of a multiple scleroses patient with that of a drunk person's speech, but it is not.

Speech disorders are very common with MS.  The brain stem has a lot to do with it.  With MS, you have lesions in different parts of the brain and that can cause changes in the speech pattern.  It could be very mild and almost undetectable or it can be darn right outrageous and uncontrollable. I've had moments where I've even had something that sounded like Turrets.  There's nothing quite like having your tongue, mouth, cheeks, face go numb.  When tremors are apparent it's almost impossible to get things sounding "normal".

For me, when I notice it, I automatically try to slow my speaking down.  I've been to speech therapy before and it helped a lot with coping with speech problems period.  I also have bouts where my accent will change, but i'm used to that also. 

So when you hear me slurred out, just know I'm not drunk. I'm just being me. 

Restroom Breaks

I've spent all morning in and out of the restroom. Tummy issues this time. In not complaining; this is typical for me and so many other MS patients. Already 7 trips. So far no bladder issues but definitely bowel issues.

We are still seeking housing. I really need my own restroom. Carrying back and forth supplies to the restroom is tiring. Mainly baby wipes.  I miss the comfort of having a home.

I lay down while typing this knowing I need to once again go to the restroom. Its exhausting, though. But necessary. Prayers.