Living with Multiple Sclerosis - Exercise!

[vancouverislandbass]

I'm not trying to be a mean guy here. I'm trying to help you as I'm trying to help everyone here. You are a beautiful girl with such an amazing heart and I don't want to see you suffer.

[vancouverislandbass]

Listen. You don't have to live like this! It makes me so sad seeing so many people with MS.

MS IS HEAVY METAL IN YOUR BODY WRECKING HAVOC ON EVERY ORGAN AND BODY PART. It;s stored in your organs and tissue since birth.

[thelegendfabregas]

hello lauren :D

i'm ahmad from lebanon i had MS since may 2010 i'm 20 years old now . well i do exercises but not with a scheduled time and i do random exercises.

i just need a set of exercises to stick on to.

Thank GOD i can walk for like 20 minutes before my right leg gets tired.

i'm happy to see you getting better and putting on videos and all :)

[WatWarrior22]

GOD BLESS YOU 

[laurenvparrott]

@WatWarrior22 God Bless You too!

[MsDivaJuly]

wow Lauren, look at all the MSers you have located!!! I just got my webcam, even though i dont know how to use it as much as you lol I will learn. I am a differant MSer, I have RRMS dx July of 09 and I cant say it has changed my life but made me aware of my body. I have been through CRAB but now I recently got blood work done and found out that these types of meds dont work for me. I am in the process of getting my insurance to authorize the Gineya new oral med for my last I will try eliptical

[sherokpazoor]

My exercises include, standing with my legs togeather for 50 sec, standing on 1 leg ;each for 50 sec, walking side ways from 1 end of my room to other,walking backwards, spining, hopping, jumping, running against the wall, sit ups, & finally a few streach excerise & remember (winners never quit & quiters never win)

[laurenvparrott]

@sherokpazoor I love that!! I think it's great! You're so right...winners never quit, and quitters never win!

[MsDivaJuly]

this has inspired me to exercise with MS and not be afraid of falling..dx july 09

[laurenvparrott]

@MsDivaJuly That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!

[MsDivaJuly]

this has inspired me to exercise with MS and not be afraid of falling..dx july 09

[miraangela]

hi lauren...how long have you been living with MS? can you share your first time MS symptoms?? i'm surprised to see your video, you even can do the exercise :) is everything going well on your movement? i'm now experiencing the optic neurtis for the 3rd times, the neurologist suspects me an MS, but the MRI result was normal...so i need lots of info about this things...

cheers,

mira

[laurenvparrott]

@miraangela Hello! I've been living with MS for about 10 years. My first symptoms were drop foot in my left foot, fatigue and extreme emotions.

I'm doing extremely well! I'm getting my 31st infusion of Tysabri at this moment! I wish you the best with everything! Please keep in t ouch!

Take care,

Lauren

[alma4me]

Hi Lauren, can U let me know how long have you been using the elyptical and/or how long do U stay on it B-4 you cannot do anymore?

Best wishes,

Rania

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Rania! I've been using the elliptical as an exercise for 5 years. I usually stay on for 30 minutes, but if I'm too hot or too tired I'll go on for sometimes 5 or 10 minutes. If I'm well rested and it's cold outside, I can go for about 40 minutes, but not every day. I get between 20-30 minutes every day. I hope you're doing well!

[notapplicable66]

Lauren sounds like your machine needs a dose of WD-40! lol!

[laurenvparrott]

Hahaha I know!

[petetheweet]

Is it easy for you to get off that machine? I ask because I like to cycle, but I must rest before getting off my bike because my legs turn to jelly and I feel I could fall over.

Pete (RRMS)

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Pete! I have to get off the machine very slowly and take my time. Then I usually have to hold onto walls and walk it off for a few minutes because my legs turn to jelly too. I hope you're doing well during the summer heat!

[petetheweet]

Luckily I live in Ireland where it is mostly cold! It's funny cos all my life I've cursed our bad weather, but since my diagnosis last month I'm glad of it! :-)

I've watched lots of your videos today, I think they're very helpful and you're a strong person with a great attitude towards our unfortunate condition. Keep it up.

[notapplicable66]

Exercise helps by raising endorphin levels. Gatorade helps by giving you electrolytes. Water helps by hydrating you and supplying oxygen to red blood cells. Vitamin B-12(Methylcobalamin) helps give red blood cells energy. Glutathione raises energy levels and protects cells from free radicals. All of these things help energy levels. MS is not just a disease that affects white blood cells, but red blood cells as well.

[laurenvparrott]

Wow you sure are knowledgeable - thanks for the information!

[ExNihiloJimmy]

Can you elaborate on how it effects blood cells?

[notapplicable66]

MS affects white blood cells and red blood cells. Having MS I have noticed that my skin seems thinner and I cut and bruise more easily than before, and it takes longer for them heal and go away. (Anyone else notice that?) I swear we are broader line anemic. Which can explain also why we get tired a lot.

[ExNihiloJimmy]

Far out, I didn't know it had these effects. Thanks dude.

[petetheweet]

I've noticed I bruise very easily too, but I guess that could be because my legs are numb and I don't feel as much pain as I probably should, like "Oh but it only felt like a light bump".

It is interesting that you mentioned anemia... My mother was anemic and she suffered from the same "restless legs" problem as me.

[notapplicable66]

Feeling more numb could be part of it. I have to watch myself in the shower otherwise I could burn myself. But not all my body feels the same. It's like in patches. Which makes sense because we have areas of inflammation in our brain and other parts are normal. I do feel though we are all borderline anemic because our red blood cells have been affected as well. This has a lot to do with our energy problems.

[petetheweet]

Yeah I think you've made a good point... Is this common knowledge? Oh and regarding burning yourself in the shower, you're probably better to have cold/tepid showers because our symptoms tend to worsen with the heat.

[notapplicable66]

I used to get restless legs off and on. But since I take magnesium and do leg stretches I haven't had it happen again. This also seems to help my sciatic nerve which used to flare up off and on.

[erikahilton]

haha i have really bad ms and i try to go walking every day and if i need to rest i just sit and rest and then keep on going and whne it get too hot i try to go swiming....good luck

[laurenvparrott]

That's awesome - good for you! I do the same thing...there are times when I either can't even go on the elliptical, or I have to stop after a few minutes. I wish you the best!

[mdn7826]

Lauren Thank you very much for yuor videos.They are very encouraging to anyone that is facing lifes hardships.You are truly an ispirational young lady.also you are very funny and pretty.

[laurenvparrott]

Oh my gosh, that is so sweet! Thank you very much!

[coolbluegatorade6225]

omgggg thank youuu i laughed sooo hard wen u said u jus want to slap the ppl on biggest loser becuz i feel the saaaaame way!!!!! i havent been able to run since december becuz i jus found out about some lesions in my brain .. not sure if its ms yet ..

[laurenvparrott]

Hahaha I know it makes me so mad! Good luck with everything - if you have any questions please write to me!

[MultipleSclerosis101]

Well done! This is absolutely the way forward. EXERCI SE!!!! MS doesn't have to be a death sentence - there is a way forward ........get to a gym. I made a website 'Ucanexercisewithms' check it out! Youtube is a great way to go with all our successes and failiures!

[laurenvparrott]

Thanks for your comment! I just sent you a message too!

[lameshe24]

Hi Lauren...I'm Chantelle...

I am 20 years old and was just diagnosed with MS 3 days ago. i am so scared and unsure of what to expect. I just wanted to say thank you. I am so inspired by you and look up to your positive attitude. I feel a little better being able to relate to someone close to my age. You have definitely made me see the brighter side of this and I wanted to say thank you. My parents are buying me an elliptical this week, and I'm getting started right away! Well, take care!

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Chantelle! Thank you so much for writing! That made me so happy! I know it's easy to say this, but you're going to be FINE! I'm 25 years old but I've had MS since I was 16 and I'm doing great!! I'm so excited that you're going to get an elliptical - your parents are awesome!

If you EVER have questions or need to talk, please write to me!! Good luck with everything!

Lauren :)

[rondo196246]

well done lauren

i agree this is the best way for us MSers to stay mobile.

I too work out at gym & swim #3X aweek!

yes i get tired too!!!

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you! That's great that you work out and swim 3x a week! Best wishes!

[najeebputhiyallam]

hahaha nice vdo.. nice presentation :-) feels naturality :-P

[laurenvparrott]

Oh thank you! :)

[MsGirlOnline]

HAHAHA Oh my! what a funny opening!! *squeek squeek* *huff huff* *squeek* You took advantage of my naughty mind! but anyway, lovely video, I must run now, late for class!! bye!

[laurenvparrott]

Hahaha...you're not the first person to say that! I hope class went well!

[amigoo45]

I love your positivity Lauren. Take it easy on your self and try to live away from MS for a while , forget that you have it. i've been living with it for 5 years now and thats the only thought that helped...thinking out of MS, im normal , i have nothing cause i still have the spirit. yes i do have very bad times, but i live them and i get out quick. wish you best and everyone out there who share us the same fate. bless you all. Ahmed form UK.

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you! I do try and forget that I have MS as much as I can...you're right, I have bad times too but I also try to get out quick! God Bless!

[paulohumemoto]

I'm gonna keep this video on my favorites folder, Lauren. And everytime I feel lazy or not like going to the gym, I know I'm gonna watch it and go workout! Thank you!!!

[laurenvparrott]

Oh great! I'm so glad! It's so nice to hear from you Paulo!! I hope you're doing well!

[BretagneShrew]

I think the same way, I don't watch the biggest loser but when friends are lazy and have no motivation and not excersising or doing anything I feel like yelling at them "you have a perfectly healthy body! If I had that I would be literally climbing mountains right now!" then I remember I didn't appreciate health nearly as much when I had it.

xx

[laurenvparrott]

Exactly! That's what I think when I watch the show, or see people who are perfectly capable to exercise and don't, and are really unhealthy. It really bothers me. Thank you for your comment!

[teslagirlM]

This video is so cute! I love it. What is the biggest Loser, a show? I'm afraid to know, actually.

Keep up the excercise! You look great!

Marlo

xx

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Marlo! Thank you! Yes, "The Biggest Loser" is a show where people compete to see who can lose the most amount of weight. It's very motivating! I hope you are well :)

[Grizzmyster]

Whats up my homeslice nugget from another kfc bucket... ;) Hope you have been doing well. I liked your video it gives great inspiration, and motivation. Thank you... ;)

Your Animal Friend,

The Grizz

[laurenvparrott]

Hey...hahah you are so funny homeslice - Thank you for your comment!

[Entropy56]

Just thought I'd mention that rebounding (on a mini trampoline) is also a good way to mildly exercise. It is good for the lymph system. I was getting swollen ankles from lack of movement and rebounding has removed my swelling. You don't have to bounce too high or have your feet leave the mat the benefit from the up and down movement.

[laurenvparrott]

What a great idea - it's low impact and great for the body! Thanks for mentioning it! I'm so glad it removed your swelling.

[memama2]

~WHEN I FIRST!~heard the "sqeaking" ~~I GOT WORRIED!!~~and then I finally saw the Eliptical and said ~~Wweeeehh!!~~I was not sure WHICH Youtube I had punched on for viewing!~~then it was YOU!`~Lauren!~~I REALLY have a hard time with fatigue and it is so helpful when I can walk on the Beach sand or when a golf course nearby closes for "snow" I can walk on the level cart trails!~~I live in a rural area with cougars and bears and a scary road ...so I HAVE to go places or my treadmill!GOODjob!Lauren

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you so much! hahah I know, it's weird to hear the noise but not see me! I'm glad you have places to go to and a tredmill - that's great!

[jojobajuice]

You're amazing!!! I watch your videos in awe! Every video including the one that had you narrating the story of the rude lady in the queue for the restroom, you're always smiling. You really are an inspiration to me. I have been diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS. I was diagnosed in 2005 at the age of 20. I'm from England but I feel really uplifted when I watch your videos because you're so positive. Thank you Lauren. God bless you.

[laurenvparrott]

Oh thank you so much for your kind comment! That made me feel so great!! God Bless :)

[dmslova]

work it girl!

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you!

[ToriUTK]

Hey Lauren! I hope all is well!!

What kind of elliptical is that? It looks comfortable...if you know what I mean. Mine makes HUGE strides. I am so short it's like cardio and stretching all at the same time! Anyway...happy new year!!!

[laurenvparrott]

Hey! It's a Horizon Elliptical. I'm 5'8" but I can see how it would be like stretching if you are a little shorter - that's not a bad thing though!!! Happy New Year!

[ToriUTK]

I am 5'3 on a good day... with shoes on..haha.

How long do you usually go on the elliptical? I just had my first exacerbation and have recovered 99%..but am a little afraid to get back on the horse so to speak. :-D

[laurenvparrott]

haha you're funny - I usually go on for 30 minutes at a time. My relapse started at the end of July in 2007, and I didn't get a great workout until the end of January in 2008. I hope that makes you feel better!

[xdarthduckiex]

You have the right idea!! :)

I've been a bit lazy, but I really need to also start doing something to keep my muscles moving as best as possible. I hope you had a great christmas and new years! ^_^

[laurenvparrott]

Thanks! I have lazy days too but I always try to keep my muscles moving :) I hope you had a great Christmas and New Years as well!!

[macycj]

I just bought a exercise ball,and started using it the other day.I do see some change in my energy level.

which is good cause my two lil ones keep me busy.

keep up the good work!!

hugs,

aly

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Aly! That's great! I bet your kids keep you very busy!!

xoxo

Lauren

[angelusa73]

Great job, Lauren!

I agree with you and I exercise every day to keep going, to keep moving and to keep strong!

Exercise gives me a lot more energy too!

Great advice!

Ciao,

Angela

[laurenvparrott]

Ciao Angela!! Yes, exercising definitely keeps me strong and gives me more energy too!

[7mumfred7]

hey Lauren - you were only just warming up the elliptical, right ?

:o)

[laurenvparrott]

Hey Steve - yeah I was just warming up. I continued for another 20 minutes!

[7mumfred7]

another 20 minutes !?!

do the Detroit Lions know about this endurance ?

[laurenvparrott]

hahahah...I think their record answers that question!!

[brookspers]

looking great Lauren. I think exercise is very important. I feel so much better being active. Winter is hard on me.

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you Brooks! It is so important to exercise - I feel better too. The summer is harder for me than the winter. I wish you the best this winter!

[avrillavigneissexy]

Hehe Lauren! This had me Laugh! Whats the loser or something i just dident get that bit.

Happy new year to you and your familey.

[laurenvparrott]

Hi Aiden! "The Biggest Loser" is a reality show where people compete to see who loses the most weight. It's a great show!! Happy New Year sweetie!

[carlogiovanni]

I loved this video Lauren :P Happy New Year!

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you Carl!! Happy 2009!

[dmplaura]

Hell yeah exercise and diet!!! :)

[laurenvparrott]

That's right!

[WORRO01]

goooooooood night woman,,,just doing that and talking at the same time was great! keep it up!! I want a treadmill, i think that would help me a lots.

[laurenvparrott]

Oh thank you :) I'm sure it would! A tredmill would be great!

[MandaJean14]

Great Job Lauren, Way too motivate others:-)

[laurenvparrott]

Thank you!

[nightgangl7]

happy new year sweetie , god bless you are so strong ! i want an eliptical machine there awesome!

[laurenvparrott]

Happy New Year!! Thank you so much! Oh they're awesome - I LOVE my elliptical!