Embrace the Journey: Lost Skills? Finding Them! A Curated Blog

Entering Bazaar venue

I thought I had lost my capability to do two of my favorite activities due to MS. I had already discovered losing things like clapping to music, throwing a ball, and bicycling. But, realizing I couldn’t move with the music to dance and coordinate my movements to swim, really hit me hard. 

I was devastated. I felt awkward, off beat and unbalanced trying to do either. Sometimes, swimming was downright scary and always frustrating. I grieved over this new normal. Gradually, I quit trying to do either of them.

 

 

 

 

Performers at Bazaar

It’s only been In the last few years that I’ve noticed a small, positive change. On our recent cruise to the Caribbean the native music energized me. I could feel the beat and my feet wanted to move. 

One venue called The Bazaar, (dining, bar, night club type) was calling me. The vibrant colors, happy music and welcoming culture surrounded us upon approaching. It was like a magnet drawing all visitors into the wonder. 

I responded confidently, to an irresistable urge to get on the dance floor. In the beginning, I was tentative, but as I settled in with the beat and felt the rhythm take over, I surprised myself. I was moving in all directions, backward, forward and laterally. I didn’t fall or even come close! It was so much fun I went back for more later in the week.

Me and the pool

My swimming adventure developed just as I had planned. The ship pool was ideal for my purposes. The water was pleasantly warm, beautiful and inviting. I did my pool work early in the morning when only a few other swimmers were exercising. 

Actually swimming is still not available to me but, I’m improving. I’m challenged with coordinating my stroke with breathing and kicking. After a few strokes, everything gets wonky and discombobulated. My legs start sinking, my mouth takes in water so that I can’t breathe and then I  panic until I touch bottom. If it’s too deep, I dog paddle to the side and regroup. I started my new journey with swimming last last summer at the beach. So I was prepared with exercises to do in the pool.

Doing pool exercises

We  swam everyday both on the cruise and during our week in Florida. With daily practice, my crawl stroke improved tremendously and my backstroke is now respectable. I go farther and coordination is improving. 

I organized the other exercises into a routine that’s challenging and fun. Legs, arms, chest and abdominals all get worked thoroughly. The water is great! because there’s no stress on joints. Plus, it’s great for balance and movement, and offers a really good calorie burn. We must find a way to incorporate swimming into our total exercise program.

Celebrity Excel in background

Why didn’t I start this great therapy earlier? One change is a year-round accessible pool at our gym. Donnie also needs the pool therapy so together we figured out how to make it fun. Now, I’m definitely committed. Getting started on the cruise was a big positive. Also, I think my body was needing something new and different. Whatever, I’m delighted and continuing to see good results for my efforts.

Walking is my Go-to

While balance and movement in general seem to be improved, the big surprise is that walking keeps getting better. My legs are definitely getting stronger and my body feels more stable moving around on land. 

The foot and ankle are moving with better coordination. We have noticed fewer incidents where the toe drags forward making me trip. I’m really glad I am beginning to find both dancing and swimming again. Perhaps the most important lesson is to keep trying.