What do you do for self-care?

[CJinNM]

I made an appointment for a massage for myself for tomorrow afternoon so I could head into the weekend relatively stress free. Every time I go get a massage, I get a little uptight about the therapist working on my lower back as she inevitably comes in contact with the top of my diaper and the plastic rustling noise is quite obvious even though my bottom is covered by the sheet. She's been so cool about it so far and just goes about her business as though it doesn't bother her at all..........probably because it doesn't. Each time I go, it gets less uncomfortable and I get less self-conscious. I make sure I've gone to the bathroom as much as I can and that I'm in a completely dry diaper before we begin which I feel is my responsibility and obligation to the therapist working on me. It's also been good practice for me to have to confront my own stigmatizing thoughts about incontinence because I get a little more desensitized each time I go. Massages are once again back on my list of good self-care activities as a result. I really thought I had to give up getting massages when I lost my bladder control but it really isn't a big deal at all anymore (I admit, this has taken a while....). I've told her many times and she just brushes it off each time, but I hope my massage therapist knows what a big deal it is to me that her professionalism has helped give me an important part of my life back.

Other things I do for self-care....
going to the gym to work out
getting acupuncture
riding my motorcycle or taking a drive
working on my cars
going to movies (with friends or alone)
spending time with friends laughing
cooking a truly great meal and then savoring it

What do you guys all do??

CJ

[wheels5894]

Mmmm.... well the things you mention are mainly ordinary tasks and activities that everyone does. I am the same. I'm a wheelchair user so go everywhere around my small town by wheels. It's good for muscles. Other than that I keep house, cook, shop wash etc. for my wife and we go places together. (I drive and adapted car).

I haven't tried massage or any sort of treatment as MS is, really untreatable so I just get on with life and keep the weight off as it's more to push around.

[4wheeldave]

Same for me as far as going most places by wheelchair. I did try hydrotherapy once a few years back but it made my legs even worse.
Massage might be good to experience so who knows.
It is hard to keep ones weight down I am about thirteen stone but every bit helps when in a chair. My quickie xenon is about 9KG which is very light and easy to self propel except for steep slopes etc.

4wheeldave.

[wheels5894]

I managed to lose 3 stone of weight by following a diet. Look for MyFitnessPal as a phone app or a website.

[msshendo]

Wheels, my wife and I are also using MyFitnessPal. We both love it. She started using it to track her carbs for her insulin since she is Type 1 diabetic. Now I am tracking my food for weight loss.

[wheels5894]

Wheels, my wife and I are also using MyFitnessPal. We both love it. She started using it to track her carbs for her insulin since she is Type 1 diabetic. Now I am tracking my food for weight loss.

I'm wheels5894 on MyFitnessPal but haven't put any food down for a while as I am hovering around 11st - right on the border of underweight. (Sorry!)

[Patrick]

I enjoy gardening. When my neighbors see me walking down our street with my bag of produce, they all run inside and lock their doors. In the past five years I have grown chives, onions, annual flowers, spinach, red and white potatoes, rhubarb, asparagus, zuccini, tomatoes, and, this year, pumpkins, which are dominating the whole garden. On a cold winter evening, I especially enjoy treating myself to a glass of brandy, some cheese and crackers, and a good book.

[msshendo]

Patrick if you walked up to my door with a basket of fresh veggies like that I would welcome you with open arms.

[wheels5894]

Patrick if you walked up to my door with a basket of fresh veggies like that I would welcome you with open arms.

Me too!!!!

[schoppy]

Fresh Veggies, YUMMMMMM
Im getting hungry just thinking about them.