This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

I know we all have varying levels of ability, MS or not. But I'm here to tell you. Try yoga. Find a DVD that you like and you can do at home if you're not up for a class.

Personally, I always resist yoga because it seems so "inactive." But I've been feeling so tight and tired lately and this morning, just threw on my beginner yoga DVD. After two 20-minute sessions, I'm relaxed and stoned on endorphins!

I don't want to push any particular DVD but the one I like best so far is simply called "A.M. and P.M. Yoga for Beginners". Even if you only do the 20-minute A.M. session, and even if you can't do all of it, you'll definitely notice a benefit.

If you have a DVD that you like, please let me know what it is.

I think I must try yoga. My sister has been saying so for several years now. She also has ms, was diagnosed 35 years ago, had an "attack" that put her in a wheelchair for a year and has never had another. She is an RN, but this was long before LP (lumbar puncture- spinal tap) diagnosis (I bekieve) Shedoes have lowered energy level still but loves yoga. Stay with it.

You are a RUNNER! I once did my daily mile or two but nothing serious. Are you stablized so that you can do it when you want? I will be thrilled if I can get both feet off the floor someday. Now I am delighted to be walking without help.

Katman,

I have several friends (without MS) who have suggested yoga - physical benefits as well as well-being type benefits. I think the national yoga organisations have some classes / instructors with an MS focus.

I found it interesting that your sister has MS. I know of several other members of this site who have a sibling / parent also with MS. This certainly would appear to point to a genetic susceptibility with a trigger (e.g. environmental factor). I know research has been done into families with more than one case of MS, but such cases must point to possible triggers e.g. childhood / adult illneses such as EBV.

Your sister has certainly had an unusual disease course - an attack 35 years ago and none since. If only they could come up with a disease modifying drug with that sort of effectiveness!

All the best

Bromley

Yoga has made a big difference for me!

Sep2003 a wicked bout of optic neuritis, followed by severe fatigue, weakness, and vertigo, left me at home on disability for 6months.

I went from active to not being able to carry a load of laundry up the stairs without feeling like I was going to collapse.

I was going crazy at home, and frustrated at my lake of activity. House bound because i couldn't drive (the ON left me with permanent vision loss in my left eye.). So in attempt to stay active, I tried some yoga videos at home. I have the A.M. & P.M. tape - which I really liked. My fav to get started though were a beginner's box set from Yoga Zone.

I stuck with it. Slowly but surely, I improved stamina, flexibility and balance. I learned how to use breath to relax. I was able to take my dogs for walks without feeling like I was going to drop.

Bought more tapes. Month by month i noticed more improvements. I started back bike riding. Bit by bit, I improved. I returned to part time work, and this winter returned to full time.

2 yrs later, i am now taking yoga classes weekly at a studio, cyling, skating, and horsebackriding.

Some might say I am enjoying a remission. Perhaps, but the new lesions on MRI show that the disease is still progressing. Maybe I've increased my resiliance? I am better able to cope with fatigue now, Yoga has improved my balance so that my crappy vision doesn't interefere with my activities anymore, and Yoga has taught me how to relax and destress.

Even my hubby is impressed how much Yoga has helped me


Namaste

Karen in "Winterpeg"

Yoga is very beneficial. I have been attending a special yoga class for women with MS and it is great. If you haven't been doing yoga, you have been missing out on a valuable tool for dealing with MS. It can do a lot for your balance, strength, flexibility, ability to sleep, stress levels, fatigue, and emotional well being. Best of all, you can work yourself at whatever level you're feeling able to on any particular day. There are many types of yoga, but for MS, especially check out "restorative" yoga postures.

carolsue

You can order a yoga dvd from Eric Small who is a man living with MS and the dvd is made by the ms society. It is long, but geared fo the MS person and includes adapatation for eveyrone
marie

I have practiced Yoga on and off for several years. I have a routine I try to do in the morning before work. I find it helps me mentally prepare for the day in addition to the physical benefits. I definitely recommend it!

If you are interested in Yoga but really don't want to buy a dvd because you are afraid you'll dislike it and waste money, simply call the MS Society and ask them about the Eric Small Yoga DVD. They will let you borrow it! My cousin did but didn't have the patients to sit through it all (bless her heart) cause it is a bit drawn out. But its informative and explains everything in detail. What better way to learn, than from a person living with MS. He understands!
Kamy

back when i didn't *need* a fine-tuned yoga experience, it still turned out to be my first exposure. i got a book from the library called "gentle yoga" and it had adaptations of the exercises if you're in a wheelchair or things like that. so if that helps anyone...