Day 44 - Thursday October 24th 2013

Terrible sleep last night, walking sucked today as a result. My neighbour cooked me some lunch and brought it through. It's very humbling when you have people who care about you. I spent the day exercising my arms when I wasn't catching up with my sleep.

Breakfast - None

Lunch - Lorne sausage and egg roll, 500ml bottle of water

Dinner - Cheese and tomato pizza, 500ml bottle of water

Snack - Crisps

Day 43 - Wednesday October 23rd 2013

I had a terrible sleep last night, and made a purchase at about 4am....

The original MagneTrainer ER a light, portable mini exercise bike - Top of the Range and Top of its Class. This premium magnetic cycle delivers ultra smooth, quiet, judder free exercise, designed in the USA as an alternative to cumbersome upright bikes. MagneTrainer ER is a user friendly home leg and arm exerciser perfect for general fitness, to aid rehabilitation or remedy mobility and circulation issues; endorsed by therapists & fitness professionals. An exercise bike inspired by its big bike cousins remodeled and packed with a host of quality enhancements including robust components, improved stability and a neo-drive system to give sixty percent more resistance than other similar bikes. In-addition, has a range of bolt-on's to enhance the exercise experience; suitable for commercial or therapeutic applications

by MagneTrainer-ER

I was impressed with the reviews from MS sufferers, so nothing ventured and all that.

I had a visit from my personal trainer who brought me lunch again, and an hour was spent exercising.

Breakfast - 2 x small brunch bars, glass of fresh orange

Lunch - 2 x tuna mayonnaise & cucumber rolls, 500ml bottle of coke

Dinner - 2 x cheese & branston pickle sandwiches

Snack - crisps

Day 42 - Tuesday October 22nd 2013

I awoke today feeling good, almost forgetting I had MS. I had a visit from my personal trainer who brought some lunch for me..too kind. Spent an hour working on leg exercises. My neighbour cooked dinner for me, I was spoiled today.

Breakfast - 500ml Bottle of water

Lunch - Tuna mayonnaise & cucumber roll, 500ml bottle of coke

Dinner - Lentil soup, apple pie & custard, 500ml bottle of water

Day 41 - Monday October 21st 2013

Today I am extremely tired having had only a few hours sleep, my leg is having issues bending at the knee and some shaking in hands, to be considered going by my recent sleep deprivation.

One thing for it today - 1) lay on sofa 2) turn on the music 3) sleep!!

Not hungry today but couldn't stop drinking water.

Breakfast - None.

Lunch - None.

Dinner - Lorne sausage, 3 x pork sausages, fried egg & fries, strawberry trifle, 500ml bottle of water

Day 40 - Sunday October 20th 2013

Lazy day in front of tv, leg better today.

Breakfast - None

Lunch -

Dinner - Donner kebab, salad, chilli sauce, pitta bread, beer

Beers throughout evening

Day 39 - Saturday October 19th 2013

My leg was mega stiff today, went for a drive in the Mustang and picked up supplies for the relaxing weekend. Spent evening eating and drinking and watching movies. Got a slap up meal cooked for me for my dinner, was truly spoiled.

Breakfast - None.

Lunch - Egg & cress baguette, coronation chicken baguette, 500ml bottle of coke

Dinner - Sirloin steak, pork schnitzel, fries, pepper sauce.....AMAZING!!!!

Beer & snacks throughout the evening.

Day 38 - Friday October 18th 2013

Today A-ok with my symptoms and playing with Connor on last day of his school holiday. I have a lazy weekend planned with good company, good food & alcohol with Movies & Music on the side.

Breakfast - Cornflakes with milk, glass of fresh orange

Lunch - Sausage roll, 500ml bottle of water

Dinner - Chicken goujons, crispy pancakes & fries, 330ml tin of Irn Bru

Beer and various snacks throughout evening.

Day 37 - Thursday October 17th 2013

I have my son again today and just spent the day playing board games, computer games and watching cartoons...no issues with my MS today and felt like a 'normal' dad today.

I'm eating a lot and I mean a lot of pumpkin seeds that I believe everyone should be when the realise the health benefits...see below:

By Dr. Mercola

If you’re in the mood for a chewy snack that doubles as a phenomenal health food, look no further than pumpkin seeds.

With a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium and manganese to copper, protein and zinc, pumpkin seeds are nutritional powerhouses wrapped up in a very small package. They also contain plant compounds known as phytosterols and free-radical scavenging antioxidants,1 which can give your health an added boost.

Best of all, because pumpkin seeds are highly portable and require no refrigeration, they make an excellent snack to keep with you whenever you’re on the go, or they can be used as a quick anytime snack at home, too.

9 Top Health Benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

1.  Heart Healthy Magnesium

One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds contains nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium, which participates in a wide range of vitally important physiological functions, including the creation of ATP (adenosine triphosphate, the energy molecules of your body), the synthesis of RNA and DNA, the pumping of your heart, proper bone and tooth formation, relaxation of your blood vessels, and proper bowel function.

Magnesium has been shown to benefit your blood pressure and help prevent sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke, yet an estimated 80 percent of Americans are deficient in this important mineral.

2.  Zinc for Immune Support

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc (one ounce contains more than 2 mg of this beneficial mineral). Zinc is important to your body in many ways, including immunity, cell growth and division, sleep, mood, your senses of taste and smell, eye and skin health, insulin regulation, and male sexual function.

Many are deficient in zinc due to mineral-depleted soils, drug effects, plant-based diets, and other diets high in grain. This deficiency is associated with increased colds and flu, chronic fatigue, depression, acne, low birth weight babies, learning problems and poor school performance in children, among others.

3.  Plant-Based Omega-3 Fats

Raw nuts and seeds, including pumpkin seeds, are one of the best sources of plant-based omega-3s (alpha-linolenic acid or ALA). We all need ALA, however, ALA has to be converted by your body into the far more essential omega-3 fats EPA and DHA -- by an enzyme in which the vast majority of us have impaired by high insulin levels. So, while pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of ALA, I believe it is essential to get some of your omega-3 fats from animal sources, such as krill oil, as well.

4.  Prostate Health

Pumpkin seeds have long been valued as an important natural food for men’s health. This is in part because of their high zinc content, which is important for prostate health (where it is found in the highest concentrations in the body), and also because pumpkin seed extracts and oils may play a role in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or enlarged prostate). Research suggests that both pumpkin seed oil and pumpkin seeds2 may be particularly beneficial in supporting prostate health.

5.  Anti-Diabetic Effects

Animal studies suggest that pumpkin seeds may help improve insulin regulation and help prevent diabetic complications by decreasing oxidative stress.4

6.  Benefits for Postmenopausal Women

Pumpkin seed oil is rich in natural phytoestrogens and studies suggest it may lead to a significant increase in good “HDL” cholesterol along with decreases in blood pressure, hot flashes, headaches, joint pains and other menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.5

7.  Heart and Liver Health

Pumpkin seeds, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants and fibers, may provide benefits for heart and liver health, particularly when mixed with flax seeds.6

8.  Tryptophan for Restful Sleep

Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of tryptophan, an amino acid (protein building block) that your body converts into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, the “sleep hormone.” Eating pumpkin seeds a few hours before bed, along with a carbohydrate like a small piece of fruit, may be especially beneficial for providing your body the tryptophan needed for your melatonin and serotonin production to help promote a restful night’s sleep.7

9.  Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Pumpkin seed oil has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. One animal study even found it worked as well as the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin in treating arthritis, but without the side effects.8

What’s the Best Way to Consume Pumpkin Seeds?

In order to preserve the healthy fats present in the seeds, pumpkin seeds should be eaten raw. If you choose to purchase seeds from a bulk bin, make sure they smell fresh – not musty, spoiled or stale, which could indicate rancidity or the presence of fungal mycotoxins. Organic pumpkin seeds are preferred, as they will not be contaminated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

However, most nuts and seeds have anti-nutrients like phytic acid that can make all the previously discussed important nutrients less bioavailable when you consume them. So if you plan on consuming seeds or nuts on a regular basis, it would be wise to soak or sprout them. To make them more palatable, you can then dehydrate them in your oven, or better yet and more cost effectively in a dehydrator. There are many dehydrators on the market, but Excalibur is generally considered the best. I have used one for over 20 years. They are readily available on Amazon.

If you prefer to eat the seeds roasted, do so yourself so you can control the roasting temperature and time. Raw pumpkin seeds can be roasted on a low heat setting in your oven (no more than 170 degrees F or 75 degrees Celsius), sprinkled with Himalayan or other natural salt, for about 15-20 minutes.

Day 35 - Wednesday October 16th 2013

Today I woke feeling refreshed and rested. My legs were behaving and my stomach grumbling for breakfast, it's was surprisingly easy getting back in the routine again of eating better at the usual set times. I can't stress enough the importance of good healthy eating, it really does make you feel better in mind and body.

Today I had my son here again (school holidays) and he kicked my ass once more at basketball, but he also wanted to do exercises with his dad. So once he got changed into his Barcelona football kit he was ready lol. We started off lifting light weights, doing arm curls etc. Of course before we started we spent a good 10 mins stretching. We done various sitting exercises and used the stretch exerciser on both our arms and legs.

I heard of another 3 diagnosis of MS this past week...it's all I seem to hear about now :-(

Breakfast - Cornflakes with milk, 1 glass of orange juice

Lunch - 2 x Tuna salad baguettes, pkt of crisps, 500ml bottle of water

Dinner - Pepperoni pizza, ice cream, 500ml bottle of water

Day 34 - Tuesday October 15th 2013

Woke today and noticed my legs were stronger and walking improving but also woke with annoying shakes that settled after 5 mins. These shakes were mainly in the hands and arms but only came on when wakening, and didn't return for rest of day.

My left leg stiffness, particularly the knee area was not as prominent today either as I doubled up my dosage of Baclofen - 2 tabs morning and 2 tabs night.

Baclofen: DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Baclofen is an oral and injectable medication that relaxes skeletal muscles, the muscles that move the skeleton (and also called striated muscle). Chemically, baclofen is related to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves use to communicate with one another. GABA released by some nerves causes the activity of other nerves to decrease. It is believed that baclofen, acting like GABA, blocks the activity of nerves within the part of the brain that controls the contraction and relaxation of skeletal muscle. Baclofen was approved by the FDA in November 1977.

Today was spent playing indoor mini basketball with my son....that was exercise in itself lol. I also applied for an MS clinical trial involving stem cells. Hey I will try anything!!!

Breakfast - Porridge with pumpkin seeds, 2 glasses of fresh orange

Lunch - Tuna and cucumber sandwich, mixed bowl of fruit grapes, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries, 500ml bottle of water

Dinner - 2 fillets of chicken, kale, baby carrots, garden pees, beet root, bowl of custard, 500ml bottle of water

Snack - Toast & cheese, cup of tea

Day 33 - Monday October 14th 2013

Well 3 and a half hours sleep last night is not good when your living with MS let alone throwing your 7 year old son into the mix, who came to stay lol. Today I kick started again, my healthier eating which I will have to stick too this time..and don't tempt me you know who you are lol.

So I have found my walking improving but getting annoyed with restless legs mainly in the evening, I am taking a drug called Ropinirole for this, and they are beginning to work, but what does one take for pins and needles in the hands??

Last night, apart from playfighting with Connor,  I undertook some light exercising to arms and legs.

Breakfast - None

Lunch - Tuna, lettuce sandwich, 500ml bottle of water

Dinner - Steak pie, potatoes, baby carrots, garden peas, kale, trifle, 500ml bottle of water

Snack - Toast

Day 32 - Sunday October 13th 2013

It's been nearly 2 weeks since I have updated my blog and I don't know where the time has gone. I shamefully admit though to having never eaten as much takeaway junk food & beer these past 12 days or so than I have ever done in the same time period. After a very promising start to my new health regime, I know, I know but I will be back to those lovely seeds and lettuce soon enough....groan lol.

What has happened in the world of McKay this past 12 days or so? Started off good then got shit when the hand controls on my mustang failed at 70mph but all fixed now, fell over in my hall and put my head through a partition wall...sweet, but thankfully I lived to tell the tale lol.

After going through the month of September with no MS medication, it certainly took its toll on my legs, like WOW, the main issue caused my left leg not to bend at the knee easily at all and took much forcing to position it.

However with the help of my new personal trainer, I am more determined than ever. She is very patient and won't let me slack on the exercises. She believes my left leg problem could be coming from my hips, she is also surprised how much power I have in my weak left leg, so much so she is confident I will be running around in no time lol I wish!!!

Stretches are important, my exercises were gung-ho and apart from zapping my strength probably done me no use.

My neighbour suffers from an illness that affects her walking similar also to MS with the brain signals being interrupted in doing there job, she is looking at muscle implants, so that's my homework for today, doubt it would do anything for me, but gotta check it out.

Keep checking my blog as I am back to updating it daily.

Day 20 - Tuesday October 1st 2013

Awoke with a cat on my head, don't ask lol. My walking today was much better and rising to a standing position, much quicker so I started my exercises again.

Worked on my legs doing various exercises for roughly 40 mins and my arms for a lot longer and wired up the electro muscular stimulator for about an hour.

It's very important if you suffer from MS, or any other illness, you should try and exercise a little..what is that they say "if you don't use it you lose it". It's very important to keep your strength up with MS or any illness I would imagine.

Breakfast - none

Lunch - none

Dinner - Indian takeaway - North Indian Garlic Chicken Curry, pilau rice, vegetable pakora, plain nan bread, popadoms, 4 bottles Budweiser

Diet took a back seat today

Day 19 - Monday September 30th 2013

I had 21/2 hours sleep tops last night, this lack of sleep is really pissing me off now!! Before I got my ass off the sofa and started moving around, I was thinking to myself...great another day where lack of sleep contributed with everything else, was not going to bode well for my dancing moves today lol but imagine my surprise when my walking was decent today...I was more than happy, I was ecstatic.

I spent today lost in my music and eating healthy.

Breakfast - Porridge with pumpkin seeds, glass of fresh orange

Lunch - Tuna and cucumber sandwich, 500ml bottle of water

Dinner - Steak pie, potatoes, garden peas, baby carrots, kale, strawberry cheesecake, 500ml bottle of water