Friday December 20th 2013

I'm all for forgiveness and friendship, getting another chance etc... but this absolutely shocking!!!

A BRITISH mum under fire for encouraging her young daughters to write letters to murderers in prison says it teaches them a valuable lesson about forgiveness.

Julie Paris, from Mancot, Wales, has set her seven-year-old twins Ellie and Molly up as pen pals to American prisoners. The move has angered the rest of her family who say she is putting the girls at risk, The Sun reports.

Ms Paris has been writing to Australian and US prisoners for 13 years, and runs a website matching penpals with lonely inmates. She says she can identify with the loneliness of prisoners behind bars because of her time spent in state care after her parents’ divorce.

When some of her 25 penpals wrote asking about her young daughters, Ms Paris encouraged the girls to write back.

The twins now spend hours writing letters and drawings for their prison penpals, speak to the men on the phone and are even travelling to the US to attend a family wedding of one inmate.

“It’s really fun. I like getting letters in the post. It’s exciting,” said Ellie.

Molly corresponds with two convicted murders in the US – a 46-year-old man who murdered his ex-girlfriend and a 40-year-old man doing time for murdering his wife.

Lonely...Ms Paris says she can identify with the isolation felt by prisoners because of her time spent in foster care as a teenager.

Her twin sister Ellie writes to a 48-year-old US murderer who was jailed for killing two paedophiles who harmed his niece.

The letters from the convicted killers are often dotted with drawings, cartoons and hearts and often urge the girls to be good and listen to their mum.  Ms Paris says she vets every letter.

“The girls know prison is a bad place. I don’t tell them what the prisoners have done,” says Julie. “I don’t think they are old enough to understand and am worried it might scare them. I just say ‘they were naughty when they were younger’ and leave it there.”

Ms Paris said she has been criticised by family members, but believes her girls are learning important lessons about forgiveness, as well as bringing comfort to lonely prisoners who have no one else to turn to.

“I don’t care what people say. Some people will criticise me but I don’t see anything wrong with it. It teaches forgiveness,” she said. Ms Paris says she spends hundreds of dollars a year on postage - including $110 on Christmas cards this year.

“We’re really making a difference to the prisoner’s lives," she said.

Some of Ms Paris' prisoner penpals are currently on death row in America, but she insists she can identify with them and is willing to write to anyone except for sex offenders.

“It is unbelievable what a difference it makes to these men to have someone write to them.”

Read more at The Sun.
 

Thursday December 19th 2013

My MS symptoms seem to be kept at bay at the moment, same as usual, but I did get my ass in gear to do some exercises and walking with crutches which went better than normal. Having been awake the majority of the night, I found this blog that I would like to share. Christmas can be a difficult for many of us, I hope this blog strikes a chord:

Damaged Goods

By Trevis Gleason Dec 18, 2013 25 Comments

Author’s Note: Not everyone with multiple sclerosis experiences each and every symptom we know can be caused by the disease. Likewise, not all of us experience many of the difficult emotional issues that MS can bring. Just because you haven’t felt the things about which I write today, I would ask that we all show respect to those who have and are feeling them.

The approaching holidays can be a bright and wonderful time of the year. It can also lead to some tough times for people living with MS. While friends and family gather to bask in the warmth of the season, we can sometimes feel “less-than.”

No one would want a gift from the damaged and discounted goods table; why, goes the faulty logic, would someone want us?

For people in supportive and loving relationships, this may seem like an unfounded worry. But even I hear whispers of the little voice of doubt creep into my head in the dark hours when I am alone with my thoughts.  

And, let’s face it, these fears are not unfounded.

Dating and relationship-building is tough work in a culture of perfection. We need to whiten our teeth, wear expensive clothes and pretty shoes if we’re going to attract a potential mate. How are we going to find and then pursue Mr. or Miss Right if we have optic neuritis or use a forearm crutch?

Being overlooked for a year-end promotion can be easy when the bosses see us in a wheelchair. Family may continue to ask more of us than we can deliver during the hectic holidays, or they just stop asking (or talking to us at all) all together…

For many of us, our financial situation has been compromised by MS.  Whether it’s lower income, high insurance costs or the price of medications; budgeting for gifts can make us feel more like Ebenezer than Elf.

We know it’s not logical to think of it this way, but sometimes it feels like it’s Christmas on the Island of Misfit Toys and we are destined to be marooned there for the rest of our lives; unwanted, unloved, and damaged misfits.

I have no cure for this sentiment. I can only offer to you the hard-fought knowledge that we do have worth and value, and that we can enrich the world around us if given the opportunity.

I urge those in our community who are finding this time of year to be particularly difficult on any level to reach out to your local chapter of the Society or to an MS Navigator (1-800-344-4867). They will be able to help you to find resources to get you through the difficult patch and off that island.

It is strength – rather than weakness – that leads us to ask for help when we feel alone, unloved and damaged. I have been there and can attest that my local chapter made all the difference in the world for me.

My name is Trevis Gleason and I live with multiple sclerosis. I may have a few things wrong with me, but I’m far from “damaged goods” and so are all of us.

Wishing you and your family the best of health.

Cheers

Trevis

Wednesday December 18th 2013

Well my move in date to my new home has been put back to 28th January 2014 :-(

It's been one of those days that I don't have much to say right now.

My fav Christmas Song & Movie

My favourite Christmas song is Last Christmas by Wham....classic!!!!

My favourite Christmas movie is Scrooged...brilliant!!!!

What's yours?

Monday December 16th 2013

Had a nice relaxing day, listening to music...relaxing that is until about 7pm when I was terribly sick. Bet you all wanted to know that.

Today was took up with cancelling Satellite subscription, TV license, council tax, phone bill etc.. And paying up to mid January.

I am not tired in the slightest so I have selected Blu rays to watch until the morning. I can't sleep...help.

Roll on January 10th 2014

Roll on to the next chapter in the life of Paul McKay...10/01/14 is the date.

That is the date when I move into my new house, still can't believe I am paying cash for it right out without having seen it, but desperation does weird things to you sometimes.

I heard from the vendors solicitors and one of their points was the burglar alarm although fitted, was not working, so the purchaser, i.e me, shouldn't expect it to be working on entry...I have made a request they fix this prior to moving in, and I have heard they have a lot of bricks on their drive, which again I have requested they move prior to entry...my Mustang parking here!!!

For the first time in a long time...

For the first time in a long time Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning to me. I was so materialistic in life and Christmas was about gifts to me...not anymore. I feel like Bill Murray in Scrooged (my fav Christmas movie) I get it now!!

I couldn't care if I never got another present again, it's all about the people. I will miss my son something terrible this year and am shedding tears as I type this, but looking forward to spending time with my loved ones.

If you can bring joy to someone's life...you will feel better for it and you will want to carry that out throughout the year. I'm still feeling good after handing out food parcels and blankets at the weekend, I can't wait to do it again.

If I could have one Christmas wish, it's to have certain friendships back. How do you prove to people you have changed and a much nicer person if they won't give you a chance??? I mean it's Christmas after all.

Yes it all sounds a bit corny...but it is how I feel.

Sunday December 15th 2013

I researched a test for my MS today, a test which can hopefully help. See below:

Have you been ill for sometime and unable to make a breakthrough that brings you real improvements?

Would you like help to change your diet, nutrition and lifestyle to get your health and life back on track?

Bionetics is a well-established company that is the UK’s leading provider of non-invasive Body Field Analysis Testing. We are proud to have helped many thousands of people improve their health by identifying and helping to eliminate many of the basic underlying imbalances which have caused the problem. 

Take advantage of our NEW pre-test consultation to find out if this test is suitable for you. The most informative sites often don't answer all of your questions or help to alleviate your doubts about ordering a service online. A simple 5 minute chat with one of our advisors may help you to make a decision. Simply call us on 0845 456 0570 (local call rate numer) or email us your contact details to info@bionetics.co.uk and we'll get back to you. We can only offer this service for consultations on landline numbers.

Regardless of the condition or symptom you are suffering from, the Bionetics Test and resulting Personal Health Program can help you rediscover good health!  We have successfully helped people suffering from a varying range of health problems including Allergies, Food Intolerances, IBS, Chronic Fatigue, M.E, M.S, Acne, Eczema, Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Weight Gain, Constipation, Arthritis, Thyroid Imbalance, Anxiety, Depression and more.

Non-invasive hair testing is proving to be an increasingly popular tool, used by more and more people seeking a natural, safe and effective path to better health and wellbeing.  Hair testing is a very cost-effective alternative to conventional tests such as saliva, blood or urine.  It is also extremely convenient as you simply send us several strands of your hair in the post and receive your results by post or email in the comfort of your own home. 

We even offer a FREE 15 minute phone consultation or email support should you wish to discuss your results with an expert and learn how to make positive changes to your health.

The tests and recommendations are designed to look beyond the specific condition or symptoms and address many of the dietary, nutritional and lifestyle influences that are real underlying factors dictating the state of your health.

These influences include food intolerance's, nutritional deficiencies, pathogenic influences (bacteria, fungus, parasites and viruses) and toxic burdens (toxic metals, chemicals and radiation), which are undermining the body’s homeostatic and immune functions, which in turn leave the body weakened and prone to poor health.

For Example: food intolerances and gut pathogens may be the cause of IBS symptoms or toxins and nutritional deficiencies could be causing fatigue related illness.

How does the Bionetics Test work?

We use samples of hair to carry out our testing. Hair has become a very important factor in forensic and complementary medical practice due to its ability to store information about an individual. The government recently released information about the use of 'hair testing' as a method of tracking terrorists; where they have been and what they have eaten. Although relatively new when compared to more conventional blood, stool, urine and saliva screening, hair testing is proving to be a popular, non-invasive and cost effective alternative to normal tests.  The technology used is manufactured in Germany under ISO standards and carries CE Mark IIa approval for medical diagnostic use.

Body Field Analysis uses well established electromagnetic frequency principles to generate waves that cause the hair sample to vibrate setting up a unique resonant pattern for that sample. This sample is then scanned

Taking the Bionetics Test is easy

You simply need to follow the online instructions in order to download an application that you send to our Testing Centre along with your hair samples for analysis. The results are available online or via post within 7 days of the receipt of your application. You can pay online using our secure facility or pay by cheque with your application.

How does it compare to other tests?

There is no other test which directly compares to the Bionetics Test and the factors it covers for 1 affordable payment of £54.95.

Most standard food intolerance's tests work by identifying key immune system markers like IgG and IgE and can cost from £150 - £300 for a similar number of foods. However, these tests do not include pathogenic, toxic and nutritional influences, which we feel are equally important.

Hair Mineral Analysis covers the basic minerals and some toxins but does not cover vitamins, amino acids, foods and pathogens.

There are a variety of other tests using blood, urine, stool and saliva available online which will give you the array of factors covered under the Bionetics Test.

Test accuracy is a big issue and one over which no single product can claim an outright advantage. Often, the tests are measuring slightly different markers, which, makes direct comparison very difficult. Also, many conventional tests or procedures simply fail to pick up common digestive problems caused by Candida, for example. Even blood samples are not entirely accurate if the toxins are not present in the blood but have been lodged into the intracellular fluid. Bio-Field resonance testing can be affected by environmental factors, although this can be overcome by relating the results to some basic symptom history.

Our advice is to do your research well and do select the test or procedure which you feel most comfortable with and that fits your budget and time constraints.

If you decide that the Bionetics Test is right for you then we have a dedicated team to help you through the entire process and to answer your questions along the way.

 The Bionetics Test - Areas of Interest

All Bionetics Tests now come with a FREE 15 minute phone consultation. Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss your results and health concerns with one of our experts and learn how to make positive changes to your health.

Whatever your condition you too can benefit from taking a bionetics test and begin to understand the factors that may have caused your problem and how to deal with it. Please select from the list below.
You may wish to sign up to our Newsletter Service and receive further information about the products and servcies that we offer and which we think you will be interested in. You can sign up in the box on the left hand side of this page, it only takes a few seconds and then you can continue to browse your area of interest.

Acid Reflux Acne AIDS ADHD Allergy Alopecia (hair loss) Angina Anxiety Alzheimer’s Arthritis Asthma Autism Avian Flu Back Pain Bacterial Infections Bird Flu Bone Loss Bronchitis Candida Coeliac Cellulitis Cholesterol Chronic Fatigue Colitis(Ulcerative) Common Cold Constipation Crohn’s Disease Depression Dermatitis Diabetes Diarrhoea Diverticulitis Ear Infections Eczema Endometriosis Food Intolerance Fibromyalgia Flatulence Gastritis

Gastroenteritis General Health Check Glaucoma Gout Heartburn Heart Disease Haemophilia High Blood Pressure Herpes Hypothyroidism IBS Impetigo Infertility Influenza Insomnia Leaky Gut Macular Degeneration ME Menopause Migraine Mercury Poisoning Multiple Sclerosis Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis Pain Parasites Parkinson’s Peptic Ulcer PMS/PMT Psoriasis Rheumatoid Arthritis Rosacea Stroke Thyroid TMJ Ulcers Viral Infections Wind Other

 

Saturday December 14th 2013

Yesterday I had some great bonding time with my son, watching Christmas movies, eating sweets & playing games. But he didn't stay over as he missed his mum and wanted to home after X-Factor :-(

With my mums help, we put together 2 large bags of food for the food shelter and I managed to scrape 9 blankets together too.

Connor kicked my ass....

I couldn't believe it today, Connor kicked my ass at Chess. No cheating by him at all, very strategic in  his moves...proud daddy lol. Yeah he then went on to kick my ass at snakes & ladders, iPad games....where will his talents end???

Friday December 13th 2013

So Friday the 13th...unlucky for some.

I am getting more and more passionate to helping out the less fortunate, aside from the MS website im working on....tis the season...right? Well I was amazed at the recent news reports on the number of homeless on the streets of Dundee...the powers at be are asking for food to be donated to the food banks, this I will do, but I would also like to donate some sleeping bags and today I sent emails to a few manufacturers and suppliers in the hope of securing decent rates on these, thinking I can approach local business to do the same.

Being homeless doesn't bare thinking about but on the Scottish streets in Winter....no way!!!

I have been following a program on TV with a famous chef trying to change the UK hospitals food menus to healthier and tastier options. Currently hospitals working on 40%!!! waste. Shocking and because food being up in wards can't be reused due to bugs etc..

Thursday December 12th 2013

Had the doctor in today and as expected I have been fighting a chest infection for nearly 2 weeks now, these antibiotics should sort me out.

I increase my dosage of Ropinirole with the Dr to help my restless legs.  She told me about some side effects that stunned me -

The frequency of these side-effects is unknown

• abnormal laboratory test results
• hypersensitivity reactions such as urticaria, angioedema, rash or itching
• liver problems
• side effects that may occur if Ropinirole hydrochloride is taken at a high dose. These may include behavioural problems such as addiction to gambling, hypersexuality, increased libido, an urge to buy or to shop, an unusual increase in appetite or binge eating. You or your carer should seek medical advice if these symptoms occur

So besides the usual side effects that most meds come with, addiction to gambling is not one I expected to hear. The meds target a specific part of the brain that causes this.

I received my bill from my Solicitor today (for my separation) all I can say is OMG...license to print money!!!

Cannot sleep...

Typical night for me, 2am and wide awake!!!!

Wednesday December 11th 2013

Slept on the sofa, well minus the sleep part and woke this morning feeling so sore. Feel my legs are getting stiffer these days, could be down to being of the meds, I don't know. I'm also aware the shakes I get are getting worse....it all sucks!!!! But I guess I have to be thankful, as my granny would always say "there are always others worse off than yourself".

Well it ain't long now until I move home, and as I have to buy everything all over again, I spent today looking at things online and to get an idea on price. I have a list of the bare minimum work to be done and items to be bought.

I am letting Connor pick all his own furniture and colour scheme for his bedroom. So far he wants Bunk Beds and his room to be Blue.

Tuesday December 10th 2013

Bah humbug...officially fed up of Christmas songs and adverts!!! But I did finish my Christmas shopping today, although I want to buy Connor a few more small things.

I got 2 replies today to my emails for volunteering, both very promising but talks on hold until the New Year, this did spurn me on to start creating my MS website (to early to share....work in progress lol)

I am also thinking about fundraising ideas...watch this space.

Monday December 9th 2013

Woke up determined to follow through with my volunteering. I found these reasons why I should:

Community Service: Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer

Thinking of becoming a volunteer? See a list of reasons that will help you make up your mind.

#10: It's good for you.

Volunteering provides physical and mental rewards. It:

• Reduces stress: Experts report that when you focus on someone other than yourself, it interrupts usual tension-producing patterns.
• Makes you healthier: Moods and emotions, like optimism, joy, and control over one's fate, strengthen the immune system.

#9: It saves resources.

Volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on local improvements.

• The estimated value of a volunteer's time is $15.39 per hour.

#8: Volunteers gain professional experience.

You can test out a career.

#7: It brings people together.

As a volunteer you assist in:

• Uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal
• Building camaraderie and teamwork

#6: It promotes personal growth and self esteem.

Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.

#5: Volunteering strengthens your community.

As a volunteer you help:

• Support families (daycare and eldercare)
• Improve schools (tutoring, literacy)
• Support youth (mentoring and after-school programs)
• Beautify the community (beach and park cleanups)

#4: You learn a lot.

Volunteers learn things like these:

• Self: Volunteers discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self worth.
• Government: Through working with local non-profit agencies, volunteers learn about the functions and operation of our government.
• Community: Volunteers gain knowledge of local resources available to solve community needs.

#3: You get a chance to give back.

People like to support community resources that they use themselves or that benefit people they care about.

#2: Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.

Community service and volunteerism are an investment in our community and the people who live in it.

#1: You make a difference.

Every person counts!

Sunday December 8th 2013

Today was a typical lazy Sunday day, starting off watching 'Sunday Brunch'...love that programme followed by some football games and writing part of my horror story.

But I spent most time today emailing various charities offering to volunteer in some way. I have nothing but time on my hands and I'm desperate to offer my services to help out.

I have been thinking of me and my MS. Scotland is the worldwide capital of number of population with this devastating debilitating illness....and the help out there is poor. The feeling that I relate most to is the feeling of isolation and being cast adrift.

It is with this in mind, I will also be creating a website to help MS sufferers, documenting help in their area, I will also be making this information available to the Health Professionals as it is scary how many don't know or recommend helpful facilities in their area....this has to change!!!! And I'm going to give it a go.

Saturday December 7th 2013

Another bad, no a terrible nights sleep, I got about an hour's sleep. So I lay awake for hours in the dark listening to music, the night seemed to last forever.

During the day I had a longer than usual wait for Connor visiting as my parents took him to Scone Palace for a Christmas fayre and to see Reindeers. So I done some exercising, watched a football match and wrote a few pages of my book.

Saw Connor today for the first time in 2 weeks, he is getting big. I bought him a cover for his iPod to keep it protected and he was happy. He bought me a wooden Christmas Reindeer of his pocket money, and also gave me a mug designed with his drawing from school as well as Christmas cards. He drew me a few pictures and we played games on the iPad together before cosying in together, eating sweets and watching Saturday night tv.

Friday December 6th 2013

My MS symptoms have remained the same....but my sleep pattern, or lack of  is the biggest issue right now.

So I was awake most of the night and finally started something that I had been toying with for last 7 years. I'm pleased to report that I started writing, well typing, a horror story which will hopefully be finished this time

RIP Nelson Mandela

If ever there was an inspirational person...he was Nelson Mandela, who has died today 5th December 2013. Everything that man went through in his live, to come out the other end with such a spirit of forgiveness was extraordinary!!! Incarcerated for 27 years, despite this he felt no bitterness nor sought revenge.

What a man....Rest In Peace Nelson Mandela.

Thursday December 5th 2013

Just over a month until I move to my new house, so my diet is up the left but what with Christmas on the way, I'm not going to document my eating habits until January.  And it will be healthy, healthy, healthy all the time.

Heard from the MS nurse at the hospital today....they want me to be off Gilenya for 3 months before starting on the Tysabri Infusions again. What is with this Health Service of ours??? And these specialists....you wait a year to see them for less than 10 mins and the info he gave me was wrong, outrageous!!!

And all the while my illness suffers.

Wednesday December 4th 2013

Today started off bad, after about 3 hours sleep. I fell badly, hurt myself and it took ages to get up from the floor. Had major problems with arms to push myself up and my legs remained poker straight, had major difficulty bending my legs. I am putting this down to lack of MS medication. Waiting to hear from hospital still on my date for infusion.

I had to submit a list to my solicitor on what household items I intend to take from the matrimonial home but on submitting, it was a pathetically short list, I'm leaving with next to nothing...fresh start is best.

Breakfast - No

Lunch - 2 x Tuna Mayonnaise, 500ml Bottle of Coke

Dinner. - Bowl of Tomato Soup, Roll with Butter

Snacks - Bowl of Pumpkin Seeds
Packet of Prawn Cocktail Crispw

Tuesday December 3rd 2013

I was awake the entire night last night and as I type this I have been awake for 38 hours so far, and I am not tired yet.....WTF is wrong with me. This has the 5am look so time to stick on a movie.

My legs didn't play up today and were feeling slightly stronger but I'm still waiting to hear when I will be attending hospital for my MS infusions, that's has been over a month I have ceased the oral meds so I have emailed my MS nurse on this matter.

I came across quite sick this afternoon but thankfully it passed.

Today was a very strange, melancholy day for me. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life and hurt a number of friends & people close to me in the process. The important thing here is apologising and meaning it, and never go to sleep on an argument.

I didn't like that person i was and made a conscious effort to change for the better, it's not a thing that happens overnight but something you have to work at, it takes time or can't be classed as a real effort to change yourself.

I started to make my changes about 4 months ago, my first job was admitting I had MS and starting my blog, I was embarrassed I had this, and put on false pretences....it's no way to live and is a horrible existence. My motto now is honesty is the best policy, and I have found people to be much nicer and kinder to me as a result. Believe me, when you experience this, you wouldn't want to change it.

I'm not trying to preach here,  I'm just happy now with the changes I made that I wish others to experience the same. This life is far too short and if you get the chance to build bridges...grab them!!

If you know me and I have not been nice to you or caused you harm in the past, may I take this opportunity to apologise profusely.

Going to be a strange Christmas...

I'm sitting in my lounge and for the first time ever, my home is not festive. I am not putting up a tree or decorations as this place is not home any more. I started detaching myself from this place some months ago due to my separation and will be moving into my new house in January, but I'm not excited about the move. I have lived here for nearly 13 years and had it built for me, it's safe to say, a feat I will never achieve again, but I guess I have to be thankful to have experienced it...I will miss this place loads.

I will also be without my son this Christmas...it's going to be difficult.

Monday December 2nd 2013

Today I felt good, my legs were working good, I even managed to walk some using crutches. I exercised a bit, my usual exercises but I had no appetite today whatsoever, I ate zilch!!

On the plus side it was a good day for me on the trading front.

Sunday December 1st 2013

December is here already!! Today I researched new vehicles, since I am entitled to a new vehicle under the mobility scheme, and 4x4's are the preferred choice what with my Mustang being so low (which I'm still keeping) and to transport a wheelchair easily, God forbid I damaged the Mustang with it lol.  There are lots to choose from but I'm favouring one from Audi.

So today Dawn had invited her friends over for lunch and to introduce them to me, very nice people they are to. Hats of to Dawn for her cooking skills.

Breakfast - None

Lunch - Steak with Pepper Sauce,  Chips, Onion Rings, Sausages & Bacon, stuffing & beer

Dinner - Pizza, Chips, Onion Rings, beer

So much for the healthy eating lol

Saturday November 30th 2013

Today was a lazy day with nothing new to report on the MS front but I spent some time researching a new wheelchair for when I go out for long durations. One with removable wheels of course, but with so much choice, it will take me a while to pick one.

So a typical Saturday of good company, movies, sat night tv, beer & food

Breakfast - None

Lunch - None

Dinner - A Chinese Banquet of 8x Chicken Satay Skewers, Duck with Fried Rice & BBQ Sauce, Chips, Curry Sauce, Fried Rice, Prawn Toast, Spare Ribs, Won Tons, Seaweed, Golden Sliced Chicken, Spicy Chicken Wings plus large bottle of Pepsi lol (no I didn't eat it all on my own lol)