Finding balance and strength through Aquatic Locomotion

I had my first symptom of MS when I was 30 years old. I had optic neuritis. I saw blind spots in my field of vision and had pain behind my left eye. After several more vision episodes over a few years, I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

My worse relapse in my late 30's caused extreme weakness and fatigue and numbness starting from my fingertips which spread till the entire left side of my body below my neck was completely numb. That was really scary!

One of the worse things about MS is that it's so unpredictable. You never know how you will be affected next or what the next symptom will be. MS really does a number on your head, literally and also in your mind - how you think and feel about yourself and your future!

Finding MS Bright Spots of Hope (msbrightspotsofhope.org) last year has been a wonderful thing for me. I take Aquatics Locomotion, a water exercise class at the YMCA pool in O'Fallon, Missouri twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It really helps with my balance, strength, and coordination. I also attend fitness friends classes for us at the Clayton Community Center.

The social activities are really helpful to me and all who participate!

Fondly, Tracy C