New Orleans Archive

All Is Well

– 21 March, 2013Posted in: Acceptance, Authentic Happiness, chronic illness, health, New Orleans

I can remember years ago when the focus of my life wasn’t multiple sclerosis. There was a time when I wrote emails that didn’t pertain to MS and the subject didn’t dominate my every conversation. But unfortunately those days are over.

It bothers me that my “new” life is all about MS. Sometimes I forget that there’s more to me than multiple sclerosis.

I use to think it regrettable that you guys didn’t know me before MS. I was so active. But now that I think about it, I’m still very active. It’s just a different type of active. I participate in riding horses on a local farm. I’m even presently seeking out more MSers to join me through the National MS Society. I do modified physical workouts, I study the Spanish language, I blog and write and I read incessantly. Lastly I watch as much TV as I can fit into my schedule. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad.

So, what do you do in your free time?

I wanted you to know that life is not all bad. We may have to plan a little more than others, but life is not all bad. The horrible stuff just makes for better reading.

Thanks to you guys, I now know that the woman I am beneath the MS continues to shine through and most importantly that there’s more to us than multiple sclerosis!

Tags: ALS, chronic illness, Morrie Schwartz, MS, MSers, multiple sclerosis, National MS Society, therapeutic horseback riding, workout

Unbearable Guilt

Nicole Lemelle

– 1 February, 2013Posted in: chronic illness, health, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, New Orleans, Sadness

The “Big Game” better known as Super Bowl XLVII, was played in my home town of New Orleans. Specifically held in the Mercedes-Benz Louisiana Superdome. A fun event right? Well, it was supposed to be.

Tommy, my husband, thought so and was understandably pretty into the entire affair. It was only one game but the NFL (National Football League) had drawn it out to a week-long Sunday to Sunday party. I mean Tommy had planned out a pre-game itinerary of events for us. We had free tickets for a number of things. He’d even ensured they were handicap accessible. The other day he got us in the audience of The Craig Ferguson Show that was being tapped in New Orleans. What a rush! It came on right after the game so I hope you saw us

The Super Bowl, in case you didn’t know, happens once a year and the two best teams in the United States are groomed to play one incredible game of NFL football. This year it was the San Francisco 49ers against the Baltimore Ravens. At this point the game has been played and won by the Ravens.

The problem we had was I ended up causing us to miss out on a few functions. I slept through events. I complained about the cold temperatures and early morning shows. I was tired the majority of the time. This MS (multiple sclerosis) body can only take so much. The fatigue wins every time. I have limits. I’m use to this. I just hated to disappoint Tommy.

I know he understands, but the guilt is almost unbearable!

Tags: Baltimore Ravens, CBS, chronic illness, Craig Ferguson Show, Louisiana Superdome, M.S., Mercedes Benz Louisiana Superdome, MS, multiple sclerosis, national football league, NFL, San Francisco 49ers, Super Bowl

Higher Ground

Nicole Lemelle

– 27 August, 2012Posted in: Multiple Sclerosis, New Orleans, Walker, Wheelchair

HURRICANE EVACUATIONS in Louisiana are in place! So sorry, we won’t be able to post this week since we live in New Orleans, which is below sea level. As much as I love this historic city I’m gonna have to leave and flee for my life! I’m being serious but a little dramatic.

When these type of things happen I usually leave early because it is so hard for me to pack. Not only do I need normal things like clothes and my toothbrush but I have to make sure I have all of my medicines, my walker and my scooter. I really hate this because the stress plays havoc with my MS.

But if all things go smoothly, which they probably won’t, we’ll be back up and running by next Tuesday. For now I’m packing and praying!

So I will talk to you guys next week and hopefully all will be ok in New Orleans.

Tags: evacuate, hurricane Isaac, New Orleans, scooter, tropical storm, wheelchair

A Painful Lesson

Nicole Lemelle

– 5 June, 2012Posted in: Acceptance, chronic illness, Depression, health, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, National MS Society, New Orleans

It’s funny how our brain can sometimes play serious tricks on us. But there are just a few things we some how need to be reminded of every once in a while. In the midst of a personal pity party that I held just this morning I said to my husband, “I feel like I don’t have purpose.” He responded, “When’s the next time you go to the psychiatrist?”

This particular party was held after I woke up and had no place to be. It dawned on me that nothing seemed to depend on my presence. To be more accurate, I had no job to report to. You see the last career I had I held in high regards. Though I wasn’t a surgeon that saved lives, I took pride in my job. My life revolved around it. I guess I thought it gave me purpose.

Due to Multiple Sclerosis, I was forced to leave my career behind. So where does that leave me? What’s the appropriate amount of time I should bemoan its loss? Because at this point I haven’t worked or driven a car since 2009! You probably know that as I remind us both constantly.

I forgot that though I’ve exited the structured working world, I have still maintained my worth. Thankfully a good friend reminded me of that. Thank God for friends. I totally dismissed the advocacy work I’ve done with the National MS Society. I know I’ve affected lives with them. I also completely overlooked my impact here with this website! Something that started out as a safe place to go and vent has turned into so much more. You move me. You humble me. You give me purpose.

I’ve been taught to shy away from thinking that something outside of myself gives me purpose. Similar to the way I did with my former career.

Thanks for helping me learn that painful lesson.

Tags: Baton Rouge, career, chronic illness, Depression, driving, job, Louisiana, Louisiana Chapter, MS, ms public policy day, multiple sclerosis, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

My Final Four

Nicole Lemelle

– 3 April, 2012Posted in: Acceptance, chronic illness, health, Independence, Moving forward, Multiple Sclerosis, New Orleans, Wheelchair

The Men’s Final Four, a college basketball championship game, was held in New Orleans this year. There were many activities that surrounded the final game which actually is this coming Monday. By the time this post is released the game will have been played and won (I predict Kentucky). I just wanted to drop this little note now while my experience is fresh.

Typically, I don’t mind being seen in public, so I don’t shy away from these sorts of activities. I don’t particularly like being pushed in my wheelchair among a lot of people walking around me, but I think getting out is good. They say social interaction is a fundamental human requirement, so out I went. As I was in the midst of kids, families and fans enjoying the sights and games I just tried to appreciate the moment despite how I really felt. To be honest, I did meet some sports celebrities that were pretty nice.

As we rolled around I saw a little girl also in a wheelchair. I couldn’t help but wonder why she was relegated to a chair. I thought about how she must feel amongst her joyful walking peers. I pondered how long she had been wheelchair bound. Then, immediately I felt grateful for the memories I have retained. Although, she did seem content in her own right.

A few minutes later I saw something that was truly extraordinary. It was a man in a motorized wheelchair that had a respirator on it to assist him with breathing. He sucked on a straw-like piece that allowed him to breath. I would equate it to what Christopher Reeves from Superman had. It sounds kind of creepy, but if I had been pushing myself I would have likely followed him. I found it amazing just how comfortable he seemed in his own skin. From the quick glimpse I had of him I found it inspirational that he would be at such an event.

Often, people call me inspirational too. I appreciate it, but don’t know exactly if I deserve it. All I’m trying to do is make it through the day the best way I know how. Probably, the same way we all do. We may not all have the same Multiple Sclerosis monkey on our back, but I’m almost certain we all have something to deal with. So my advice to all, including myself, is to continue pressing on and make the best of life with what we have.

At the end of the day, though tired, I was pretty glad I went.

Tags: Christopher Reeves, college basketball, M.S., MS, multiple sclerosis, NCAA, New Orleans, superman, The Final Four, wheelchair

MS Perks

Nicole Lemelle

– 6 March, 2012Posted in: Acceptance, chronic illness, health, Independence, Multiple Sclerosis, New Orleans, Wheelchair

I’ve dealt with Multiple Sclerosis for so long that it seems like a part of who I am. In case you don’t know, I’ve had it since 2000. In regards to this, blogger Robert Parker said, “This thing we call MS is just a collection of symptoms we suffer. All there really is..is us “. It’s taken me a long time to see things in that light. But this outlook frees me to live life to the best of my ability despite M.S.

So I picked up my collection of symptoms and headed to a free local concert featuring the queen herself, Mary J Blige! It was held in downtown New Orleans outside on the ”Mighty Mississippi” riverfront. The event was hosted by Harrah’s Casino in an attempt to get people to sign up for their Total Rewards program. In other words, they were enticing you to spend money gambling! But they didn’t fool me. I knew what was up! I just went inside the casino briefly to use the restroom!

We were there about thee hours early to ensure a good spot. Tommy pulled out his lawn chair and I was comfy in my wheelchair. We settled in about three rows back and was enjoying the great weather while listening to the pre-show DJ. As the hour for the concert to start neared the crowd began too engulf me. Our three hour wait was in vein because I couldn’t see a thing. But more importantly, if Tommy and a nearby policeman wasn’t there, I probably would have had a slight panic attack! Luckily, the policeman saw what was happening and for safety reasons parted the crowd and ushered us right to the front of the stage!

Sometimes this wheelchair has its advantages. I actually got a perk because of my MS.

But to be honest, I wouldn’t think twice about trading the wheelchair in for some working fabulous legs and a brain to match!

Tags: harrah's casino, harrah's new orleans, Mary j blige, MS, multiple sclerosis, New Orleans, restroom, wheelchair

MS and Laughter Yoga

Nicole Lemelle

– 28 February, 2012Posted in: chronic illness, health, Independence, Laughter Yoga, Moving forward, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, New Orleans, Walker, Wheelchair

I MADE THE LOCAL NEWS!!!

A reporter and camera crew were in the park to cover a story about laughter yoga. I just happened to be at the class, they saw me, and wanted to know a bit more about me and how laughter yoga is therapy for my MS. I became the featured person in the report.

So here you go!

MS and Laughter Yoga. Nicole Lemelle explains how she uses laughter yoga to deal with MS.