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Two men are talking and comparing symptoms. The text bubbles between then are checking off similarities.

The Silent Minority: Men with MS

Devin Garlit- The results of our most recent �MS In America� survey highlighted some of the differences between men and women that suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. As a man who's lived with MS for nearly two decades, it�s actually a bit refreshing to see the gender differences highlighted. While it�s never really pleasant to think that we have some different issues than women, it is comforting to see it recognized.�Being the minority group of the disease, we don�t typically see a lot of information pertaining specifically to us.�Along with that, recently, our Facebook page asked our followers what they�d like to read/hear more about and I was happy to see that there were a number of men saying they�d like to see more regarding issues that are specific to our gender... Read more

The Gender Divide: Differences Between Men & Women with MS

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How Will I Look Back on My Medical Decisions?

Matt Allen G- Hindsight is 20/20. Surely,�at some point in your life, you've made some kind of mistake that, in the moment, seemed like a good idea. Before doing whatever it is that you did, you weighed all the possible outcomes of the decision you were about to make, and based on all the information you had at the time? It�seemed�like a great idea. But then, somewhere down the line, you realized that you had actually made a huge mistake. You realized this because you had since come... Read more

Myelin Relies on Good Sleep for Best Function

TK Sellman- Most of us with MS are constantly on the lookout for things we can do to be proactive about protecting our brain matter. Usually, these things include changes in diet and exercise as well as the use of supplements and practices like meditation and yoga. One thing we might overlook, however, is the value of sleep to maintain brain health. To better understand how sleep can be a force for good in protecting our brain matter, we need to remember why myelin is so important... Read more

MS Comic:
Switching to a New Neuro

Brooke Pelczynski- Switching to a new neurologist in search of a doctor who is a good fit can be nerve-wracking. Will you like them? Will they listen compassionately and take your concerns seriously? These are all common questions and worries. Brooke�s comic below shows some of the thoughts that might run through your head in the waiting room before your first appointment... Read more

It Was Just My Imagination

Dianne Scott- So much has changed over the years living with multiple sclerosis. �Quickly� rising from bed? Working? Standing in front of the mirror? Boots on these feet with chronic edema? Driving? Walking through the mall? Retail as opposed to online shopping? Even painting the town red? When and if I go out, I�d give it a shade of pink perhaps � and I�m not even talking fuschia! I�m not too upset though� Things were good until MS changed so much in my life, and I do enjoy my memories and aspects of my new normal. Anyway, a little imagery, a bit of day-or night-dreaming can�t hurt. Nah, MS, you may have taken some things and are the culprit of depriving me of others BUT you do not live in my dreams nor can you take my imagination... Read more

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Featured story:
Shower Power

Taking a shower. What comes to mind when you think of it? For many of us with MS, fatigue comes to mind. I myself have read so many comments about being tired and worn out after taking or attempting to take a shower. I recently received a blessing by having an accessible shower in my new apartment. So, being able to take a shower for me became a luxury, one which I needed at this point in my progressing to SPMS (Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis). Now taking a shower has proven to be a miraculous event for me. You may feel the same way when you do it. We feel refreshed and clean and many times emotionally better. In essence, we feel a normalcy... Read more

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A ear canal that shows the inside of the head as ringing bells. The outside of the ear has soothing white waves around it.

Earplugs: Friend or Foe for Those with MS & Tinnitus?

TK Sellman- When I�m in a full-on relapse, I fall into long periods of loud ear ringing. Tinnitus (the medical term for ear ringing) is a rare occurrence for people with MS (less than 5 percent experience it). However, it can and does happen. Ringing ears can be minor enough to ignore, or it can be so loud as to make it impossible to hear anything else or to fall asleep. For me, tinnitus tags along with MS-related cognitive fog during periods of hypersocial activity and sensory overload. As an example, I went to the city for the Chinese New Year dragon parade one year, which while lively and colorful, was not friendly to my MS. My ears rang like church bells until the next day. Indeed, the noise kept me up all night long... Read more

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How MS and Aging Have Affected My Sleep

Kim Dolce- Multiple sclerosis meddles with our time, dreams, plans, love, self-esteem, form and function. For me, it can also interfere with sleep. Besides that, non-MS related problems such as allergies and soft palate collapse affect breathing and ruin my sleep to the degree that it causes my MS symptoms to worsen the following day. Whether MS causes my sleep problems or is worsened by them, they didn�t just recently appear... Read more

Learning to Accept Help

Devin Garlit- Life with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, can feel like a constant attack on our independence. As the disease progresses, it can be common for people to have an increase in the severity of their symptoms, leading to them accumulating higher levels of disability.�This certainly isn�t everyone with MS, but it�s still a significant amount of people. At some point, even if our disease doesn�t force us to rely on others, time certainly will... Read more

MS Comic: No Energy for the Holidays

Brooke Pelczynski- Some parts of the holiday season that used to be exciting may cause extra stress when living with MS, like decorating a tree. For some, it�s still a treasured tradition, but for others, it can seem like more trouble than it�s worth if you don�t have help. The comic below shows one creative way to make the holidays festive, despite MS... Read more

Turned Away Because of a Service Animal

Devin Garlit- Recently, a local business near where I live in slower lower Delaware, turned away a man because he had a support dog with him. They later claimed to be unaware that they were required to allow him to shop there with his service dog. The incident, of course, got them into trouble with the usual pitchfork gang on Facebook, those crusaders willing to shame anyone for such an act... Read more

Treating MS Relapses: Different Options and My Experiences

Matt Allen G- Today I wanted to go over the various treatment options approved by the FDA for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses/exacerbations.�Sounds fun, right?�Well, did you know that steroids are not the only option you have? Maybe, but unfortunately, many neurologists don't seem to even�mention�the fact that these alternatives exist, so many people have no idea. I'll go over my own experiences using these medications and why some of them might�be a better option than others for you... Read more

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Featured story:
Applying for SSD

I'm so frustrated with everything right now. I was diagnosed with MS when I was 27. I started to have major symptoms almost 3 years ago. I have worked all of my life, since 10 years when my dad past away. I'm now 55 and started the process of SSD on May 23rd, 2017. I was let go from my employer and I got another job and they let me go. My last 3 employers just said it was not working out. I was a Senior Loan Processor. 30 plus years. Now that I can't work, the only income is from my husband... Read more

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A man reads a book while sitting in a living room decorated with holiday decorations

Five Ways to Help You Feel Good During the Holiday Season

Cathy Chester- The holidays can be a time of great stress for many in the Multiple Sclerosis community. Difficult symptoms make us sad as we're forced to sit back and watch others scurry about buying gifts, decorating trees, attending seasonal events and making party plans. Our hearts fill with sadness as we long for better days. What can we do to pick our spirits off the floor to find some seasonal joy and merriment? Here are a few things I do to feel better. No eggnog involved... Read more

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Managing The Holidays

Laura Kolaczkowski- It�s that time of year again when we look at the calendar and a sense of panic sets in - where did another year go and what are we going to do about the holidays? And then the overwhelming sense of guilt can set in, followed by anxiety and depression. For many people with MS (or any chronic condition), this is the cycle of the holidays and there is a great sense of relief when the calendar flips to January... Read more

All I Want for Christmas Is a Cure for This Damn Disease

Marc Stecker-Wheelchair Kamikaze- I had a slight meltdown while serving as a semi-official MS patient advocate last week. Please let me explain� I was invited to take part in a conference call organized by a significant multiple sclerosis consortium. The group is planning an MS conference which will take place over several days, with one of the days devoted to patients and patient education. My purpose on the call, along with several other patient advocates, was to help decide which seminar topics would be most interesting and useful... Read more

MS Comic: No Energy for the Holidays

Brooke Pelczynski- Some parts of the holiday season that used to be exciting may cause extra stress when living with MS, like decorating a tree. For some, it�s still a treasured tradition, but for others, it can seem like more trouble than it�s worth if you don�t have help. This comic shows one creative way to make the holidays festive, despite MS... Read more

New Year, Same Me

Dianne Scott- The new year brings about new outlooks, new goals, fresh perspectives, fresh starts. It also prompts the customary tradition of creating �New Year Resolution(s)� and implementing them or watching how well others do the same. There are "New Year, New Me" memes and posts throughout social media, blogs/vlogs, and the like. These are new year commonalities. But for me, things are a bit different. I live with multiple sclerosis, and with such an unpredictable, chronic disease, every day and even every minute is �new� to me.... Read more

The New Year Blues

Calie Wyatt- Have you ever heard of the term, �New Year Blues�? It�s the end of the year and you�re getting kind of down. The excitement of the coming holidays has past and you�re left with a few more pounds around your waistline and a dwindling bank account. Maybe you look over the past year and are down on yourself because you didn�t accomplish all that you had hoped... Read more

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RRMS to SPMS in 1 month and Losing Optimistic Attitude

I was DX in 1997 with RRMS, and since August 2018 my whole life has turned upside down. I�m having problems walking so I�m using a Rollator and a wheelchair as needed... Fatigue has gotten so much worse and it wipes everything from me, I�m unable to stand... I use to be a very optimistic woman until I started getting really bad... Read more

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Holidays can be stressful! Do your symptoms flare during the holiday season?

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Four colorful and inviting front doors. Three of them have various levels of stairs leading to them and the lights are off inside. The last door is open with light streaming out of it. The door is on ground level and handicap accessible.

Travel, Tears, and Three Decades of Unfinished Business

Dan and Jennifer Digmann- I remember being on the verge of tears as I sat in my power wheelchair outside the women�s restroom at Newark�s Liberty International Airport. It was all the restroom attendant�s fault. OK, so I already was pushed to my emotional limits from the euphoria of the day�s events up to the point that I sat amongst the steady influx of women needing to �go� either before or after their scheduled flights... Read more

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Thinking About Writing That Memoir? Read This First

Mitch Sturgeon- There are so many ways to share your personal story. One of the most audacious is to write a book. I know this, because I published my memoir in 2018, entitled ENJOYING THE RIDE: Two Generations of Tragedy and Triumph. Let�s take a high-level look at the steps involved. Ask yourself if you have the aptitude, initiative, drive, passion, support, and time to spend on this project. If not, save yourself the hassle and find other ways to enjoy the next few years... Read more

Time Blocking: Getting Stuff Done With MS

Matt Allen G- I�ve always had a hard time feeling motivated. Even before my life with multiple sclerosis (MS) had begun, getting myself to actually want to do something took a lot of effort. After my diagnosis, the number of hurdles in the way of me being able to build up the motivation to do something only grew. Adding fatigue, pain, the stress of life with a chronic illness, depression, and all the other things that come with the �MS package� only made everything that much more difficult... Read more

Battling Foot Drop With Functional Electrical Stimulation

Devin Garlit- A while back, I wrote about a pretty common issue that plagues many people who suffer from multiple sclerosis: foot drop.�In my overview of the issue, I touched on a few of the ways to improve it. One of those methods is referred to as Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). Well, I recently had a friend begin to use an FES unit to combat her foot drop, so I thought I�d do a deeper dive on it... Read more

Two Minutes to Feel Better

Kathy Reagan Young- In this video, Kathy Reagan Young of FUMSnow.com shares her trick to dialing down stress and finding her �happy place.� Like you, she doesn�t have time to sit cross-legged staring at her navel for an hour every day. She has found how to minimize her stress and maximize her time... Read more

Bladder Control Scale: The Latest Feature in MSAA�s My MS Manager App

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America - MSAA- Do you ever wish there was one, centralized mobile phone app to help you keep track of your multiple sclerosis symptoms? My MS Manager, MSAA�s free app, allows users to track disease activity, store medical information, generate charts, and more. Available on Apple iOS and Android devices, this app is instrumental in helping members of the MS community share their experiences with their healthcare team... Read more

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Life with SPMS: Never Give Up

I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 14 and I'm 45 now. I use a cane to walk now. When I was told I had MS at 14, I was at that time the youngest ever and MS wasn't really known as it is now. All I wanted to know if I was going to die. I was walking to the table for breakfast and passed out. My head hit the table hard I don't remember feeling any of that so my mom rushed me to the ER and all that where I was told I had MS. My folks were crying. I didn't have any idea what MS was at that time... Read more

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A person with a headache considers a suspect lineup of several monsters.

Does MS Cause Headaches?

Matt Allen G- I�ve always tried not to rush to blame multiple sclerosis for every little health-related ailment in my life. Just because someone has MS or some other chronic illness doesn�t mean that they can�t get sick like everyone else. It doesn�t mean that they are immune to developing other illnesses, be them chronic, terminal, or just a seasonal bug. The universe doesn�t say, �This year, we are handing out this shiny, new illness to random people around the world, but Matt already has MS, so we�ll give him a pass on this one. He has enough on his plate.� For example, as I�ve mentioned in previous posts, I�ve struggled with clinical depression since my late teens... Read more

The Gender Divide: Differences Between Men & Women with MS

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Tips For Better Patient/Doctor Communication

Devin Garlit- If you�re reading this because you have multiple sclerosis or another chronic illness, chances are you see doctors more than the average person. I�ve been a part of this community that spends a ton of time in doctors' offices for more than two decades now.�The countless hours spent in front of a doctor (and many more in a waiting room) have helped refine the way I approach a visit to my doctor... Read more

How to Cope When Your Child is Diagnosed with Pediatric MS

Editorial Team- Finding out your child has pediatric MS can lead to many overwhelming emotions. It can be a scary time for both you and your child. However, life with pediatric MS is manageable, and you and your family will be able to navigate things with time and practice. Before even beginning to learn how to cope, here are some important facts about pediatric MS to help keep things in perspective... Read more

On the Move with MS: Let the Confusion Begin!

TK Sellman- Over the holidays, we relocated from our home of 20 years to another about 30 minutes away. We�re empty nesters and found an ideal home to enjoy in retirement last October and jumped on the opportunity. Instead of hiring movers, we commenced a �slow move,� going back and forth between homes�occasionally pulling a U-Haul�on December 2. We�re about 85 percent done with moving. It�s saved us a lot of money to do this, but even for a healthy person, living between and inside two homes... Read more

Before vs. After MS: Can We Go Back to "Normal"?

Ashley Ringstaff- Have you ever thought or wondered if you will ever go back to �normal�? Whether it is after a MS flare/exacerbation, or just your life after your diagnosis? Wondering if you will ever be what you were before all of this chaos started? I seem to think about that issue a lot. I tend to sit here and reflect on how I was before my diagnosis compared to how I am now... Read more

MS Comic: Shot Monday

Brooke Pelczynski- Some MS treatments require people to give themselves injections. Brooke's comic below shows a person after a week of shots looking like a bruised peach! Can anyone else relate?... Read more

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I Turned 50 and Everything Changed...

2011 was my best year professionally. My good and excellent sales goals were exceeded. My staff was getting the job done and working like a well-oiled machine. I turned 50 in November. Wife was happy, son and his wife were off to a great start in their new life together. All in all, life was great at that point, and only getting better. Come March 2012, the company moves me to another location that has been underperforming. I immediately turn my new staff loose as they were burdened with crazy rules from earlier regimes. Month of March, beat our goals. Month of April, beat our goals. Month of May, I don�t know how May ended for the company. I can only tell you about what May did to me... Read more

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Featured poll:
Who here has had to give up driving due to MS?

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□ I have given up driving completely

□ I have given up driving somewhat (ex: short distances only)

□ I am still able to drive using hand controls

□ I have not given up driving

□ Unsure

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A baby rabbit looking out a rabbit hole in a hill that resembles an MRI machine.

My Child Needs an MRI: What Now?

Editorial Team- If your child has been diagnosed with pediatric MS, or if their doctor is concerned they may have the condition, an MRI may be needed. An MRI is a type of imaging, just like an X-ray or CT scan. The letters MRI stand for magnetic resonance imaging. However, unlike X-rays and CT scans, there is no radiation used in an MRI. Instead, it relies on radio waves and magnetic fields. MRIs can provide very clear pictures of internal structures in the body, like the brain. This is why they are so important when diagnosing or monitoring pediatric MS. In comparison to adults with MS, kids with MS may have more evidence of disease activity in their brain... Read more

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Caregiver Perspective: Times Have Changed

Donna Steigleder- Once upon a time, the world was a different place in America. Sons and daughters grew up and married and lived in or close to the same neighborhoods where their parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents lived. Neighbors knew neighbors. Couples got together with friends on Saturday night, and children grew up playing in neighborhoods where best friends stayed that way through college. People had friends who talked to one another face to face and shared confidences, heartaches, and triumphs. Communities knew one another... Read more

2020 Vision

Laura Kolaczkowski- New Year is often greeted with resolutions on ways we plan to improve our lives. It could be finding a new job, doing a better job of saving money, or the traditional 'how I might lose weight in the coming year'.�This year, I propose instead of making resolutions, we just decide to do a reset. Set aside the temptation to look at our flaws and instead start the year with a clean slate and positive attitude and look ahead at ways we can make a... Read more

A New Year for MS Recollections

Dianne Scott- Christmas morning: My children and I - and Bailee, our Chihuahua - awoke and met in the living room to happily open our gifts awaiting us under the Christmas tree. Together. Ecstatic because for the past two years, my son wasn't with us to do so. Christmas afternoon: My entire family excitedly gathered to celebrate the day together at my parents' home. Everyone was present. Even MS. My arm had electric shocks shooting from the shoulder to my hand which was cold and numb... Read more

Let's Talk About Sex and Disability

Devin Garlit- This will certainly be a topic that will make some folks a tad embarrassed (though they shouldn�t be). That�s right, I�m about to talk about sex, particularly with regard to the disabled.�So if you�re a little shy or think that intercourse between two consenting adults should only be done to make babies, then you might want to pass on this one... Read more

Depressed for the "Right" Reason: MS & Mental Healthcare

Matt Allen G- The other night, something weird happened to me. I was eating dinner and streaming one of my favorite TV shows when I started to notice what I can only describe as �a heavy feeling of regret� begin to creep over me. At first, this was a little odd because the show I was watching was pretty funny, and the vegetarian chicken strips I was eating weren�t too bad, so what was going on? Where was this feeling coming from?... Read more

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Blocked Urethra Tube

About six years ago I had a problem emptying my bladder. So I went to my doctor and she inserted a catheter and took out 1.1 litres of fluid. It was a relief for me and an indwelling catheter was diagnosed. The problem I had was it was very hard for me to manage as I had to get it changed regularly and it took my dignity away. After about six months of this, they tried a self-fitting of the catheter but that didn't work and felt bad. And from that, I got a UTI and that was extremely painful, so it was decided to have an SPC fitted... Read more

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Hands meet in front of a light and dark landscape of waves and paths

I Am More Than My Diagnosis: A Year in Review

Editorial Team- As this community and our sister communities grow, one universal truth is clear: people are more than just their diagnoses. As 2019 comes to a close and a new year begins, we�re celebrating the many ways writers across our communities have found to speak back to their diagnoses, overcome new and evolving challenges, and support others to do the same... Read more

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MS and the Evolution of My Self-Image

Matt Allen G- Everyone has a self-image - an idea of what they look like, and the abilities they are capable of. The self-image you have of yourself is often hard to change though, which means your self-image might not totally reflect reality. Chances are, for example, how you thought of yourself before you were diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) is probably not how you think of yourself now. The self-image you once had is probably not an up-to-date depiction... Read more

What Are Smoldering Lesions?

Editorial Team- The progression of MS can be varied from person to person. Some individuals may experience rapid progression and significant disability, while others may progress slower and experience fewer symptoms. The underlying reasons for these differences are not well understood. However, a study published earlier this year points toward a specific type of brain lesion that might contribute to more aggressive progression... Read more

This Young Disabled Life

Devin Garlit- The word �disabled� is a scary thing to me; I even occasionally shudder when I type it.�As I write this, I�m 42 and classified as disabled. I have been since my late 30s when my multiple sclerosis progressed to the point that I could no longer work. When I was diagnosed nearly 20 years ago, I in no way expected to be pulled from the prime of my life and be in this position... Read more

We are Lucky to Have Each Other

Kim Dolce- You and I are SO lucky to have each other, right here on MultipleSclerosis.net, right now. And by right now, I mean I feel it at this moment I am writing, and I hope that you feel it at the moment you are reading this, and any moment that any one of us clicks a link and lands somewhere on this site... Read more

A Costly Mistake

Dianne Scott- It's been said that everyone makes mistakes. That's not far fetched because, in reality, no one is perfect. Mistakes come in all shapes and sizes with a plethora of reasons for why they're made (i.e. immaturity, not listening to reason, exercising poor judgment, acting too quickly, or not thinking things through)... Read more

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Never Give Up, We Are Strong

I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 14 and I'm 45 now. I use a cane to walk now. When I was told I had MS at 14, I was at that time the youngest ever and MS wasn't really known as it is now. All I wanted to know if I was going to die... Read more

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Featured poll:
Which of your symptoms worsen in winter (if any)?

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□ Fatigue

□ Pain

□ Walking & mobility problems

□ Cognitive issues

□ Spasticity

□ Other

□ I am not sure

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A person is hiding under a lampshade pretending to be a lamp. To the left two germs are entering the house and hanging up their coats.

Caregiver Perspectiver: Sharing Germs

Donna Steigleder- I anxiously looked forward to our caregiver�s arrival on Monday to help me out. However, when she arrived at work, she approached me first to ask if she should stay. She informed me she had been coughing all weekend, had seen a doctor, had bronchitis and was on antibiotics. The doctor said she would not be contagious and could work provided there was no fever. Hmmm, really? True or False? Persons coughing and sneezing cannot spread their germs to others if they do not have an elevated temperature... Read more

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When I'm Told Someone "Chooses Not to Be Negative"

Devin Garlit- Around the internet, when looking at various articles and memes about chronic illnesses like multiple sclerosis, you�ll often come across a number of items that, essentially, are lists of things not to say to people that suffer from these conditions.�Increasingly, we�re starting to finally see some backlash towards what I consider �positivity trolls�. This is a topic that I feel gets discussed with some regularity around these parts... Read more

Super Bowl LIV Tight End Indirectly Affirms How I Tackle My MS

Dan and Jennifer Digmann- George Kittle doesn't know me, but I'm sure the tight end for the NFC Champion and Super Bowl LIV-bound San Francisco 49ers gets me and how I take on living with multiple sclerosis. Seriously... Read more

I Was Diagnosed with Pediatric MS

Editorial Team- Pediatric multiple sclerosis isn�t talked about often, but that doesn�t mean the community of those who lived through it is small. Likewise, many teens and parents of teens may be reading this now to seek answers about what is currently going on... Read more

Where to Apply for MS Drug Copay Assistance in 2020

Kim Dolce- Each year, MS patients can apply for�copay assistance�from a number of resources. These programs are needs-based but income cutoff is very generous. For example, patients whose income is as high as 400 percent above the Federal Poverty Level will qualify for assistance. To determine whether you might be eligible, see the Federal Poverty Level table... Read more

Medications for MS Fatigue: Do they Work?

Matt Allen G- Something you'll find�no�shortage of when browsing the internet for articles about multiple sclerosis (MS) is information about fatigue. More specifically, articles about how different people living with MS experience and�treat their fatigue differently. You see, despite being such a common aspect of life with MS, we really don't know�much�about this symptom. Fatigue is often considered by many people living with MS to be one of the most debilitating�symptoms they deal with on a regular basis... Read more

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Holiday Time

My husband and I are going to Singapore on Friday. I am totally tired of thinking of clothes and things I need to go. I don't really want to go because this is not a holiday. My husband thinks I am weird, but he is away golfing, and I am spending my time looking for clothes to take. If he is not working, all he wants to do is go on holiday, but having PPMS, I'm afraid it's not much fun... Read more

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□ Information and education

□ Community and connection with others

□ Validation and being heard

□ Treatment and/or therapies

□ Mindset and perspective

□ Not sure

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The Fear of Vision Symptoms

Devin Garlit- Multiple sclerosis can create a lot of frightening moments. From unexpected falls to sudden jolts of pain, this disease has plenty of options when it comes to striking our hearts with fear. Some of the scariest symptoms have to do with one of our primary senses: our ability to see. Vision issues are actually very prevalent among those with MS; 80% of those with MS will at some point experience them. Very often, vision problems are the very first symptom that people notice, often being the driving factor that sends them in search of a diagnosis. No matter how early or often we�re forced to confront these attacks on our sight, vision issues remain a scary symptom for those with MS... Read more

The Gender Divide: Differences Between Men & Women with MS

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How to Live with Loneliness When Living with MS

Cathy Chester- I read a fascinating article about loneliness in the December 2019/January 2020 issue of AARP titled �Is There a Medical Cure for Loneliness?��by Lynn Darling. According to genomics researcher Steve Cole, and based on his small study of lonely people, loneliness can cause white blood cells to �be in a state of high alert� - much like a bacterial infection. �It was as though the subjects were under mortal assault by a disease - the disease of loneliness...� Read more

Dreaming with MS

Kim Dolce- I�ve had many dreams I can still remember, some as far back as childhood. Although most have been bad dreams, a few have been quite pleasant. Some of the most disturbing, terrifying, haunting ones were also recurring, visiting my slumber on at least three separate occasions and spread out over months or years, while the pleasant dreams always made one-night-only appearances. The thing they all have in common is that I can analyze their meanings... Read more

My Son Asked a Question - and MS Plays a Role In My Answer

Dianne Scott- My son recently asked me a simple question for which I found I didn't necessarily have a simple answer. He asked: "Mom, do you like change - yes or no?" I opened my mouth to provide a ready reply, but nothing came out. I wanted to just easily say yes or no, but my mind was busy telling me, "Be quiet and think - it's actually not that simple!" Sounds easy enough, but it's tricky... Read more

On the Move with MS: Plan for the 3 Fs

TK Sellman- I relocated over the holidays and want to share insights for those with MS facing the prospects of relocating in the near future. I still haven�t relapsed, thankfully! I've dealt with the �hug,� fatigue, some mood swings, bladder/bowel issues, cognitive fog, tinnitus, and spasticity, but nothing out of the ordinary. I definitely feared a relapse... Read more

Here's My Transition to Secondary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Nicole Lemelle- I�m a patient with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). I�m 37 and was originally diagnosed at the ripe age of 25 years old with the more common relapsing remitting (RRMS) variation of multiple sclerosis. I�m here to talk a little about this emotional and very physical process through my eyes... Read more

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Undiagnosed and Scared

After so much extensive research of my own, I�m starting to rule out everything else that isn�t MS. It�s the only thing that makes sense as to why I�ve been feeling the way I have. My first flare-up was a little over a year ago, around Christmas 2018. I had what I believe now to be the MS hug, and extreme lower and upper back pain. My heart rate dropped. The joints and nerves in my hips ached and I had difficulty walking. I couldn�t work, nor could I focus on even watching tv. My whole body would crack and pop at the slightest movements. Jaw pain and migraines to the max... Read more

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A Need for Better Educational Practices When Diagnosing MS

Matt Allen G- We�ve all seen it. Someone who is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) wondering why, months after starting a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) for MS, they are still experiencing symptoms. Or maybe someone who has had MS for a while and just started a new, possibly more aggressive DMT is frustrated that it�s not doing anything for their older symptoms that have been sticking around. Maybe you know the answer, or perhaps you�re not entirely sure. Either way, the fact that people are asking these questions speaks to a pretty significant problem in the world of MS, if you ask me - poor educational practices for newly diagnosed patients... Read more

The Gender Divide: Differences Between Men & Women with MS

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Hiding My Illness

Devin Garlit- �You handle it so well.� �You really have it together.� �You look like you are doing well.� These phrases and others like them are things that I hear very often. In person, and especially on social media, you�ll likely see me smiling and even having fun (Gasp! Shocking, I know). I don�t look very sick and even when I do, I suppose I look like it doesn�t bother me... Read more

Reading is Fundamental to Brain Heath ????????

Laura Kolaczkowski- We hear the research news on ways to battle our multiple sclerosis through physical exercise.�I�ve written about this before, particularly my own personal resistance to doing physical exercise.�The mental state I have to be in to get up and move and workout is one I can�t quite conquer. During a recent online conversation with Aaron Boster, MD, The Boster Center for Multiple Sclerosis, I posed the question about ways we can do cognitive exercises.�You know, those things to stretch our brains and keep them fluid... Read more

I Have Progressive MS, but I Still Can Save the Day

Dan and Jennifer Digmann- It is understandable to assume that my husband Dan often is seen as the caregiver in our relationship. After all, I�m the one using the wheelchair, and he�s the one walking, working and driving despite his multiple sclerosis. Plus, it has become fairly common for�him to help me finish the last few bites of my meals because I�m too weak to lift the food to my mouth... Read more

MS Good News Report: The Latest Research from January 2020

TK Sellman- A new Case Western Reserve University imaging agent for myelin, better known as Myeliviz, promises to do just that. The FDA has given university researchers the green light to study the agent�s safety and early efficacy at Cleveland Clinic Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis. How it works: Healthy volunteers are injected with the agent prior to a positron emission tomography (PET) scan... Read more

What I Learned After Keeping a Symptom Journal

Brooke Pelczynski- Keeping track of symptoms with MS is really important for measuring how you are feeling over time and sharing that information back with your doctor. However, during bad days (or weeks, or months), keeping track of symptoms can lead to the realization that most days, you don�t feel great! Check out Brooke's latest comic... Read more

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Is This a New Form of Hell??

Hi everyone, I am a 39-year-old, married with 3 children. I was diagnosed with MS after going blind in my left eye in 2015. I actually think I have been carrying MS around for years before my diagnosis, as I would have episodes of numbness in my legs or burning sensations randomly on my legs. It was really, really frightening to have my vision slowly stripped from my left eye and the pain was horrendous. I was given steroids to combat it, but due to an initial misdiagnosis, my eyesight has been lost in that eye completely... Read more

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8 Hours Is Never Enough

Nicole Lemelle- Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. All I do is sleep. Eight hours is never enough. I spend more time in the bed than I do any other place. So, why would today be any different. The sand in my hourglass clock says it's 9 AM. I blink my eyes, and now it's 10 AM. My mind is stretched as time collapses and I realize I've been struggling to get out of bed for over an hour. Head is buried in my pillow. Eyes so heavy they feel like boulders... Read more

Balancing RRMS and Daily Life

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MRIs: Why I Don't Have Them Anymore

Kim Dolce- If you have been diagnosed with MS or have been tested for it, you've had at least a couple of magnetic resonance imaging scans, or MRIs, that can reveal lesions in your central nervous system. Unlike x-rays and CT scans that use radiation to produce images, MRI machines use powerful magnets and radio waves. It provides the clearest, most detailed images of matter in the brain and spinal cord, and this is why doctors prefer MRIs over other kinds of scans... Read more

Wait, Who is Making My Medical Decisions?

Matt Allen G- I'm not going to pretend to be anywhere near close to fully educated on how health insurance works. However, as someone who has been living with multiple sclerosis (MS) since 2010, I probably have a little more experience dealing with insurance than the average (and otherwise healthy) individual does... Read more

When MS Isn't So Very Nightmarish

Dianne Scott- I remember, as a young girl, waking up in the middle of the night to a strange, scary sight. My oldest sister, with whom I shared a bedroom, was being choked very aggressively. The culprit? Herself.?Both of her very own hands were wrapped tightly around her neck in an apparent quest to strangle the life from her as she struggled to break free - from herself. Frightened, I yelled for my father... Read more

Go Google It Yourself

Lisa Emrich- "My family doesn't care; they won't even try to learn anything about the disease." "Friends read one article and think that they know everything. Then they tell ME how I should feel or what I should do to fix everything." "I'm all for educating and sharing information, but PLEASE make an effort and read about it yourself. I'm tired of repeating myself to people who don't listen." My heart is heavy with the conflict in our country... Read more

Why Aren't We Treating with the Most Effective Medications Early On?

Devin Garlit- When I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis over 20 years ago, I started treatment as soon as I could. My original disease-modifying therapy was Avonex. Over the years, I had multiple relapses and then switched to Copaxone for a while. These are both common "starter medications" for people with MS. To this day, they are still on the front line of MS treatment, often prescribed to the newly diagnosed... Read more

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How I Learned I Have MS

It was Feb 2011, I cut my workday short in a hurry to get home to take my wife out to celebrate our anniversary. I was feeling good. I told my wife I'm going to take a shower and I'll be ready in 15min. While in the shower With no warning I passed out cold. My wife heard the fall and helped me to my feet and went to get a chair for me. As soon as she let go of my hand I went down again. I was taken by ambulance to the hospital... Read more

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How MS-Related Speech and Memory Problems Embarrassed Me in Public

Kim Dolce- Multiple sclerosis symptoms pose a constant challenge to my self-confidence, and that's a good thing. For example, after years of taking pratfalls, I'm proud to report that I now stumble with charm, wit, and poise. These breakthroughs are hard-won, as you know. Acting like a good-natured person doesn't come easily for me, I take myself much too seriously. In fact, acting is precisely how it started! After the sting of embarrassment faded, I faked being jolly and self-deprecating. Then, through some kind of hocus-pocus, it became sincere. But stumbling is one thing. Flubbing words is quite another... Read more

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Dealing With the Many Setbacks of MS

Devin Garlit- Recently, someone who'd been newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis asked me for some non-sugar coated thoughts on my life with the disease. In particular, they wanted to know what they should be prepared for. After reminding them that everyone with MS has a different course and that experiences vary, I did come up with a general area to prepare for. When I looked back at my life with MS, one of the big things that comes to mind is the staggering number of setbacks... Read more

How an Observational Study Helped Me Find My MS Self

Anita Williams- I advocate for multiple sclerosis research. I am constantly preaching the gospel of the importance of participating in any way you can. Clinical trials are not the only way to give back, but sometimes that is what is emphasized the most. Yet, it was my participation in an observational study that had the greatest effect on me. It forced me to really think about feelings. Each month when I met with the clinician, I was faced with a lot of questions... Read more

MS Comic: Jumping Through Hoops

Brooke Pelczynski- MS impacts daily life in so many different ways. Brooke's comic explains how for her, the many symptoms and treatment side effects are just the tip of the iceberg! What's the most frustrating part of living with MS for Brooke? Cutting through red tape and jumping through all the hoops that insurance companies require to get proper care and appropriate medications... Read more

Looking Back at Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Choices

Editorial Team- People living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are faced with countless decisions about how they want to treat their condition. These decisions can have far-reaching consequences on all areas of life, including financial stability and quality of life. Treatment decisions are deeply personal, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to how people can best manage and treat their MS. In our 2020 Multiple Sclerosis In America survey, we asked people living with MS to share what they wish they had done differently... Read more

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In The Dark

I have not been diagnosed with MS. I have been classified as an older woman with a lot of strange complaints. I have been literally laughed at by my doctor. But when I saw the article on Facebook about some unusual symptoms of MS, it was a lightbulb going off in my head. My issues have been going on for about 15 years... Read more

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When TMI is a Good Thing: MS & Bathroom Problems

Anita Williams- Multiple sclerosis has been like a secret club at times. We have our own language and rituals. We can confab over disease-modifying drugs (DMD) or over our the latest recurrence of an old symptom. We compare neurologists in the search for the best professional that suits us. We talk about many things about how multiple sclerosis. We also miss some of the most important conversations. We miss understanding more about these MS issues because of a desire for privacy or a sense of shame. Bodily functions are off-limits. It's the "poop" we don't talk about. There is a great deal of shame surrounding bathroom problems... Read more

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When Your Body Fails You

Devin Garlit- The very nature of multiple sclerosis involves your body failing you. Specifically, the signals your brain is sending throughout your body is what is failing, but the end result is that your body no longer does what you want. Try to lift your leg, the signal doesn't quite get there, and you fall. Go to talk, and your speech is slurred because the message your brain is sending to the muscles that help you speak is all garbled or delayed... Read more

Life with MS is Not a Race

Lisa Emrich- Last week, my husband and I went cycling on local trails. Since the weather had been cold this spring and because we stayed home most of the time to avoid coming in contact with other people, we haven't been riding as much as we normally would have been by this time of year. During the ride, I started out strong... Read more

MS Comic: The Dreaded Pin Prick Test

Brooke Pelczynski- The pin prick test is exactly what it sounds like: a doctor uses a safety pin to test for sensitivity and areas of numbness. They may poke the feet, legs, hands, arms, and torso. While some people with MS only feel a dull poke, others feel every painful pinch... Read more

Switching DMTs: I'm Hopelessly Hopeful

Matt Allen G- Living with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis (MS) requires you to maintain a certain level of hope, motivation, and perseverance. While I'm sure that there are many people who don't struggle with this too bad, I know that there are a lot of people who, justifiably so, do at some point or another. I'm definitely one of those people despite the fact that early on in my journey with MS... Read more

MS Good News Report: The Latest Research Through July 2020

TK Sellman- While living with MS is already challenging enough, living with it during a pandemic can be even more frustrating. The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) recently launched its COVID-19 and MS Pathfinder tool to address these added frustrations... Read more

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Life as I Knew It Was Over

I was still working full-time at a job I loved when it first hit me. I couldn''t understand why tasks that were so easy were becoming more difficult and taking me twice as long to complete. I was having issues concentrating, and I chalked it up to stress as 1 of my bosses was a horrible, miserable little man. I had dealt with this person for over 9 years with no problems. Now I couldn''t brush off his attitude. This really sucked, because I had always stood my ground to bullies. The day I had my first "episode" of MS, I was speaking with my direct supervisor when... Read more

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My Guilty Conscience Weighs Me Down

Anita Williams- "Don't compare yourself to others. We are all unique." This phrase is true. Multiple sclerosis by its nature affects each of us differently. We cannot even be sure of how we feel day to day or hour to hour. I know this. I repeat that phrase to others as a reminder to be kind to oneself. I am a hypocrite. I compare myself to other MSers and the guilt weighs heavily... Read more

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Economy of Movement & Conserving Energy to Fight MS Fatigue

Devin Garlit- When you live with multiple sclerosis, the fight against fatigue can seem like a never-ending battle. If you're like me, you are always looking for new ways to improve your energy levels. Winning the war against fatigue takes more than relying on medication; it requires us to change the way we approach daily tasks. Looking at the way we approach activity during our day and making changes to the way we approach it can be an extremely effective way to conserve energy... Read more

Life Changes with MS: Becoming a New Mom of Four

Calie Wyatt- Wow, it's crazy to think I haven't gotten to write in over a year. If you haven't noticed, I have been a little MIA lately on MultipleSclerosis.net. The reason being that I welcomed our spontaneous triplets in August of 2019, and what a beautiful blur it has been! Let me catch you up on the last year of life... Read more

That Awkward Moment When It Turns Out Your MS...Actually Isn't

Emily Martin- Well, so much for a spoiler alert...I won't blame the dumpster fire that is 2020 for this uninspired title, but considering this adventure started in May 2019, I can promise you there will be zero references to COVID-19 (okay, except for that one). But since you already have a solid idea of how this article ends, you probably also don't want me in charge of planning your surprise party, either. Yes, late spring 2019. What a simpler time, right?... Read more

MS Good News Report: The Latest Research through October 2020

TK Sellman- It's not great news to note that African Americans with European ancestors face an increased risk for MS. What's great, however, is that research is finally drilling into factors like race to figure out why. Two genetic variants which regulate the immune system were found, in a recent study funded by the National MS Society (NMSS), to combine with other genetic and environmental factors to explain "what is often a worse clinical experience of MS in African Americans..." Read more

My Bust A Move Went Bust Awry

Dianne Scott- In the late '80s, a rapper, Young MC, popularized the phrase "bust a move," by rapping about a young man who did just that in a few scenarios. In short, the phrase means to take action of some kind... Read more

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To All Those Here Who Are Considering a Wheelchair

To all those here who are considering a wheelchair... When I first received my wheelchair back in 2018, I just assumed it would be easy peasy. My freedom had arrived, after spending eight months bottled up in the house as I refused to get one. I finally agreed to buy it. Boy was I happy. To go back outside again, to visit the store, to feel the wind brush against me. To feel alive once more. What I didn't think of was it actually takes a lot of effort to travel by wheelchair. My arms are quite weak and to venture off by myself is no no... Read more

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□ Mental Health

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□ Assistive Devices

□ Relationships

□ Complementary/Alternative Therapies

□ Advocacy/Awareness

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MS and What You Shouldn't Say to a Person Using a Wheelchair

Dan and Jennifer Digmann- I thought I was in a safe space with "my people" that Saturday morning. My husband Dan had dropped me off at my weekly WW meeting (WW is the health and wellness program formerly known as Weight Watchers), and group members were sharing their weight-related stories and struggles. I have struggled with my weight for practically my whole life, so I felt very knowledgeable and comfortable with the conversation and the group of nearly 30 people I was talking with. Well, I was comfortable until a member started sharing her personal story and motivation for starting the program. Her reason for coming to WW? "I don't want to be confined to a wheelchair like one of the people I take care of..." Read more

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Because Avoiding Stress is Impossible...

TK Sellman- I'm willing to bet the vast majority of people with MS have been told this by their healthcare provider at least once: avoid stress. Seems simple, right? Hardly. The things that cause stress in one's life-whether they have MS or are perfectly healthy-are also the things that define life itself: marriage, children, careers, family, school, weather... Read more

You Can Do Everything Right and Still Be Sick

Devin Garlit- Whether it's you or someone close to you, when someone has been diagnosed with an incurable illness like multiple sclerosis, there is an immediate need to know why and how they've acquired this disease, or why they aren't cured yet or don't feel better. Hand in hand with those questions is a common sentiment: the desire to assign blame... Read more

Inked Up: MS & Tattoos

Devin Garlit- Scrolling through some social media, I noticed a pretty cool trend among the multiple sclerosis community: that of getting MS-related tattoos! I've seen all kinds, from orange ribbons to catchy slogans, and even MSiversary dates. While getting tattoos certainly isn't for everyone, for those who are into it, it can be a great way of asserting some power over the disease, which can be pretty therapeutic for many people. For others, it's a great way of raising awareness... Read more

Not My Type of MS

Mitch Sturgeon- I receive a steady stream of MS news items. Unfortunately, almost none of it applies to me. I do have MS, just not that type of MS. I am the Titanic passenger, wandering the sinking ship as if in purgatory, always being told, "This lifeboat is not for you. Go find another." The majority of people with MS are diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting type (RRMS). About 15 percent are diagnosed with primary progressive MS (PPMS). That's my type... Read more

MS Comic: Easter Eggs

Brooke Pelczynski- Art is a way to express ourselves, and dyeing Easter eggs is no exception! Brooke's comic below shows how she made the annual tradition more personal and special by decorating an egg to look like her brain... Read more

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God and My Husband Are Giants

I'm Nita and I was diagnosed in April 1980. Knew absolutely nothing at all about it. I was tested the old-fashioned way. A long needle inserted through my groin with dye up into my brain. Unheard of! I was so scared! This one doctor called it prior to any test done on me. He said standing outside my cubicle, "MS" as I was lying there on the cot behind the curtain. It appears I have the oldest diagnosis date. My faith in God and my husband were gigantic in keeping me grounded. I did not stop walking until September 2009... Read more

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Let Me Fail: Being Independent with MS

Ashley Ringstaff- I know at times we can feel helpless, like we can't get things done on our own. It's either too much physically and/or mentally. Those around us might see us struggling while trying to accomplish what we're attempting to do and want to lend a hand because it's the courteous thing to do. It's almost instinctual. Thank you to those loved ones who lend a hand when they see that we're struggling... Read more

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Paying the MS Tax: Mental & Emotional Exertion

Devin Garlit- When it comes to life with multiple sclerosis, being active can often come with a price. I've discussed this in the past, referring to that price we pay as the "MS Tax". Overdoing it can often lead to many of us being laid out and unable to move much, or being rattled by pain and spasms. Extreme fatigue is almost a given if we've been more active than normal... Read more

Breathing Exercises

Editorial Team- Focusing on the breath is a technique used to help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety. There are many forms of breathing exercises. In this video, renowned naturopath Megan Taylor guides you through four-square breathing, also known as box breathing or square breathing... Read more

10 Things Everyone Should Know About MS

Shelby Comito- In order to further awareness and deepen understanding of everyday life with MS, we've compiled this list of the top 10 things everyone should know about MS... Read more

One White Pine: Building Spaces for Living & Healing

Editorial Team- Professor and landscape architect Daniel Winterbottom has been designing and building therapeutic gardens for over 20 years. Here, he shares his unique viewpoint on the power of nature to heal communities and individuals facing medical treatments, PTSD, and violence... Read more

My First Virtual Neurology Visit

Lisa Emrich- In Part 1 of this digital adventure, I shared about the growing pains my neurologist's office was experiencing in switching patients over from in-person visits to virtual visits during the time of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. I expect that virtual visits will continue to be more common once the crisis has passed. What we are really talking about here is the future of telehealth... Read more

Getting a Second Opinion

Fredric Andersson- Somewhere in a folder, there is a small, crinkled up piece of paper with the words "primary progressive multiple sclerosis" (PPMS) written on it. My first neurologist handed it to me when I received my MS diagnosis in 2015. Six months later, during the first meeting with my second neuro, the diagnosis was corrected to relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, or RRMS... Read more

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Lost

I was diagnosed with RRMS in 1998. I was 20 years old with a 9mo old son. I woke up the day after Christmas 1997 and thought I was having a stroke. I was a CNA at the time and was having every symptom of a stroke and made my son's father take me to the hospital and after hours of testing, I was sent home told I had a brain tumor and a neurologist will contact me after the new year... Read more

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Dealing With the Fear of Inconveniencing Others

Devin Garlit- Throughout my decades of living with multiple sclerosis, from my initial diagnosis to, well, this very morning, I've been consistently nagged by an intense desire to avoid inconveniencing others because of my illness. Whether it's needing help with the basics of life or even just talking about my condition, I usually have a creeping concern in the back of my mind that I might be inconveniencing someone, putting them out, or somehow interrupting their lives in a negative way. This fear is driven by my personal history, my personality, and wanting to be known for more than my illness,?and it takes a toll on me... Read more

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Take the Connected Health Survey!

Editorial Team- In the digital age, there are so many devices, websites, and technologies related to health. From fitness trackers to mobile apps, we use connected health technology to track symptoms, monitor condition changes and wellbeing, receive test results, and even communicate with our doctors. And, as recent events have pushed us to rely more and more on technology, what does it all mean for people living with chronic health conditions?... Read more

The Lonely Life of Odd MS Symptoms

Anita Williams- If there is one thing that makes the multiple sclerosis community strong, it is our ability to empathize with one another. Our various struggles and triumphs can be shared with people who know what we go through. This is a wonderful benefit, and often the focus is on the most prevalent symptoms. When looking up multiple sclerosis symptoms, what usually comes up are fatigue, difficulties with gait or walking, tingling/numbness, vision problems, weakness, dizziness or vertigo, and tingling/numbness... Read more

10-Year MS Anniversary: Looking Back

Ashley Ringstaff- August 30th, 2020, was the mark of my 10-year anniversary with MS - well, since we 'signed the papers' AKA my official diagnosis date. My husband and I were talking the other day and he said, "Isn't it crazy to look back at where you were then to where you are now?" I want to share a photo that he had made so you can really understand where he was coming from with that statement... Read more

MS Good News Report: The Latest Research Through August 2020

TK Sellman- Seventy people polled by the National MS Society (NMSS) reported a "stable or improved work situation over three years" after they sought at least one workplace accommodation, according to research reviewed at the NMSS website. The accommodations most requested included flex time, written job instructions, work-from-home options, and tools to improve memory... Read more

MS Comic: Packing for a Weekend Trip

Brooke Pelczynski- Packing light for a weekend getaway isn't always possible with MS. Trying to be prepared and bring along medication, extra clothes in case of bladder or bowel issues, cooling gear for hot temperatures, and other necessities can take up a lot of space. Brooke's comic shows her packing thought process... Read more

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Not Diagnosed with MS But Been Dealing with Stuff for 1/4 Century Now

Long complicated story, let me try to simplify as much as I can while covering the basics. Early 90s when 28 I tore all the muscles on one side of my upper back and ripped the shoulder blade out, called "winging". Took months to heal and was extremely painful the whole time. Soon after it went off again, and I have not been the same since. Took two years before the muscle spasms stopped and I have not slept one real night''s sleep since then. Lots of odd symptoms including various paresthesias, dizziness, muscle spasms in other body parts, severe fatigue bouts, etc. Best diagnosis I got was fibromyalgia but was told maybe MS... Read more

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Pamper Yourself on the Good Days, Too

Lisa Emrich- Some days, I definitely feel like I need to go through all the muscles 2 or 3 times, holding each pose for a full minute. Those are the days where I ask myself, "Why, Lisa, oh why don't you do this every day?" Some days, I don't even feel like I need to hold a stretch for 30 minutes before moving on. Those are the dangerous days. Those are the days that I don't "feel" like I have MS. It's the non-MSey days that I tend to neglect myself which ultimately leads to the MSey days that I want to avoid... Read more

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Video: My Top Tips for Staying Cool This Summer with MS

Devin Garlit- The summer heat has been unrelenting, and the increased temperatures and humidity can be devastating for some people with MS. Going out in the heat can make many feel sluggish and drained of energy. Others struggle with brain fog or slurred speech. In this video, Devin talks about some cooling devices that he uses to help him keep his MS symptoms at bay in the summer months (or year-round, depending on where you live!)... Read more

I Get by With a Little Help From My Friends

TK Sellman- We've all experienced this: you share your diagnosis of MS with people you thought were friends only to watch them recede from your life. It looks something like this-they: 1. Judge you as a hypochondriac or attention seeker 2. Disbelieve you - the old "but you look fine!" motif 3. Treat you as if you're incapable of anything, often speaking for you right in front of you, as if you're not there 4. Seem to think you're no longer the same person... Read more

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): What It is and How It Affects Me

Kim Dolce- Around the time I started learning how to better control the misery of MS, I discovered that misery loves company. It came in the form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as unwelcome a medical condition as ever there was - and a familiar one for people with MS... Read more

Taking Time to Rest During an MS Relapse Isn't as Easy as It Sounds

Matt Allen G- When anyone, regardless of whether they have a chronic illness or not, isn't feeling very well, what is one of the most common things people will tell them? "Get some rest," right? It's pretty intuitive, isn't it? When you're not feeling well, you simply take it easy so your body can recover. Everyone knows that! Well, that's kind of how multiple sclerosis (MS) works, too, except that the need to rest is a much more regular thing... Read more

MS Comic: I May Not Always...

Brooke Pelczynski- It's hard to have to cancel plans last minute or opt out of plans that you know will drain you (like a barbecue in 90-degree weather!). Saying "no" because MS has other plans can lead to feelings of stress, guilt, and loneliness. But friends who are understanding and continue to extend the invitation next time make it so much easier... Read more

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Waiting for Answers

I wrote a bit about this the other day but I think in the wrong place. I haven''t been diagnosed with MS but have wondered in the back of my mind, even without knowing much about it. Recently, I experienced one of the strangest sensations I''d ever felt which was an electric shock sensation in my tongue, followed by a burning sensation that was still there the next morning. This prompted me to see the Dr. I could only see a locum on the day but have now seen my GP. By this time I''d experienced that same sensation in my tongue about 5 times. I sat down and made a list of all the random symptoms I''ve been having. Some of these I have had tests for in the past.... Read more

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Living with Lassitude: Primary Fatigue in MS

Devin Garlit- When it comes to discussing the many potential symptoms of multiple sclerosis, you can't have a complete discussion until you've talked about one of the most common and heinous: fatigue. When it comes to fatigue with MS, it's hard to accurately describe just how debilitating it can be. Far from the tiredness that most people have experienced, MS-related fatigue is a level of complete exhaustion that makes accomplishing the simplest of tasks incredibly difficult. The way multiple sclerosis affects our body has the odds stacked against us when it comes to experiencing fatigue... Read more

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Board Up the Windows - Summer is About to Hit

Matt Allen G- It's generally agreed upon among the multiple sclerosis (MS) community that heat is bad for MS. Uhthoff's phenomenon is the worsening of MS symptoms when exposed to heat (or when the body overheats from something like exercise). While cold weather definitely causes some people with MS to feel worse, I have always been of the opinion that (when it comes to it being cold) you can always layer up more but (when it comes to it being hot) you can only strip down so much.... Read more

The Other Side of Anger

Teresa Wright-Johnson- How many times have you been told not to be angry? These words have been said to me often. Hearing the directive agitates me.?Many would have you believe that anger is a sign of weakness or poor self-control. My truth is that I experience anger.?As I process the reality of multiple sclerosis, chronic illness, and distress there are periods when I feel anger. I believe that embracing anger is necessary work... Read more

I'm Fine, for Now

Ashley Ringstaff- This is a follow up to an article that I had written a while ago, Definition of, "I'm Fine". Really, I feel like my go-to answer for when I'm asked, "How are you feeling?" is always I'm fine. However, that's not always just me saying it when it's not true. So, let me explain what I mean. When I'm actually feeling good (well, as good as I can be), I feel like I need to answer, "I'm fine, for now". Because there is no telling... Read more

MS's Constant Assault on Mental Health

Devin Garlit- After 20-plus years of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and about 6 or 7 of being disabled from it, I often struggle with my mental health. I'm writing about this right now because I am having a really hard time at the moment. So, I figure, what better time to bring it up? Maybe this won't even turn into something I submit, but if I do, I'm sure there's someone else out there that is having similar struggles and could benefit from it. If there is, then I hope they read this and realize they aren't alone. Feeling alone is a great place to start... Read more

The Piano Teacher Does More Than Teach Piano

Lisa Emrich- A piano teacher recently came onto an MS forum and asked a few questions about what she could do to help a new adult piano student who lives with multiple sclerosis. It was great to see the teacher seeking out information about the disease. Suggestions from the community ranged from hand exercises to ways to overcome cognitive difficulties. When the piano teacher asked "what kind of hand exercises?", it became clear that a lot more information needed to be exchanged in order to produce useful suggestions... Read more

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Face Pain - Not Sinuses

I have had MS since 2006, however, just diagnosed in 2018. Mobility, vision impaired, chronic pain in face which resemble sinuses. So for the month of May until now which is June 18, the pain has had me to urgent care/ER twice a week in tears. The pain has been so horrible cannot even compare to childbirth. I have had my blood pressure shoot from 287 over 115 as if I am about to have a stroke. Finally, was given Prednisone and medication for migraines, which has been the only comfort. Nevertheless, each time I go to ER/Urgent Care and explain I have PMS... Read more

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The Embarrassment of Brain Fog

Devin Garlit- When it comes to frustrating and embarrassing symptoms, multiple sclerosis has the potential to bring on a number of ones that can seem downright humiliating. Problems with my legs (such as weakness, numbness, or foot drop) and balance have caused me to fall or stumble at inopportune times. Bladder issues coupled with khaki pants have definitely made me stand out for all the wrong reasons on more than one occasion. Being unable to work due to a multitude of symptoms has most certainly left me with a face that is pretty red with embarrassment when people simply ask me "what do you do?". Yep, there are a lot of embarrassing moments when it comes to living with MS. One symptom in particular though hits me really hard... Read more

Life as a Millennial with MS

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Sick Days Before Diagnosis: An MS Retrospective

TK Sellman- As someone who writes about health conditions, I constantly read new reports and studies for sparks of inspiration for future projects. When I ran across an article published by the American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) last month that pointed out how people with MS often miss a lot of work prior to their diagnosis, sparks began to fly for me... Read more

Shopping for Your Healthcare Team

Ashley Ringstaff- When you are shopping for a big purchase, say a car, for instance, you do your research and find the best option of what fits what you want in a car. You then go to test drive it and hopefully have a helpful sales associate assisting you. I feel like this can also be applied to shopping for your doctor/healthcare team. I didn't know it then, but not all doctors know all the exact same information... Read more

8 Hours Is Never Enough

Nicole Lemelle- Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. All I do is sleep. Eight hours is never enough. I spend more time in the bed than I do any other place. So, why would today be any different. The sand in my hourglass clock says it's 9 AM. I blink my eyes, and now it's 10 AM. My mind is stretched as time collapses and I realize I've been struggling to get out of bed for over an hour... Read more

Left or Right? Something Else I Wish People Knew

Matt Allen G- Like anyone else living with this stupid illness, there are many things that I wish the people around me understood about multiple sclerosis (MS). Things like how this disease actually works, how their Aunt Tammy's MS is not the same as mine, how being fatigued isn't the same as being tired, and so on. But I've already spoken in the past about some of the things I wish people understood about MS... Read more

Devin's Tips for Fighting Fatigue

Devin Garlit- Multiple sclerosis is a disease that can be responsible for a massive number of different symptoms. MS is also a disease that can affect people differently (so no, just because your aunt's coworker's gardener's nephew is doing great, that doesn't mean that I am). Despite that wide variety and happenstance of symptoms across the many afflicted with this disease, there is one symptom that is extremely common: fatigue... Read more

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MS and Progression

I was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago, 2010. It was invisible. No one knew about the incontinence. No one thought my poor memory or depression was anything more than ordinary stress. More than once I got lost in my own neighborhood. Familiar people became like strangers. The DMTs seemed preventative. Like I didn''t really have MS at all. Not compared to my sister who has 24-hour care, and not compared to my mother who had no medicine available to her back in the 80''s. Two years ago I started having trouble walking. Doc switched me to new medicine. 6 months later added "the walking pill." Now I use a walker off and on, and considering a collapsible wheelchair so I am not stuck at home when someone wants to... Read more

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Cruising and MS

Laura Kolaczkowski- Vacation travel can present challenges for anyone. Life with MS also has its own challenges. Combine MS and vacation and you can get an entirely new set of challenges. When the community managers at MultipleSclerosis.net asked me to write about taking vacation cruises while living with MS, I jumped at the chance. Actually, the truth is I can't jump anymore, but I am more than happy to share several tips I have learned of how to make the most of cruising. Not everyone will ever take a cruise, or even be interested in doing so. But in case you are traveling by big boat, this is the first in a series of articles where I share some personal tips and tricks to make the most of your vacation... Read more

Life as a Millennial with MS

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Uninsured? Here's Where to Find Financial Assistance

Kim Dolce- Shortly after I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005 I lost my job and with it, my employer-sponsored health insurance. I enrolled in COBRA to maintain my employer's insurance, but that coverage lapsed 18 months later, leaving me without any kind of health insurance... Without insurance, my neurologist's office unceremoniously dropped me. "Come back when you have insurance again," was this staffer's helpful suggestion... Read more

MS Comic: Ringing Ears

Brooke Pelczynski- Have you ever gone to bed only to start hearing a ringing in your ears? This comic shows how frustrating and exhausting this MS symptom can be! You might try to drown out the ringing with music or just hope it goes away... Read more

5 Traits That Help Me Live with MS

Dianne Scott- I saw a sign that read "5 Things Money Can't Buy," and listed were: manners, respect, dignity, grace, and common sense. How accurate and how true because not one of them can be purchased. They must be innate, learned, or developed, and they are paramount for one to possess in all walks of life. I looked at these characteristics in terms of my life with the perils of a chronic disease... Read more

On the Move with MS: Yet Another New Normal?

TK Sellman- My husband's mother grew up in Germany. Both have been known to say immer etwas Neues -"always something new"- during times of change or stress. Relocation doesn't end with the flattening of that last cardboard box. Even after the last load drops at your new place, the changes and stress persist... Read more

HSCT & MS: Some Basics and My Thoughts

Devin Garlit- Hope. When you live with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis, hope can keep you going. New treatments, especially when they aren't yet available to a majority of people, always inspire hope. These days, one such treatment that people are hopeful for is HSCT. There are many that are holding onto this hope but don't fully understand the details of the procedure... Read more

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Choosing Not to Drive with MS

The first memory for me of independence brings back the memory of the day I got my Driver's license, the keys to my car and the road of possibility was endless. It is hard losing a possession that gives you some control over your own life. The freedom to wander about shrinks when this one little piece of plastic is taken away. Well, there are those of us that are in the middle. The ones that still have the capability of driving. Have not had accidents or required a D.O.T. review but have restricted our own freedom. This is so hard for friends and family to understand... Read more

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Dealing with the Never-Ending Unknowns of MS is Such a Pain - Literally

Dan and Jennifer Digmann- Between the sleepless nights, relentless zings, and intense pain, I felt so hopeless and helpless. I wondered if my multiple sclerosis-related trigeminal neuralgia misery was ever going to end. It felt as though I was rapidly chewing on tinfoil as though it was gum anytime the back teeth on my right side touched. Zing! Zing! Zing! Shockwaves relentlessly pierced my jaw in the middle of almost every night... Read more

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I Am Feeling the Itch

Mitch Sturgeon- The itches I will address today are the ordinary ones that pop up all over my body - no more or less often than the average person. Because of my MS progression, I can no longer reach these itches to scratch them. The most common and most infuriating are the ones on my face and head. For most of my life, I didn't think about scratching my itches any more than I thought about digesting my food or pumping my blood. It just happened. Today, with my hands lying useless on my lap, these unscratched itches vacillate between annoying and maddening... Read more

What Are "Active" and "Inactive" Multiple Sclerosis?

Editorial Team- Active, progressive, relapsing? Your doctor may talk to you about these terms, but what do they all mean for you? Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects each person in different ways. However, experts have found certain patterns in how the disease tends to progress... Read more

The Challenge of Consistency and Employment

Devin Garlit- Going to work. Preparing and cooking meals. Cleaning your residence. Exercising. Showering. Taking medication. These are all common activities in our day to day lives and they all have something in common: they require consistency. So much about our lives requires us to be consistent, to do them regularly. Many even require us to do them at specific times for a specific duration. When you live with an unpredictable illness like multiple sclerosis, that can become problematic... Read more

Mistreatment or Abuse by a Caregiver

Editorial Team- It is estimated that 1 in 4 people with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience disability that is significant enough to warrant formal caregiving. Most of this caregiving is performed by family members, but it can also be done by outside professionals. Although families don't like to think about it, mistreatment or abuse by caregivers can occur. Mistreatment and abuse can happen at any time. It is important to be aware of the risk factors, signs, and symptoms... Read more

Taking Time for Yourself

Anita Williams- At the risk of being called vain or shallow, I am going to speak my truth. My form of self-care is a bit different than many. The term self-care brings up visions of healthy eating or exercise or meditation. All of these are activities that are good for the mind and body. And I practice these. Yet, they don't feel indulgent and just for me. Self-care needn't always be serious... Read more

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Gaining Strength

I was diagnosed with MS in April of 2014. At the time, I didn't have many symptoms. I had some tingling and numbness and fatigue for sure but I could still run to keep up with my then 2 1/2 and almost 5 year old extremely active kids. I started Avonex right away but had a new lesion and lost partial feeling in my left arm by August so I switched to Gilenya. I have slowly lost the balance and coordination needed to run or do aerobics and I was too tired and too busy to care... Read more

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Multiple Sclerosis Association of America

Read MSAA’s Newest Edition of The Motivator

The Motivator is the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s award-winning magazine provided to the MS community and to our generous supporters. Read about the following topics in the new, Summer/Fall 2020 issue of the magazine.

Cover Story

“Promoting Mental and Emotional Wellness During Difficult Times”

In this article, the symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as other effects of the pandemic, are described in detail. We explain who is at greatest risk and how these types of symptoms can affect not only overall health, but also the immune system. Wellness strategies and resources are provided, including study results on “Purpose in Life,” which show how the mind-body connection can dramatically affect one’s emotional, mental, and physical health.
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Up Front

MSAA’s President and CEO talks about the difficult challenges many of us are currently facing, along with the continued need for support to the MS community.
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Ask the Doctor

In this issue, MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer Barry A. Hendin, MD, addresses questions sent in by readers, covering such topics as COVID-19 and JC virus antibodies, the safety of contrast agents, and stem cells to treat MS.
Read the full story

Research News

The latest MS disease-modifying therapies approved by the FDA are featured in this column.
Read the full story

Program Notes

In addition to the expansion of MSAA’s programs and services to meet the needs of those affected by the current pandemic, this column also provides important information on MSAA’s African American Advisory Board, MSAA’s new COVID-19 and MS Pathfinder online tool, and our growing library of educational webinars.
Read the full story

Don''t forget! The new Summer/Fall 2020 issue of The Motivator is also available as a digital edition, providing: easy, interactive, online viewing; access from your desktop, tablet, or mobile device; and special features that include a search field, font-size preferences, and more!

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MS In America: What's That?

Alina Ahsan- An MS diagnosis is a shock, but what can make it more difficult is the lack of information available for patients and their loved ones. Many people quickly jump online to research the ins and outs of MS but have trouble finding helpful information that can tell them what to expect. Even more difficult can be finding someone who actually lives with MS to connect with and share experiences. The MS In America survey is an annual survey on MultipleSclerosis.net that seeks to close some of these gaps... Read more

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Shaking (Curled) Hands With MS

Dianne Scott- Hands are the part of our body at the end of our arms, attached to our wrists; they include our fingers, palms, and thumbs. Our hands are used for holding, grasping, moving, touching, and feeling things. Without our hands/fingers, our ability to work or perform everyday tasks is greatly reduced. They are one of the greatest parts of our anatomy. The hand is so essential that the word "hand" is not only reserved for the part of the body... Read more

Living with MS: Gardening as Healing

TK Sellman- I've entered this new gardening dream both hopeful and tentative. MS changed the rules - and the expectations - about how my body works. But it won't change my desire to plant a healing space. Gardening doesn't happen without sweat, pain, dirt, and patience. But that doesn't mean it must be inaccessible. A person with MS can still garden by making some thoughtful plans ahead of time... Read more

The MS Embarrassment Chronicles

Devin Garlit- Having a body that can fail you at a moment's notice is bound to bring about a lot of mixed emotions. Painful, uneasy, depressing, even proud, living a life with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis is full of all sorts of emotional moments. Sometimes those moments bring an unpleasant, but not often discussed emotion: embarrassment. I've certainly had my share of embarrassing moments due to my MS... Read more

Multiple Sclerosis and Unexpected Changes

Matt Allen G- Change. It can't be avoided, it almost always can't be controlled, and is often somewhat unpredictable. No matter the scale, from the infinitely vast cosmos down to the mundane happenings of everyday life,?nothing?stays the same forever. Change is just part of the natural order. But for some people, change is much more prevalent in life than it is for others. Multiple sclerosis (MS), for example, is practically a?synonym?of change! So making plans and moving forward in life while living with this chronic illness can sometimes?feel... Read more

Comic: Life Before Multiple Sclerosis

Brooke Pelczynski- Many people have been living with MS for so long that they don't remember what life was like before their diagnosis. The worries and fears along with the various MS symptoms impact day-to-day life, and it can be hard not to wonder what life would have been like without MS. Brooke's comic shows her reflecting on her life before concluding how much stronger she is now... Read more

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I Never Expected the Emotional Pain to Be the Hardest to Manage

When first diagnosed a little over two years ago, I found the hardest thing to cope with was the physical unknowns. My mind immediately went to the worst case scenarios - People with more progressive forms of MS who had it longer or had many, severe relapses that resulted in permanent physical damage. Wheelchairs. Walkers. Inability to move or get out of bed. I have relapsing-remitting that has ultimately been well-controlled. My fears proved to be exaggerated for my situation. I did not account for the mental and emotional turmoil that would end up breaking me... Read more

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Join Voices of MS

Editorial Team- We believe the voices and personal experiences of people living with chronic conditions are the most important voices in healthcare - which is why we sometimes work with client sponsors to conduct market research. We feel that these opportunities are an important way to help companies understand what life with MS is really like and incorporate YOUR feedback into their decisions. We also understand that your time and effort are valuable. Each of these opportunities provides an incentive for participation. Voices of MS is a way to receive exclusive or early access opportunities to participate in paid market research... Read more

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Give Yourself a Break

Devin Garlit- Living life with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis can be extremely demanding. For many, trying to live as normal a life as possible can leave them feeling perpetually behind, always struggling to catch up. A life with MS can include many obstacles that can make life challenging and more difficult. The expectations of life, particularly during the early stages of the disease, don't always adjust to accommodate an illness though. Work, family, and even self-care become more and more difficult to keep up with... Read more

MS and Coffee: My Uneasy Alliance

TK Sellman- I love coffee. How could I not? It's as ubiquitous as the rain here in Seattle. It's warming, smells heavenly, and serves as a welcome companion to some of my favorite things: meetups with friends, a savory breakfast, cooking shows on Saturday mornings, or the occasional all-night writing jag... Despite this devotion to the brewed bean, however, my alliance with it remains an uneasy one... Read more

How to Live with Loneliness When Living with MS

Cathy Chester- Make no mistake. Loneliness IS a disease, and it's one that we in the multiple sclerosis community are very familiar with. When our struggles leave us home-bound, we're less able to keep up with the world and we can begin to feel isolated. Any negative and desperate emotions can result in loneliness... Read more

MS Can Make Me Completely Mental

Kim Dolce- It seems that each month of the year designates a particular medical condition. For example, May is Mental Health Month. It gives the world an opportunity to learn more, and I can certainly see how important it might be for people to know the difference between, say, mental health and mental illness. Mental health advocates provided an easy way for us to separate them by naming October as Mental Illness Awareness month and May as Mental Health Awareness month. It's a good start... Read more

The Disability Policy Plans for 2020 Presidential Candidates: Joe Biden

Mitch Sturgeon- Joe Biden is the presumptive Democratic Party nominee for US President in the 2020 election. His campaign recently published a detailed, 20-page plan for addressing issues related to people with disabilities. Here I discuss those highlights of his plan that are most likely to affect people with multiple sclerosis... Read more

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Caregiver Reflections: A Blessing and a Curse

I have chronicled my experiences as a caregiver for my fiancee Tracey here right up until her death from MS-related respiratory failure two and a half years ago, and shortly afterwards. I have wanted for some time to write about what I have learned, and how this experience has affected me but didn''t quite know how I wanted to frame it. But I think now I know. I met Tracey in 2006. At that point, she had suffered from SPMS for 12 years and was in a wheelchair... Read more

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It's That Time of the Year: Staying Cool With MS

Devin Garlit- For many of us, that dreaded time of the year is upon us.?The season when temperatures begin to rise and make life a living hell for many with multiple sclerosis. Changes in temperature can have a dramatic effect on those living with MS.?It's a topic that is heavily talked about with regards to MS, one that even I have covered a lot.?With the effects of temperature change, heat in particular, being such a major problem for those with MS, there are many, many articles written about ways to keep cool... Read more

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How MSers Can Find Cool Relief at Bedtime During a Heat Wave

TK Sellman- The news is filled with reports of record highs and heat waves all around world. Some people have air-conditioning, while others don't. Even for those with AC, it's expensive and can be inefficient or underperforming in one's bedroom. For people with MS, it can be almost impossible to avoid getting overheated during a heat wave. But you need to do all you can to maintain a comfortable core body temperature, and that includes not just during the day, but as you sleep... Read more

The Summer Heat: A Comic

Brooke Pelczynski- In Brooke's latest comic, she shows how each summer month feels like sitting in a progressively hotter pot of water until she reaches the boiling point in August... Read more

Killer Heat Killing My Vibe

Calie Wyatt- The heat this summer is killer here in North Texas. It's blazing hot, and the temperatures just keep soaring along with the humidity. It's probably one of the worst heat waves I've experienced here so far. You know it's hot when you pour water on the concrete, and it's evaporated within seconds. I feel like with MS, I'm that water drop on the pavement... Read more

Cabin Fever and My Summer Depression

Matt Allen G- It's here. Summer and the unforgiving scorching temperatures of Southern California. I have previously talked about how summer and the heat can negatively affect people with multiple sclerosis, but this year it's affecting me a little differently and I thought I should share my current struggle with others who may be in a similar situation... Read more

The Hell of Humidity

Devin Garlit- Discussions of the effects of warmer weather are common in publications geared towards MS.?However, one aspect of this weather that I feel doesn't get its due is the effects of increased humidity... the higher the humidity, the worse our body is at being able to cool itself and regulate its own temperature... Read more

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Yes, Lucky Me, I Have MS, Too

I was diagnosed with Relapsing Remitting MS in 2005 at the age of 48. However, my neurologist and I believe I had my first MS relapse or "event" at the age of 34. I belonged to a large HMO and I saw numerous physicians over the years, even two neurologists and the doctors told me it was depression, anxiety, stress from my work, menopausal symptoms- you name it. We moved back home to Texas in 2004 and I was able to get on a different type of insurance through my husband''s place of employment and I was diagnosed in October of 2005. Of course, I was shocked with the diagnosis but at least I finally had a "name" to give to all the symptoms I had been experiencing... Read more

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The Difficult Small Choices of Chronic Illness

Devin Garlit- As I sit here thinking about the rest of my day, I'm trying to figure something out. Actually, I'm agonizing over a pretty big decision that is going to impact the rest of my day, maybe even tomorrow, too. Should I take a shower or not? Can I get by without one? What's going to happen if I do take one? What might seem like a routine task can become a huge decision for someone suffering from a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis. For many of those living with MS, the smallest of choices can have the most significant results... Read more

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Finding the Balance (Or Not): Mobility Issues & MS

Editorial Team- Balance and coordination problems are some of the most common MS symptoms, and they can also be some of the most dangerous. For example, foot drop can affect a person's ability to drive or it can cause nasty falls when walking. For MS Awareness Month, we wanted to focus on this symptom and highlight some top articles on this topic, as well as hear from you... Read more

Support: Look and You Shall Find

Fredric Andersson- I was struggling to pull the infusion rack with me as we were traversing the many floors of the university hospital where I receive my MS treatment."I will be asking the questions, and you share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Almost there!" my neurologist informed us over her shoulder as she was hurrying along empty, barren corridors. I had agreed, accompanied by another MS patient receiving Tysabri, to answer questions about my MS to a class of future neurologists... Read more

MS Good News Report: The Latest Research through February 2020

TK Sellman- Professors Siddharthan Chandran and Neil Carragher of Pheno Therapeutics are on the hunt or drugs to support new therapies they've developed to promote remyelination. Their goal? To identify certain "novel" molecules that prompt the body to restore its own myelin. Their strategy? To combine their unique genetic screening technologies with newly discovered medicinal compounds... Read more

The Significance of the Word 'Walk'

Dianne Scott- There's one little word that I didn't see the power in until I was diagnosed and immediately had to begin using a cane - and 12 years later, progressed to a wheelchair. That particular word I discovered that would actually give me something to look forward to - even though MS has pretty much taken that particular function from me - is 'walk'. I cannot walk much anymore, but there are areas within that small four-letter word that bring me a sense of purpose, a bit of fun, inspiration, and hope... Read more

4 Ways to Help Battle the Stress and Despair of Exacerbations

Cathy Chester- Selling our home. Moving. More renters than available inventory. Pressure to close. Pressure to find an acceptable new home. Squeezing three people and two cats from a large ranch into a tiny townhouse. Sad. Tense. Frustrated. Anxious. Worried. Scared. STRESS. This is my life, reminding me of an old Broadway play: "Stop the World, I Want to Get Off!" Enter an exacerbation... Read more

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Sure, I'm in a power chair, but my life is GOOD!

I was diagnosed with MS over 30 years ago. It scared me half to death - thought I'd had a stroke bc I couldn't walk and talking was in syllables, so weird. Within 2 weeks - REMISSION! For 2 years I had minor flare-ups lasting a week. Finally, remission for 10 years. I only stopped driving 8 years ago. It was secondary-progressive for a couple of years and then primary progressive... Read more

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Trouble With Social Cues: Social Cognitive Deficits With MS

Devin Garlit- Recently, I was talking to another person with multiple sclerosis, and she mentioned that she believed she was having trouble understanding when people were joking. She then asked me if I thought it could be related to MS. It's a pretty interesting question. Can MS affect our ability to pick up on social cues? Can it impact the way we recognize and interpret various signals like tone of voice or facial expressions? Given the wide range of cognitive issues that people with MS can experience, it certainly seemed possible. I do, however, think we should always be aware of the risk of blaming everything on MS. With that in mind, I decided to dig a little deeper... Read more

Infographic: Stress, Depression, and the Emotional Side of MS In America

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I Do Not Know How to Ask for Help

Anita Williams- In the multiple sclerosis community, asking for help is highly encouraged! We are generous with each other. We share our time. We share our wisdom. We share our tips. We share our thoughts. Importantly, we share our hearts. Assistance is offered with caring and received the same way. I want to be a resource for my fellow MS'ers... Read more

MS Comic: Hidden Symptoms

Brooke Pelczynski- What people see on the outside rarely matches how someone with MS feels on the inside. Brooke's latest comic shows how people view her out at a party or on the train compared to how she actually feels that day... Read more

Why Is It Not a Relapse Every Time I Feel Worse?

Christie Germans- There are times when symptoms get a strong hold of me, making me feel worse for a few hours, and gets me worrying about relapses. Living with multiple sclerosis can be so unpredictable and, when my legs burn harder, the numbness is more pronounced, the fatigue really knocks me down, or that new tingly sensation shows up in my toes, I wonder, "Am I having a relapse or is what I'm feeling some sort of pseudo-exacerbation or is something else happening altogether..." Read more

Frustrations with PPMS: Join the Conversation

Frustrated- After 5 years of coping with RRMS, the DX was upgraded to PPMS. First a cane, then a rolater, and finally a wheelchair. I am blessed to have great support from family and friends. I feel adapted and at peace with the progressive stage. However, there is one thing I have had to give up unnecessarily. My wife of 20 years remembers and misses the athletic side of me... Read more

I Was Diagnosed with Pediatric MS

Editorial Team- Pediatric multiple sclerosis isn't talked about often, but that doesn't mean the community of those who lived through it is small. Likewise, many teens and parents of teens may be reading this now to seek answers about what is currently going on. To open up a conversation about what your experiences with pediatric MS were and are like, we reached out on the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page. We asked: "Who here was diagnosed with MS as a child or teenager? Let's talk about it..." Read more

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Living on the River of Denial

I was diagnosed at age 33. I think I had it prior to that. My ex-husband (a medical professional) and my children were the only ones who knew. I continued to work for fifteen years as a psychotherapist until I could no longer keep it hidden; that was fifteen years. I was "invited" to retire. I finally did, didn't want to but I was exhausted. I was falling down in the parking lot due to the humidity. The secret was out... Read more

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All the Irritating Things That Come with MS

Brooke Pelczynski- What are the most frustrating things that happen with your MS? Brooke shares some of her biggest pet peeves in this comic, from bladder issues to spilling drinks to the #1 most annoying comment she hears: "Are you okay!?"... ... Read more

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My MS: Adventures in Grocery Shopping

TK Sellman- I've always loved going to the store. At least up until my MS worsened enough that I could no longer ignore it. Then, my trips to the local supermarket became less like adventures and more like misadventures (or, what I call MS-adventures)... Read more

8 Hours Is Never Enough

Nicole Lemelle- Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. All I do is sleep. Eight hours is never enough. I spend more time in the bed than I do any other place. So, why would today be any different. The sand in my hourglass clock says it's 9 AM. I blink my eyes, and now it's 10 AM. My mind is stretched as time collapses and I realize I've been struggling to get out of bed for over an hour... Read more

Caregiver Perspective: Compassion Fatigue

Donna Steigleder- It seems ironic, but did you know that caring too much could actually harm you? There's a fancy name for it called "compassion fatigue." While compassion fatigue and burnout seem similar, they have significant differences... Burnout usually occurs after years of pent up frustration and stuffing emotions and anger away, until the feelings burn out and no longer exist. The emotions and the desire to remain in the role go up in smoke; they "burn out." Compassion fatigue, on the other hand, comes on after a shorter time frame of intense interaction of emotionally and physically draining care... Read more

What People's Pandemic Response Said to Me About My Life

Devin Garlit- Several weeks back, I wrote an article that was really a missive to those who don't suffer from chronic illness but were now, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning to experience a life that many with a long term illness have known for a while. I welcomed them to our world, reminding them that what they are now encountering is how many of us have already lived for years. As time has passed, I've had a chance to see how people are dealing with this... Read more

Making Excuses: An MS Comic

Brooke Pelczynski- Before her MS diagnosis, Brooke used to search for reasons to stay in. Check out her comic below about all the funny excuses she used until she was diagnosed and never had to make excuses again... Read more

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How Cancer Helped Me Find My Multiple Sclerosis

It took ten years to find and begin treatment for my multiple sclerosis. What I learned during my wife''s five year battle with breast cancer and recovery gained me the experience I would need to find the right team, of whom I could ask the right questions and help me get the proper tests to find the smoking gun of MS. Statistically speaking, I fall slightly outside the margin of diagnosis as it takes folks diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, on average, four years to get diagnosed. However, I can tell you that I have never met anyone with MS who received a diagnosis in four years or less... Read more

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Top MS Triggers in the Community

Editorial Team- While every person experiences multiple sclerosis differently, those living with the disease may share some common ground on what triggers their symptoms and how they cope. We conducted our 2020 Multiple Sclerosis In America survey to learn more about what causes MS symptoms to flare up or worsen, or even leads to a relapse or exacerbation. Survey responses provided insight into the most common triggers and how people living with MS manage them... Read more

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Longing For Belonging

Devin Garlit- The other day, I was fortunate enough to hang out with some friends of mine (socially distanced and in an open air environment, of course). As we made conversation and caught up on each other's lives, I had this nagging thought in the back of my mind. As I listened to everyone go on out about what they've been up to lately, I couldn't help but think, "I don't belong..." Read more

What Should Be on the Menu (Literally) for MS Patients?

Gary Chester- As a caregiver who helps my wife navigate through a multitude of complex MS issues and decisions, it has become apparent that pinpointing the best diet is one of the trickier tasks. There is an abundance of information and misinformation that can cause confusion and frustration. (Searching "MS diet" produced millions of results.) This article attempts to provide a simple, helpful summary of potential diets for MS patients... Read more

Time Out of Mind

Anita Williams- Ever since my multiple sclerosis kicked in, I am suddenly the person who is late. I find myself running ragged trying to complete projects when I should be farther along. It seems like whenever I check the time, it is always much later than I thought it was. Where is the time going? It wasn't that tasks were taking longer to do. I already learned to build in an extra 30 minutes to an hour to accommodate for any physical problems... Read more

Physical Activity Helps To Reduce My Leg Pain

Lisa Emrich- Saturday afternoon, I realized something extraordinary. I woke up that morning NOT in pain. I tried to remember when the last day was that I hadn't experienced pain in my legs before dawn. Too many days ago was my answer to my own question. No denying that pain can be associated with multiple sclerosis. It was once thought that pain was not a feature of MS... Read more

Tips on How to De-fang the Monster MS

Kim Dolce- Multiple sclerosis has hounded me for years. It's like the annoying little brother that tagged along with you as a kid, wanting to play and screwing up your plans to hang with your friends. You try to lose the little bugger by suddenly sprinting ahead to discourage him, but he keeps apace with you and you realize it's hopeless. Now you are a grown-up and would really appreciate some alone time. But the little sod knows all your secret hiding places... Read more

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My MS is Ganging Up on Me!!

Hello MS.net, you all have not heard from me in a long time. In August, 2 weeks after my birthday, I slipped in the shower on some water and broke my left ankle. When I fell, I held my head and protected it. And landed in a sitting position, with my back to the bathtub on my butt with legs outstretched. Due to my weakness, I knew I could not get up, but to my horror l discovered something more startling. I held up my left knee and watch my ankle swinging from side to side. This was a little startling, as I realize my ankle was broken... Read more

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At-Home Exercise with MS

Editorial Team- During this time of quarantine and social distancing, it can be hard to know how to stay active. For those with MS, it may not be comfortable to return to a gym or exercise class once those businesses re-open. Instead, many are choosing to work out at home... Read more

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Why I Do What I Do

Anita Williams- If nothing less, COVID-19 and the protests have highlighted systemic inequities faced by Black Americans. Multiple sclerosis research is no different. That is why this issue is so important to me. When I learned that I had multiple sclerosis the first thing I did was look it up. Sitting in the emergency room I wanted to know everything... Read more

Returning to Work After an Exacerbation

Devin Garlit- I was diagnosed when I was in my early twenties, and so I've dealt with MS exacerbations in both the beginning and prime of my career. No matter how accommodating a company is, returning to work is difficult. For most people, an exacerbation means taking a significant amount of time off from work. That usually means eating up vacation and sick time or... Read more

The World Doesn't Stop for MS

Dianne Scott- As COVID-19 rages about, I can't help but note the advantage in the life I've endured - these past 10+ years particularly. Managing my life and maintaining a household with the challenges of MS and whatever else may happen along the way has allowed me the ability to garner a strength to cope under adversity and identify tools and resources to help... Read more

Deconditioning and a Lack of Motivation to Exercise

Laura Kolaczkowski- Deconditioning. I've talked about this before, wondering if physical decline is attributed to our multiple sclerosis or if it comes from being inactive.?Aging is also often blamed for our deconditioning. Blaming the golden years for our inactivity may be somewhat legit, but it also can be an easy answer that doesn't paint the entire story.?MS also gets the blame; sometimes it's true but certainly not always.?I can speak as the expert on both because of my age and my slow decline with MS... Read more

Prednisone: Maybe I Should Just Hide for a While?

Matt Allen G- Prednisone is one of those medications that pretty much everyone living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is either overly familiar with or has probably heard of more than a few times. I would compare it to the level of public awareness that surrounds Tylenol. Everyone knows what it is. While I've taken a fair amount of Prednisone to help manage my MS over the years... Read more

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Keep Finding My Way Just to Lose It All Over Again

I had my first symptom of blurry vision in the right eye back in later 2013/early 2014, when I was still living in the UK and in my final year of University. I remember that nothing looked the same, and just using my eyes would make me feel sick to my stomach. Not knowing what it was, I tried my best to keep myself together. I looked for the cause for months going to several doctors eventually getting diagnosed with anxiety disorder and told to go for groups. My symptoms went with time but I now understand that anxiety may have been a symptom not the cause. It was the first time I attempted to complete university but MS got in my way... Read more

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Everything You Need to Know About Nerves

Stephanie Buxhoeveden, RN, MSCN- Nerves are responsible for carrying signals between the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Going back to our tree metaphor from "Part 1: Understanding the Nervous System," the nerves are what carry water from the ground through the tree's roots and trunk, and into the branches resulting in nice green leaves. Now, replace "water" with chemical and electrical signals, and you've pretty much got it down! MS targets our nerves, so it is important to understand how they work if you want to understand MS. Lucky for us, all normal nerves have three things in common... Read more

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This Girl Is On Fire!

Ashley Ringstaff- I find it funny to say that my multiple sclerosis makes me 'hot'. You have to find humor when it comes to chronic illness I've come to find. It makes me feel better to be able to laugh about it then feel down and out about all of the symptoms that I deal with when it comes to MS. It's 'heating up' here in Texas - actually, I'm not sure it ever really cools completely down it seems... Read more

For Our Family & Friends: MS, Heat & Humidity

Devin Garlit- A little bit of knowledge can go a long way. With that in mind, I've endeavored to create a few articles with some basic information about the disease and how it affects us. My hope being that these can be shared with our family and friends to allow them to better understand what's going on with us. As I'm writing this first one in the middle of a crushing summer heatwave, I've decided to focus this first piece on the effects of temperature and MS... Read more

Coping with MS Using Laughter, Sarcasm, Humility, and Empathy

Matt Allen G- One of the most important keys to living with a chronic illness is finding out what allows you to keep moving forward. Finding the thing that keeps you fighting and getting back up when you're knocked down. Whatever that thing is, it's probably not the same thing that someone else uses to keep on keepin' on, but nonetheless, it's vital that you find it. For me, I attribute making it as far as I have and my ability to continue fighting to four main things: laughter, sarcasm, humility, and empathy... Read more

How Hyper-Fixation on My Hobbies Helps Me Cope with MS

Devin Garlit- While sitting in my office, browsing the internet, I'm suddenly startled: my dog, Ferdinand has started barking. I jump from my chair and hobble to the front of the house, with high expectations. Ferdinand barks often, at just about anything, and sometimes at nothing at all, so I don't normally react like this, but this time is different. I'm expecting a package, and if he's barking, maybe it's finally here! The contents of the expected package are important to me, vital even... Read more

I May Joke, But I'm Not Kidding About MS

Lisa Emrich- At some point, the discussion came around to how I have multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, and my knee was swollen from having had a cycling accident the week before. She asked, "And you're out here riding today?!!" "Yes. Today I can ride, although I might not be able to walk tomorrow," I replied in a joking manner. But I wasn't really joking. It's true that I might wake up one day and not be able to walk... Read more

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Featured story:
Did My World Just Get Smaller?

Our power just got restored yesterday after 36 hours of being knocked out by a tornado on Sunday. Totally unexpected, it took our rural little neighborhood by complete surprise. Never happens. Not here. Not in a Federal Forest area near a small inland lake. Well it happened and here we all are. Some were impacted more than others. Trees on houses, trees on cars... trees everywhere. That''s what we''re known for up here. Trees, lots and lots of trees. What does this have to do with m.s.? It has to do with my world as I know it or used to know it until last Sunday... Read more

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Am I Lazy or Is MS Actually to Blame?

Matt Allen G- Most people living with multiple sclerosis have probably experienced the feeling that others think they are lazy. Or maybe they have flat out been accused! At the very least, I'm sure everyone has encountered at least one other person with MS who has shared this experience. It can be painful to feel like you're being looked at as a human sloth due to your inability to "keep up" because if you have MS, you can't help it. MS commonly causes people to not be able to do the things they once could. But lately, I've been catching myself wondering if I really am lazy... Read more

Infographic: Stress, Depression, and the Emotional Side of MS In America

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MS and My Path to Being a Better Person

Devin Garlit- As someone who is pretty open about his life with multiple sclerosis, I tend to engage in discussions with anyone who desires. When folks learn that I was diagnosed at a somewhat young age and have now lived with it for a while, the discussion invariably turns to questions about some of the ways the disease has impacted my life. Sometimes, particularly if I've had a few beers in me, I'll let slip that I think the illness has made me a better person, and... Read more

Going on a Trip with MS is Gonna Be a Real Trip!

Kim Dolce- I'm going out of town for six weeks! It just fell in my lap and changed my entire outlook. This might not seem like a big deal, but for me, it's going to be life-changing! I swore I'd never travel again, and here I am planning for a trip that will last from January 20 to March 4 in 2021. I'm writing this at the end of August, so I have almost five months to prepare. I'll need it, too. So, here's how it started... Read more

Coffee, Tea, or Therapy

Dianne Scott- I remember the stress, frustration, and anxiety I endured when trying to grasp the concept of multiplication. I recall sitting at the kitchen table doing my homework with my mother. As she helped me with problem after problem, even while being encouraging and supportive, I just know she experienced similar feelings while I tried to conquer my 'times tables.'?Oh, the crying, helplessness, and feeling of wanting to give up and give in... Read more

Caregiver Concern Overrides Personal Fear

Lisa Emrich- There I was sitting knee to knee with my mother-in-law (MIL) in the doctors' office waiting area, offering her hand sanitizer after she had been rubbing her nose and scratching her face. We were there to consult with a surgeon. I was there as her caregiver and to keep track of her medical needs... Read more

MS Good News Report: The Latest Research through September 2020

TK Sellman- Research news with a positive angle. Two-thirds of people with MS assessed for vitamin D levels were found to have sufficient amounts of the vitamin in their bodies, "likely due to supplementation," according to details from a recent study. In the retrospective analysis, records from people with MS registered with the Cleveland Clinic between June 2015 and November 2019 were examined, with special attention paid to reported vitamin D3 levels... Read more

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Featured story:
Learning to Talk Again

One of the more frustrating issues with this disease is the ability to communicate. I love to talk. To talk about anything really. Be it a movie I saw, the book I am writing, or just the weather. But when you're bedridden and closed off from the world, communication is vital. Now, with this disease, it has a tendency to pick and choose what it wants to play with next. Think of a cat finding a new mouse. It swats it once, let's it scamper away, and then pounces again, just to see the fear it produces. That's what it's like with this disease... Read more

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□ Marriage and family therapist

□ Massage therapist

□ Other therapist

□ Haven't seen any of the above

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Still High Stepping With MS

Teresa Wright-Johnson- 2020, the year of a new decade, has been one of the most devastating years in history. It is one that I will never forget.?As a person with multiple sclerosis and congenital heart disease, I am surviving one day at a time. Mentally and physically I am struggling, attempting to salvage peace amid the ruins of illness, pain, social and racial injustice. It is my belief that my health has been compromised due to the ills of the world. In the past 6 weeks, I've experienced two alarming occurrences.?First, I woke up one morning in excruciating, intense pain in my right leg... Read more

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MS & Progression Independent of Relapse Activity

Devin Garlit- The vast majority of those suffering from MS do so with the version known as relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). This variety of MS is characterized by clearly defined attacks of new or worsening symptoms. These attacks are often called exacerbations, relapses, or even flare-ups, and they tend to be what most people with RRMS live in fear of. While these events are certainly cause for concern, that doesn't mean that you are out of the woods when you are not relapsing and everything seems fine... Read more

The Comorbidity Quandary

Anita Williams- When you have other medical issues along with multiple sclerosis, you have a comorbidity. Comorbidity is a harsh word. Morbid is an even harsher one. It brings up images of a dark sense of humor and of death itself. For me, it is a bad joke that my comorbidities have a deathly serious effect on top of my MS. The difficult part of the comorbidity for me is not necessarily the medical issue itself, it is the baggage that comes with it... Read more

Multiple Sclerosis Has Taught Me Life Lessons

Lisa Emrich- Living with multiple sclerosis is life-changing no matter how severe or mild the symptoms may be. It can derail dreams and create detours that get you lost for a while. But MS is also a stealth teacher and constantly provides me with an education I don't always expect. Sometimes, we have been at odds and other times, we've learned to coexist in a way that has helped me to develop personal strength and resilience. So today, I am sharing a few basic lessons... Read more

The Unparalleled Frustration of My MS Clumsiness

Matt Allen G- As I'm sure you know from the first-hand experience or from briefly speaking to just about any MSer, a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis comes with no shortage of frustration. MS isn't sparse in its variety of mental irritants either. Dealing with all the red tape in the healthcare industry? Frustrating. Trying to cope with the unpredictable nature of this incredibly dynamic chronic illness? Frustrating. Coming to terms with the fact that rebuilding yourself after the neurological destruction of an MS exacerbation often requires... Read more

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End Stage Caregiving: When Love Is All You Have Left To Give

This is the story of my final two weeks with my late fiancee, Tracey. I have written about some of this in the Caregivers forum, as it happened in real time, but now I would like to tell the story in reflection. I hope that some of what I say may be able to help those who may be in a similar situation now or at some point in the future. Tracey was a 23-year survivor of SPMS, after a brief, 18-month bout with RRMS. She was twelve years into her battle when I met her, and after six years, I became her primary caregiver after she developed multiple stage 4 bedsores. By the time she entered her final month, she was completely physically disabled and had developed MS-related dementia... Read more

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□ Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS)

□ I haven't been diagnosed with MS but am experiencing symptoms

□ Unsure

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My Bladder Is a Bad Communicator

Lisa Emrich- Have you gotten to the point where it seems MS has just always been part of your life? I think that I'm approaching that point. Looking back over the past 20 years since my first big attack of optic neuritis, there are specific events or moments that stand out in my mind. One of those moments took place in the middle of a street... Read more

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At-Home Tips for Managing Spasticity and Pain

TK Sellman- It's really too bad we can't physically distance ourselves from our MS symptoms. One of my symptoms, spasticity, cannot be ignored. It flares at the least convenient times... The pain and immediacy of these symptoms leave me anticipating my next trip to the massage therapist.?Unfortunately, I can't always get an appointment. What do I do instead?... Read more

Deconditioning and a Lack of Motivation to Exercise

Laura Kolaczkowski- Deconditioning. I've talked about this before, wondering if physical decline is attributed to our multiple sclerosis or if it comes from being inactive.?Aging is also often blamed for our deconditioning. Blaming the golden years for our inactivity may be somewhat legit, but it also can be an easy answer that doesn't paint the entire story.?MS also gets the blame; sometimes it's true but certainly not always.?I can speak as the expert on both because of my age and my slow decline with MS... Read more

MS Comic: Getting an Infusion

Brooke Pelczynski- Spending 2 hours getting an infusion doesn't sound relaxing or restful at first. In this MS comic, Brooke debates whether she should use the time to catch up on emails or play a game of Solitaire...or nap... Read more

Nature's Impact on Our Physical & Mental Health

Editorial Team- There is growing evidence that spending time in nature can help people feel less depressed, anxious or stressed. Maintaining our connection to nature can improve one's quality of life and emotional health in many ways. Enjoying green spaces can help reduce stress in the moment, and it can make it easier to recover from stress in the future. Living in a city has many benefits but it can make it harder to connect to nature... Read more

MS In America: What's That?

Alina Ahsan- An MS diagnosis is a shock, but what can make it more difficult is the lack of information available for patients and their loved ones. Many people quickly jump online to research the ins and outs of MS but have trouble finding helpful information that can tell them what to expect. Even more difficult can be finding someone who actually lives with MS to connect with and share experiences... Read more

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I Am The Herd

Lately the term thinning the herd has been used more times than I would like to hear. With the coronavirus spreading all over the world it seems that there are people that think only the strong and healthy will survive and the rest will be just thinning the herd. I am not one to voice my opinion on public forums but I have to say this time I can''t be quiet. You see, I am the herd. Yes, it is true. I suffer from multiple autoimmune diseases, MS being one of them... Read more

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Telehealth 101: How to Visit Your Doctor Online

Editorial Team- Telehealth is a virtual service that lets patients interact with a healthcare professional online. This lets doctors and patients connect without being in the same room, or even the same city. Some of these appointments can replace office visits, which can have many benefits. Studies of people with migraine, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions show that virtual care can improve people's health. Studies also show telehealth can make it quicker and less costly to get care. This may be especially helpful for people living in rural areas or who have a rare condition with few specialists nearby. During a public health crisis, like a pandemic, telehealth can be used to help prevent even more infections... Read more

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Life as a Millennial with MS

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My First Virtual Neurology Visit

Lisa Emrich- In Part 1 of this digital adventure, I shared about the growing pains my neurologist's office was experiencing in switching patients over from in-person visits to virtual visits during the time of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. I expect that virtual visits will continue to be more common once the crisis has passed. What we are really talking about here is the future of telehealth. Back to my story. So the actual visit! I checked into my virtual visit 30 minutes in advance as instructed... Read more

How Do I Find Virtual Health Services?

Editorial Team- It can be overwhelming to figure out how to find telehealth services, especially if you do not already have a doctor. But many companies offer a range of virtual health care services. Your doctor can help identify which one is right for you. And your insurance provider can help you pick the most cost-effective one. If you cannot access telehealth through your doctor or insurance, you can still find services online. Here are some easy ways to compare services and costs to see what works... Read more

How to Monitor Your Health with At-Home Devices

Editorial Team- At-home monitoring can help you better manage chronic health conditions. It can also aid in your recovery after medical procedures. Using this technology, you can regularly record your health data at home. Nurses and doctors then monitor these data to identify problems and intervene earlier. This results in lower costs to you and our healthcare system. The devices you should use depend on what information you and your doctor need to track. Talk to your doctor to discuss what is right for you.... Read more

The (Virtual) Doctor Is In! Sharing Telehealth Experiences

Editorial Team- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, telehealth is being used by more and more people. Telehealth is also sometimes called telemedicine or virtual care. Whether you have been using telehealth for a while, just tried it out, or have not used it yet - we want to hear from you... Read more

A Look at the Services Virtual Care Offers

Editorial Team- Telehealth or virtual care can be used to access many different types of health services. To get started, talk to your doctor to find out which virtual services are right for you. And be sure to speak with your insurance provider to see what is covered under your plan before any services are performed. There may also be cost-effective options that do not require insurance. Almost every medical field uses telehealth to provide virtual healthcare... Read more

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10 Things Everyone Should Know About MS

Today is World MS Day, and this year''s theme is "connections" which feels all the more important during these trying times. Whether we''re physically together or apart, World MS Day is an opportunity for the entire world to come together and advocate for the MS community. We pulled together a list of the top 10 things everyone should know about MS in order to further awareness and deepen understanding of everyday life with MS. Read more.

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How has MS impacted your life? Sharing our stories not only helps spread awareness, it can help others along this journey feel a little less alone. Share your story.

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5 Random Sensory MS Symptoms

Matt Allen G- If you're living with multiple sclerosis (MS), then you're probably aware of the boundless array of possible symptoms you may experience. Who knows which of them you may be hit with during your life or which will become all too familiar stalkers of yours? Just as unknown are all the strange and mysterious symptoms that even manage to evade your memory when at a neurology appointment. Here are 5 random sensory MS symptoms that I sometimes experience but always forget to talk about... Read more

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How MS-Related Digestive Problems Have Embarrassed Me in Public

Kim Dolce- Multiple sclerosis finds inventive ways of humiliating me in public. Oh, I look and act normal enough at first. I'm a petite gal of once-engaging cuteness that is now fading as I move through my sixties. To compensate, I wear an industrial-strength underwire bra beneath animal print dresses, and stylish, flat-heeled, strappy bronze sandals... Read more

MS, After Midnight: A Cautionary Tale

TK Sellman- I went back to school at age 47 to study sleep technology in 2012. During finals week (March 2013), I plunked open my sleep medicine textbook, paging to the section where I'd highlighted text in bright chartreuse. I discovered, then, that I couldn't read. I could see the black letters under their veil of neon green. I just couldn't comprehend them... Read more

My Spouse, My Friend, My Care-Partner

Lisa Emrich- Although I have lived with multiple sclerosis for over 15 years, I am not the only person in my household who 'lives' with MS. My husband is also affected by MS. Fortunately, we are not alone on this journey as MS tries to act like a third wheel in our relationship at times. As husband and wife, Rob and I help to take care of each other... Read more

Top 10 Community-Loved Quotes for Living with MS

Shelby Comito- Words are powerful. They can build bridges, leave lasting scars, soothe pains, and demonstrate love. Our community is filled with so many unique voices who are not only experts on life with MS but are able to clothe it in words in a way that helps others better understand and feel a little less alone... Read more

MS Comic: Packing for a Weekend Trip

Brooke Pelczynski- Packing light for a weekend getaway isn't always possible with MS. Trying to be prepared and bring along medication, extra clothes in case of bladder or bowel issues, cooling gear for hot temperatures, and other necessities can take up a lot of space. Brooke's comic shows her packing thought process... Read more

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I Wish They Knew

I am so tired of being tired. I''m tired at failing to balance my disease gracefully and to ensure that those close to me don''t flee from my inability to connect with them at random times. Let me tell you a little bit about me and my "dance with MS..." Read more

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Improving Lives Today!

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is pleased to present its latest edition of “What’s New in MS Research.” This series of online articles is published every other month and features important information on topics ranging from highlights of major international MS conferences and updates on trials with experimental disease-modifying therapies, to new findings on the development of the disease, symptom management, and quality-of-life issues.

This latest edition of “What’s New in MS Research” features interesting and informative trial results from recent studies on a variety of MS-related issues. Topics include:

Generic versions of Gilenya approved
Positive results in small stem cell study
Deep brain stimulation for tremor in MS
Language impairment common in MS
Learning a new language may benefit the brain
Dysphagia (swallowing problems) in MS
Osteoporosis and bone health in MS
And many other topics of interest to the MS community

Please read MSAA’s latest edition of "What’s New in MS Research." We hope you find these updates to be both informative and encouraging, providing help and hope to the entire MS community.

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©2010-20 Health Union. All rights reserved. This information is not designed to replace a physician''s independent judgment about the appropriateness or risks of a procedure for a given patient. Always consult your doctor about your medical conditions. MultipleSclerosis.net does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use of the site is conditional upon your acceptance of our terms of use.

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Welcome to Our World

Devin Garlit- At the outset of this current pandemic we are now in because of the coronavirus, I was loath to write anything that might involve mentioning it. After all, there is SO much out there about the illness, the precautions you need to take, and so on. However, as more and more people are forced to hunker down at home and not leave their house, I can't help but want to say to them "welcome to my world". As someone who is both disabled because of multiple sclerosis and immunocompromised because of my treatment, isolation and fear of germs are something I live with every day. This is really something meant for friends and family to read more than those who have MS... Read more

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The Gender Divide: Differences Between Men & Women with MS

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Assistive Technology Improves the Lives of People with MS

Mitch Sturgeon- Who's old enough to remember the Saturday morning cartoon The Jetsons? For you youngsters, The Jetsons depicted a future world where humans are no smarter, but everything around us from our houses to our modes of transportation are. Sort of. And, for those of us living with disabilities, it's here just in time. Smart home devices are a type of assistive technology, or AT. As an engineer, I have the skills to work with all sorts of AT. As a person with a significant disability... Read more

Taking a Break from Stressing Out Can Be Stressful

Matt Allen G- From the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed, I try to stay busy. Not because I have some unnatural go-go-go mentality fueled by an overabundance of energy, but because it keeps me distracted from how my multiple sclerosis (MS) is making me feel on any given day. I'm not saying it helps me not feel fatigued (for example), I'm saying it helps me not let my mind wander through the ocean of negative thoughts... Read more

MS Comic: April Fools'

Brooke Pelczynski- People with MS are able to joke with each other in a way that other friends and family wouldn't necessarily understand. April Fools' Day is no exception! Check out Brooke's latest comic... Read more

Healthcare Obstacles & the LGBTQ+ Community

Editorial Team- Have you or a loved one faced discrimination in a healthcare setting? There are many reasons why people might not be treated equally at the doctor's office. Here we explore the effect of health disparities on those in the LGBTQ+ community... Read more

Cutting People Out for Your Health

Devin Garlit- A chronic illness like multiple sclerosis can have a profound effect on relationships. Whether they be friendships, family, or something romantic, living with an illness like MS takes its toll. With symptoms that are hard to understand (and in many cases, even see), maintaining relationships can be difficult for both sides. While we often lament those that have left us because of our disease, there are times when we are compelled to sever connections out of necessity... Read more

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Never Give Up, We Are Strong

I was diagnosed with MS at the age of 14 and I''m 45 now. I use a cane to walk now. When I was told I had MS at 14, I was at that time the youngest ever and MS wasn''t really known as it is now. All I wanted to know if I was going to die. I was walking to the table for breakfast and passed out. My head hit the table hard I don''t remember feeling any of that so my mom rushed me to the ER and all that where I was told I had MS. My folks were crying. I didn''t have any idea what MS was at that time... Read more

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But Poop Doesn't Go In The Trash Can...

Devin Garlit- How about the profound observation in that title? It's true (most of the time); poop shouldn't go in the trash can, it should go in the toilet. I was given that nice little reminder the other day. Of course, I already knew that. Shockingly, this isn't about bowel or bathroom-related issues, this is about how some of our cognitive issues can have an impact in our daily life... Read more

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Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis: Can Children Get MS?

Matt Allen G- It is well-known among the MS community that multiple sclerosis affects women in their 30s about 3 times more than it affects men. But if you have spent time mingling with others in the MS community, you will know that it obviously affects more than just women in their 30s. I mean, I am a guy and I was diagnosed at the age of 20, which is somewhat out of the "norm". Or is it?... Read more

Preparing for My First Virtual Neurology Visit

Lisa Emrich- Although I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 15 years ago and I've only had one relapse during the past 8 years, I still see my main neurology team every 6 months. I remember clearly when I finally "graduated" to neuro appointments every 6 months versus every 3 months during the time that my disease was much more active... Read more

Telemedicine and MS

Laura Kolaczkowski- The COVID-19 pandemic has brought treatment for medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis to a screeching halt in many places.?The majority of us live in states that have asked or even ordered us not to leave home unless it is to go to the grocery for food or essential services.?Staying home and not exposing ourselves... Read more

Toxic Relationships: Work It Out or Kick Them Out?

Matt Allen G- A large part of life is made up of the many relationships you have with all the different people you interact with. Significant others, family members, friends, coworkers, your doctors, and so on. You might have excellent relationships with some of these people, but you might also have some not-so-great relationships with others. It doesn't matter who you are or what your circumstances in life may be; the quality of your relationships will greatly affect you... Read more

Uncomfortably Numb is a Worthwhile MS Memoir

Gary Chester- Meredith O'Brien's fourth book, Uncomfortably Numb, may be her most important work. It is an intimate, generous memoir about living with MS that will guide newly-diagnosed patients and their loved ones through difficult challenges. As a caregiver, I appreciated O'Brien's role as a tour guide through the labyrinth of a seemingly healthy individual experiencing early symptoms of MS to the ultimate diagnosis and its consequences... Read more

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How I've Learned to Cope with MS and Live Life to the Full

Since being diagnosed with MS, I have devoted a large part of my life learning specifically about... ME and how my mind, body, and spirit function in regards to my individuality. I learned how to read my own MRIs, what to look for, read and decipher my own blood tests, learn muscle and synaptic reflexes and how they specifically pertain to my body. Learning about yourself in all aspects I feel is how you can really deal with how to live with MS and just plain survive the social and psychological ideologies that accompany having this disease... Read more

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MS Symptoms: When Things Get Just Plain Weird

Editorial Team- March is MS Awareness Month and each week we've been focusing on a different MS symptom. Pain was our symptom spotlight for Week #1. For Week #2, we focused on mobility and balance issues. Last week was also Brain Awareness Week, and we discussed the cognitive issues and fatigue that many people with MS experience. For the fourth and final week of MS Awareness Month, we're talking about some of the many MS symptoms that are just plain weird. Many people in the MS community have described feeling an uncontrollable itching sensation that feels like bugs crawling all over their skin. Whether it's on the face or the bottoms of the feet, the itch can be intense, sporadic, and drive one absolutely nuts... Read more

The Gender Divide: Differences Between Men & Women with MS

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Take the Fatigue and Health Survey!

Editorial Team- Exhaustion, tiredness, weariness... fatigue. We know chronic conditions and fatigue often go hand-in-hand. Whether caused by your treatment plan or a direct side effect of your multiple sclerosis, fatigue is so much more than feeling "tired". We want to better understand your experience managing fatigue. How does fatigue affect your daily life? Have your personal relationships changed because of fatigue? What helps your fatigue and what makes it worse? By taking our Fatigue and Health Survey, you can help us to better understand... Read more

NEW MS Video: Weird, Strange, Confusing Symptoms

Editorial Team- There are some symptoms of MS that are just plain weird. Trying to explain them to friends and family can probably lead to some confusion and even some raised eyebrows. Questions like "what do you mean you feel your leg vibrating?" or "why do you keep scratching your scalp?" might go unanswered because it's just too hard to explain. Check out this new video to see some of the strange symptoms people with MS have described to us... Read more

All They Needed to Do Was Ask: African-Americans in MS Research

Anita Williams- There is a gap in knowledge between what we know about multiple sclerosis (MS) and how it affects African-Americans. It has been traditionally difficult to involve enough African-Americans in clinical trials to be statistically relevant. Although there may be some representation, there isn't enough to get good information. It is a difficult challenge to get a larger number of African-American participants due to a history of governmental research exploitation and current structural barriers. It is of the utmost importance to solve this problem... Read more

The Feather on my Face and Bubbles in the Ocean

Lisa Emrich- It touches ever so lightly, the feather tickling my face. Sometimes it shows up when I'm reading a book. Sometimes it's there in the shower but never seems to get wet. Other times I try to scratch it away. But it's a persistent little bugger and I just have to put up with it. Strange sensations-like my errant feather-are common with multiple sclerosis. The official name for them is dysesthesia, literally "abnormal sensation." While sensations such as my feather are common... Read more

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Featured story:
Who Am I?

I was 13. One morning I woke up "paralyzed". Actually it was extreme muscle spasm. I was told it was probable MS. That was 1978. I never was the diamond in the set. I was more like the friend no one wanted. I don''t say that like oh poor me. I was the one everyone loved to death but how do you be friends w/someone who couldn''t do all the fun stuff? We were kids. Fast forward 2009. I need to see a Dr. Wierd mojo stuff is going on. The new dr. call in a different dr. to consult within over my condition. He immediately orders a cat scan. Nope doesn''t show a thing (I assumed). Then off to the MRI... Read more

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Improving Lives Today!

Recognizing that these are uncertain and trying times, MSAA wanted to remind everyone that we offer an extensive library of on-demand videos and webinars that provide helpful insights on wellness, stress management, and the latest updates on the coronavirus. Newly archived webinars to the MSAA website include:

The Importance of Wellness Care in MS
Featuring MS experts Mary Rensel, MD and Amy Sullivan, PsyD of the Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for MS, this webinar covers the mind-body connection in MS and its importance in improving symptom management and overall quality of life.

Keeping it Simple: Everyday Mindfulness for People Living with MS
Featuring marriage and family therapist Cheryl Young, MAMFT, this webinar explores Mindfulness and ways to bring balance and calm into your life while teaching practical coping skills to better manage stress and help decrease anxiety, depression, and fear.

What You Need to Know About COVID-19 and MS – Program 1
Presented by MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer Barry Hendin, MD and the Chair of MSAA’s Healthcare Advisory Council Carrie Hersh, DO, MSc, this program offers a comprehensive understanding of the coronavirus (as of its broadcast on March 30, 2020), and addresses many of the MS community’s concerns about the risk of infection, uncertainty of maintaining a disease-modifying therapy, and more.

What You Need to Know About COVID-19 and MS – Program 2
Once again presented by MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer Barry Hendin, MD and the Chair of MSAA’s Healthcare Advisory Council Carrie Hersh, DO, MSc, this second installment provides the latest news and updates (as of its broadcast on April 13, 2020) on the coronavirus and its impact on multiple sclerosis.

To view these latest videos, or any of MSAA’s archived webinars, please visit our MSi Video Library at mymsaa.org/video.

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Getting MS: Heredity and Genetics

Devin Garlit- Twenty-some years ago, after waking up with numb legs that I eventually lost all control of, I was whisked into a hospital for a myriad of tests to determine what was wrong with my body. While the doctors were at a loss as to what caused my condition, my family was quick to offer up a suggestion: multiple sclerosis. They were quick to make this suggestion because my grandfather also had MS, they'd seen the effects of the disease (he lived with us and my family cared for him), and they were pretty certain what was wrong with me. Despite that, my family's suggestions were ignored because, as the doctor's said, "MS isn't something you can inherit..." Read more

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Looks Aren't Everything.or Are They?

Ashley Ringstaff- Being diagnosed in my early 20s and now in my early 30s, people are shocked to hear that I have multiple sclerosis. Why? Because I "look so good." While this is a compliment to me now because I've worked REALLY hard to get to where I'm at, it's not always the best thing to say... Read more

Stress: The Great MS Antagonizer

Lisa Emrich- Life has been a little extra stressful lately. I'm sure you can relate. Doesn't matter if it's being stuck at home due to disability or disease, a pet who keeps coughing up fur balls, worries about finances, shifting relationships, feeling misunderstood, losing a job, or just not feeling free to be able to do what you'd like, each bit of stress adds up... Read more

MS Comic: Quitting Smoking

Brooke Pelczynski- Being diagnosed with a chronic illness like MS often leads people to take a hard look at other aspects of their lifestyles and find ways to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Whether it's adding more vegetables and anti-inflammatory foods to your diet or exercising more frequently, these changes are little steps to take control over your health. Brooke's comic shows how MS gave her the push to quit smoking... Read more

The (Virtual) Doctor Is In! Sharing Telehealth Experiences

Editorial Team- As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, telehealth is being used by more and more people. Telehealth is also sometimes called telemedicine or virtual care. Whether you have been using telehealth for a while, just tried it out, or have not used it yet - we want to hear from you... Read more

MS Good News Report: The Latest Research through April 2020

TK Sellman- Considered one of the largest MS education conferences in North America, the annual CMSC event could've been canceled due to COVID-19 concerns. However, joining with the multimedia platform, Neurology Live, it becomes a "virtual initiative" instead this May 26 through 29... Read more

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The "Osis's" of Multiple Sclerosis

Over the years since my diagnosis in 2008, I have encountered and adapted to so many obstacles that I don't always even know I'm doing it. It's not until I sit down to make "the list" for my next doctor visit that I recognize what I have been living with and living around. Every day has the potential to throw something new at me. Pain, numbness, weakness, vision loss cognitive decline .and I just do the best I can to keep rolling with it the best I can each day and be grateful. Some day more successfully than others, but still, I try to go with the flow and work with limitations... Read more

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Mental Health Month 2020: Not Just In Your Head

Editorial Team- For a long time, we said mental health happens in the mind and the body is just along for the ride. People who've experienced stress, anxiety, depression, or even minor emotional challenges know this isn't the case. There are lots of ways our environment affects how we think and feel, both mentally and physically. For Mental Health Month 2020, we're working on mental and physical health together. Over the next few weeks, think about feeding your body and your mind as best you can. Ever more important in these chaotic times, here are a few ways to get body and mind connected... Read more

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I Hate My Body... Sometimes

Lisa Emrich- I was out riding my bike on the local rails-to-trails path on a glorious day. It was one of those days that nobody would be surprised that other cyclists and a few mothers with strollers might be out at the same time. Most of the time, it was great fun with the sun shining warm, the sky a bright blue, and a distinct lack of forceful winds. A perfect day for a bike ride. But the ride took a turn... Read more

The Change In What Makes Me Happy After MS

Dianne Scott- Some things that I didn't think about before suddenly mattered. A building that offers the bare minimum relative to handicapped accessibility or an event I want to attend that provides little to no accommodations, perhaps, is a new source of anger or frustration. A new fear is of me falling and seriously injuring myself. No longer being independent, I worry about being or becoming a burden. However, I tend to dwell more on reflecting on my 'happy' in my new world and find the changes interesting... Read more

Insomnia and Anxiety: How I Sleep (Literally) Through Uncertainty

Matt Allen G- I'm sure that anyone who has MS and is currently reading this knows all too well about the difficulties that can surround something as simple as sleep. I'm also sure that they have already read a thousand and one articles about MS and insomnia. So again, I'm going to try to attack this from a different perspective as not to bore anyone. A perspective that, hopefully, will paint a much more colorfully vivid image of my experiences than I usually do... Read more

When the MS Patient Becomes the Caregiver: Tips for Caring for YOU, Too!

Kathy Reagan Young- There I was, minding my own business - and by that, I mean my multiple sclerosis - when what should appear on the horizon? CANCER. In my husband. Once the shock and awe wore off, there was a myriad of details to attend to. What type of doctor does he need? Who is the best in our area? How can we get him in there FAST? I made and went to every appointment with him. Then the surgery. And the 12-hour-days at the hospital... Read more

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Are You Getting Worse?

This question hit me hard, because I didn''t want to think about it. After all, where I live, there is still snow on the ground so naturally, I have been mostly inactive, inside all winter long and here it is the last of April, so naturally any exercise will seem like an extra exertion, right? So I started taking walks down to the campground not far from where we live. An "easy" walk for me on the way down. Trouble is, it''s uphill most of the way back. Not awful, just a gentle incline that feels like scaling Mt. Everest. When I didn''t make it back home within a reasonable amount of time, my husband drove down to the campground to pick me up... Read more

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With everything that is going on in the world, we want to acknowledge the uncertainty that our community members may be feeling at this time.

While social distancing can help protect our bodies, it can take a significant toll on our mental health. To help the community weather this storm, we've created a single go-to spot for updated information about COVID-19 as well as tips for managing stress and isolation:

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As a company, we are working from home to care for our team members and do our part in protecting others in our local community.

Remember, you're never in this alone. From our community to yours, know that we're thinking of you.

We're in this together,

The MultipleSclerosis.net Team

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MS Just Wants to Give You a Hug

Matt Allen G- Have you ever gotten a bear hug from someone twice your size? Wait, that sounds a little too warm and fuzzy - so what about a hug from a giant boa constrictor? Or maybe you've laid out in the middle of the road to relax, only to have a cement truck slowly drive over your chest? No? That's surprising. Well, if you have multiple sclerosis (MS), you might not be missing out. I'm sure you've heard of the "MS hug" if you haven't already experienced it a few times yourself... Read more

Life as a Millennial with MS

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Of Sandcastles and Breakdowns

Devin Garlit- Over my many years of living with MS, I'd like to think I've done a decent job handling it. I think that's generally true of most people with a chronic illness. You do a good job of living with it because you have no other choice. You get accustomed to dealing with the pain, the fatigue, the numbness, the confusion, and the other symptoms that your disease throws at you. Until you can't... Read more

Happy Different, But Doable Holidays

Dianne Scott- As the holidays are quickly embarking upon us, I find myself hovering in unfamiliar territory - not physically, but mentally and emotionally. I am really a lover of holidays (and birthdays - particularly mine and my children's). And I love the festivities, traditions, fun, and fellowship that are correlated with them. I am just fighting to feel the 'hype,' if you will, compared to years past... Read more

MS Comic: New Christmas Decorations

Brooke Pelczynski- Don't have the energy to dig out or buy Christmas decorations? Many people have creatively used items lying around the house, but Brooke took it to a new level in this holiday comic... Read more

Chime In! Loss of Emotions

EternalOptimist- I haven't been able to find this as a potential symptom of MS except as it relates to depression. But I am NOT depressed, I am content and happy in general. But I do not feel much. I have a very stunted ability to feel anger, pain, fear, excitement, love, hurt, desire, etc. No strong emotions anymore. Anything I may feel is very minimal. I'm emotionally flat. Can that be a symptom of MS? Read more

I'm Not Pulling Your Leg, I Really Do Need Help

Matt Allen G- I recently wrote about how I hate having to ask for help doing things that I could once do on my own. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is remarkably good at robbing people of their independence. For some, it might happen very quickly, and for others, it might take years. Either way, it's sure to generate feelings of frustration, anger, depression, helplessness, etc. I also mentioned how overcoming my pride in order to even ask for help was a challenge in and of itself... Read more

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More to Lose

I have had RRMS for 8 years, with only 3 official relapses in that time frame. I try to keep a positive mindset, knowing that I am doing much better than many others with this disease. I recently had my annual appointment with the MS clinic. It was a telephone appointment, and I only spoke to the nurse, not my neurologist. It was 15 minutes total. Why so short? Because my annual MRI showed my disease to be stable for the 3rd year in a row! Very much a cause to celebrate, and I was definitely happy about it. However, I find my thoughts to occasionally spiral down a dark hole of worry at times... Read more

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A Holiday Reminder for Our Friends and Family

Devin Garlit- We are now in the thick of what most consider the holiday season. This time of year can be especially rough for people suffering from a chronic illness like MS.?You will no doubt see a number of holiday survival guides come out focused on this topic, offering tips on how to deal with the problems that arise from traveling, being in crowds, suffering from sensory overload, fighting fatigue, dealing with depression, stress, etc. Most of us with an illness already know how tough this time of year can be, but I am hoping to reach others with this piece: friends and family that may be affected by our absence or early departure from holiday celebrations. I want to remind our friends and family that this can be a difficult time... Read more

Life as a Millennial with MS

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The Literally Invisible Symptom

Anita Williams- When your skin is dark, you miss out on an important multiple sclerosis symptom. Itchiness caused by a rash is not uncommon. There are many types of rashes with myriad causes. Some are related to detergent or physical contact with a disagreeable fabric. However, one thing remains the same. If you are a Black person on the darker end of the spectrum, you will find it nearly impossible to see your skin reflected in rash photos. You may also encounter healthcare providers or dermatologists who... Read more

What to Say & Not to Say to a Grieving Person

Teresa Wright-Johnson- My beautiful mother recently transitioned. This is the most devastating loss I have endured thus far.?I rejoice knowing that she is free from pain and suffering and I will see her again someday. Still, the pain of separation is deafening.?My mother was intertwined in the tapestry of my life and suddenly, I am traveling an unbeaten path. As I am going through the grief process, trying to reconcile the loss of my mother and navigate this life without her... Read more

How MS Made Me Slow Down for the Holidays...Literally

TK Sellman- It's been more than seven years since my diagnosis, but I recall certain details from my first Christmas following that date like they'd happened only yesterday-an unexpected gift from an unlikely source: MS. Those were overwhelming days. I still had two children home in high school, with both involved in sports and the arts-and they didn't drive. That's a stressful load for a working mother at any time of year. But that Christmas felt especially taxing... Read more

Bringing My Triplets Home and Restarting My MS Treatments

Calie Wyatt- Those 39 days going back and forth to the hospital, splitting my time between all four kids, and feeling the emotions of getting to take one baby home at a time were some of the longest, hardest days of my life. I was still recovering from my first major surgery, and in the back of my mind, I was fearful of an MS relapse after such a difficult pregnancy... Read more

Combating Positivity Porn

Devin Garlit- Living with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, can be filled with challenges. Sure, there are the rough symptoms like pain, fatigue, spasticity, and many others to contend with, but I'm not referring to anything like that today. What I want to point out is the extreme amount of what I like to call "positivity porn" that we are constantly bombarded with... Read more

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MS, Diet, and Humor: Get Off My Lawn

When I was diagnosed with MS back in 2006, one thing I never could have expected was the nonstop unsolicited dietary advice. If someone learns you have MS, all too often they'll tell you how their uncle or this lady at work or their veterinarian had MS, but then they started avoiding Nutrasweet or high fructose corn syrup or GMOs or transfats or fluoridated water or gluten, and the MS just went away! Or they started the Adkins diet, or Paleo, or Vegan, or South Beach or Keto or Dukan or 5:2 or the Zone, and the MS just went away... Read more

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