When Something Feels Wrong, I Round Up the Usual SuspectsManaging a chronic illness is like solving a series of crimes. Day after week after month after year, we are assaulted by small-time thugs that pilfer our stash of energy...reactions6comments
MRI: How They are Useful, Problems They Can Cause, and Why I Don't Have Them AnymoreIf 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...reactions47comments
Bladder Confidential: The Pee, the Whole Pee, and Nothing but the PeeFolks, I just survived the most horrific month of my MS journey. I’d like to tell you about my experience in the form of a detective mystery. My story gives...reactions1comment
Have your bladder issues ever caused strange symptoms outside the bladder area?For those of you who have MS-related bladder problems: Besides burning or pain while peeing, urine retention, urgency, and frequency, have your bladder issues ever caused strange symptoms outside the...reactions2replies
Meltdown: Is It from Sensory Overload – or Something Else?Recently I had a wailing, sobbing meltdown. Here’s how it went. February, 2020. I was on the phone with my sister doing what we often do: analyze the bejesus out...reactions33comments
Uninsured? Here's Where to Find Financial AssistanceShortly 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...reactions4comments
Where to Apply for MS Drug Copay Assistance in 2020Each 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...reactions1comment
How MS and Aging Have Affected My SleepMultiple 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...reactions9comments
Do you know you can request that a spinal tap be done in radiology using a fluoroscope?This procedure eliminates the pain and guesswork....reactionsreplies
Has anyone tested positive for the JC Virus during their treatment with Tysabri, Tecfidera, Gilenya, or Ocrevus?If so, did you continue on that treatment or switch to a drug that does not carry the PML risk?...reactions32replies
The Challenge of Staying Cool, Calm and Alert in the Waning Days of SummerFor me, the challenge of staying cool is about staying cool enough. Enough to keep my head clear, to keep my limbs from weakening and foot drop from worsening so...reactionscomments
A Book Review of Managing MS: Straight Talk from a Thirty-One Year SurvivorAuthor Debbie Petrina makes it clear from the start that she wrote this book to help others manage their MS by sharing both her own disease journey and information she’s...reactions5comments
Why I'm Trying to be Kinder and Gentler with Others and MyselfBy now I’m sure y’all are about as fed up with being given unsolicited advice as I am. That said, there is an upside: It gives me a chance to...reactions4comments
Heroes, Role Models, and the Difference Between ThemWe talk a lot about heroes within the MS population. For example, whenever a fellow patient takes up a challenge such as a walkathon fundraiser, we cheer them on and...reactionscomments
At Least 60 and Can't Clean Your House? Call the Department on Aging!Often we oldies are hard put to think of an upside to being in our dotage. The body is falling apart like an old car, just like with MS, only...reactions2comments
Sexual Healing: Why Masturbation is Good for Your HealthConstant readjustments of all kinds are necessary when we have a neurological condition. Multiple sclerosis seems to change how our bodies work on a monthly, weekly, and even daily basis...reactions7comments
The Unexpected Consequences of Weight GainI’m frustrated and fit to be tied over media endlessly pushing misguided, mixed messages in my face about being overweight. For example, most health articles and television advertisements are aimed...reactions2comments
The Art, Pain, Benefits, and Joy of Being a Good ListenerMy listening skills have been pretty good since childhood. It comes second nature (so many things do; ever wonder what comes first nature?). I acknowledge what someone says to me...reactions3comments
What Does "Be Positive" Mean?Sound like a silly question? Being positive means being, well, positive, everybody knows what that means. But I say, not necessarily. To my mind, we are living in a time...reactions3comments
