Living with MS

Many people with MS suffer a hit to their self-image after diagnosis due to feelings of loss or feeling betrayed by their bodies. Some treatments can cause side effects like...

I have written quite a bit about my multiple sclerosis symptoms. I have mentioned tinnitus, spasticity, gastrointestinal problems, muscle weakness, and muscle spasticity. I have shared far more about myself...

When it comes to my life with multiple sclerosis, one thing has become very clear: In order to thrive in my day to day life, I need to have my...

“You never know what kind of monster is hiding behind a friendly smile.” This quote was found in a book I recently read. I am a sucker for books that...

Dating with MS can be difficult by itself. But even when a person with MS finds someone who they connect with who also accepts their MS, the challenges don’t end...

From my very first exacerbation (that I know of) to just a couple days ago, falling has been a pretty consistent problem for me. While I’ve discussed the causes of...

Three simple words: good for you. These words are special to me because they do not ring with judgment but only encouragement. These words also make me feel more relaxed...

Those who are familiar with MS and heat sensitivity might assume that cold weather is better for people with MS. For some, cooler temperatures does bring welcome relief – unless...

A couple of weeks ago, I was scheduled for my yearly MRI. The standard "make sure everything is stable and that my medication is still working" type that most people...

Have you ever heard someone use the metaphor “opening Pandora’s box?” It is often used to refer to big trouble that can arise from something small. I am not a...

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays." But, with due respect, Mr. Emerson didn't have...

Many people in the MS community talk about wearing a “mask” that hides how they are really feeling. On days when fatigue and pain plague them, they still go through...

Folks, if your medical care has gone anything like mine, you have probably met at least one doctor that you wanted to throttle right there in the examining room. Take...

Whether it’s progressing quickly or slowly, the unpredictability of multiple sclerosis can really lead you to question yourself. Am I fatigued or am I just tired? Did I fall because...

Have you ever seen the movie 13 Going on 30? It’s a movie that came out in 2004, which is ironically the year I was diagnosed with MS. It has...

My 5-year-old son has a stress ball-type toy that’s covered in a net. I believe it is called a net stress ball if you would like to Google it for...

Last week, I ventured to the local MRI center for my annual pilgrimage to get scans done to monitor my multiple sclerosis. I’ve lost track of how many MRIs I’ve...

Memory is something I struggle with every day. The reasons aren't a mystery. We know that MS can shred myelin in some choice real estate in the brain, areas that...

I try to be hopeful about the coming end of the pandemic. But let’s face it—it’ll be a while before we can get a COVID-19 vaccine and move on to...

As we venture into a new year with hope for better tomorrows ahead, there are several free, ongoing signature programs from MSAA designed to improve the overall quality of life...