Living with MS

As the winter trudges on, I’ve managed to get a few double takes from my friends. This is usually followed by a surprised look and a simple question: “Pants?” You...

As recently as 5 years ago, the meme “change must begin with me” hadn’t yet captured us in the chronic community in the way it does now. There has been...

Talking to a romantic partner about MS can be hard enough, so is there ever a right time to bring up some of the more embarrassing symptoms like bladder or...

When I stop and think about the wide range of symptoms that someone with multiple sclerosis might have to deal with, there’s one that is both extremely common, yet frequently...

I am in the kitchen reaching for an onion when my arm freezes. I am holding a jar of body cream and my arm starts to drop. Whenever one of...

Recently, I gave some tips on how to combat the cognitive issues that so many of us with MS encounter (see Part 1 here). Here are some more areas to...

Over the years, I've shared my MS story and experiences multiple times, primarily through my writings. My audience has reached many people - from fellow MS-ers and others living with...

Stress is bad. It’s bad for everyone, but it’s really bad for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Sometimes stress can cause a temporary flare-up of MS symptoms, but sometimes...

At this point, most of us have known someone who has contracted COVID-19 (and sadly, many of us know someone who has died from it). I can think of several...

The days before and after being diagnosed with MS are a tumultuous, emotional time. Telling loved ones is difficult, and they may react in many different ways. It’s hard to...

Each year, we set aside the month of February to honor and revere the grand attributes, various contributions to society, and the wondrous marks of strength, diligence, courage and/or martyrdom...

Two of the many symptoms MS patients can experience are bladder urgency and pain. The feeling that you have to go again right after peeing. Constant pain down in the...

Some of the most devastating symptoms I face because of multiple sclerosis involve my cognitive ability. Like many with MS, cognitive dysfunction has had a major impact on my life...

How many of you struggled with disclosing your diagnosis? Family, friends, coworkers, and other associates were all on the list for people with whom we could share the news. There...

For the most part, I tend to think my life with multiple sclerosis has gone well. Rather, it’s gone as well as it could, I guess. I’ve adapted, and despite...

After a long, fatigue-filled Friday, I opened my eyes early Saturday morning well-rested and hungry. To my surprise, I smelled breakfast cooking. I’m sure it’s scrambled eggs. I like my...

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...