Easy, Healthy Ways to Prevent Muscle SpasmsMS patients commonly suffer from muscle spasms, which may involve sustained muscle contractions that are excruciatingly painful, or sudden, involuntary movements. The National MS Society advises that muscle spasms “must...Reactions0reactionsComments17 comments
What Are the Different Types of MRIs Used for Multiple Sclerosis?Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important and most commonly used tools for diagnosing and monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS). It is non-invasive and uses magnetic fields and...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Video: My Top Tips for Staying Cool This Summer with MSThe 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...Reactions0reactionsComments4 comments
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): What It is and How It Affects MeAround 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)...Reactions0reactionsComments20 comments
I Get by With a Little Help From My FriendsInternational Friendship Day has fallen at the end of July for over 60 years. It always coincides with the week following an annual writers conference I attend. At that event...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
MS Comic: I May Not Always...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...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
The Connection Between Pneumonia During Adolescence and MSAs someone who has almost lived longer with multiple sclerosis than without it, I rarely have given much thought to how I got this disease. To me, focusing on the...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Taking Time to Rest During an MS Relapse Isn't as Easy as It SoundsWhen 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...Reactions0reactionsComments13 comments
Dealing with the Never-Ending Unknowns of MS is Such a Pain for Me - LiterallyI’d be a liar if I said I didn’t think about ending it all a little over 6 years ago. I was so scared and anxious. I also was exhausted...Reactions0reactionsComments32 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
What Are “Active” and “Inactive” Multiple Sclerosis?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...Reactions0reactionsComments11 comments
At Home With MS"...Can't do is like don't care meaning neither one of them have a home…" – Maya Angelou, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings What is the commonality between how...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Mistreatment or Abuse by a CaregiverIt 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...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
The Challenge of Consistency and EmploymentGoing 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...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
I Am Feeling the ItchSometimes, I feel the itch to do things I used to do before MS, like travel, hike, golf, and stand up to pee. Recently, I've felt the itch to socialize...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Pamper Yourself on the Good Days, TooWe all want to feel good, right? We want MS to stay in the background and get no where near centerstage. It’s wonderful to be able to ignore MS at...Reactions0reactionsComments7 comments
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...Reactions0reactionsComments47 comments
Wait, Who is Making My Medical Decisions?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...Reactions0reactionsComments10 comments
Why Aren't We Treating with the Most Effective Medications Early On?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...Reactions0reactionsComments16 comments
My MS: Adventures in Grocery ShoppingI’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...Reactions0reactionsComments9 comments