Bladder dysfunction: often defined as urgency, leaking, frequent urination, and/or incontinence. Although bladder dysfunction affects 78-90% of people with MS, many patients experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, and frustration about their bladder-related symptoms.1 To better understand these challenging symptoms, we reached out to our MS community members to see how bladder dysfunction impacts their daily life, and what they do to control their symptoms. Continue reading
By Penelope Conway
My life turned into a whirlwind of chaos after I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I was faced with more choices than I knew what to do with. Which medications do I choose? What therapies are needed? What supplements help? What diets work? Is there really a cure? So many questions and so few answers. Continue reading
By Lauren Kovacs
Alternative approaches to MS are pretty personal. Many of us will try just about anything to add to our medication routine. Short of crazy stuff like putting fried eggs on my eyes or sleeping with spiders, I am guilty of trying lots of alternatives.
Some things might help some. I heard massage is great, but it turns me into a sleepy blob. Too relaxed? As if I don’t already fight the fatigue monster 24/7, massages rubs me into a sloth. Not for me. Continue reading
With Memorial Day coming up next week, it’s time to think about stars and stripes!!! Memorial Day cookie cake is a quick and easy dessert to take to your Memorial Day picnic or family BBQ. This treat is soft, chewy and smells amazing. It will be loved by all. Continue reading
By Doug Ankerman
As a twenty-two year member of the MS Club, I have tried more than my share of alternative approaches to treat multiple sclerosis. From diets to massage to supplements like turmeric and aloe vera gel. I’ve questioned my dentist about Mercury fillings. Researched into CCSVI. With secondary-progressive MS, I found myself grasping at anything and everything to slow the gradual downward slide.
Here are a few others I’ve dabbled with… Continue reading
By Stacie Prada
Living with an illness with no proven cure leads me to treat myself as a guinea pig. I read about the latest studies and breakthroughs for MS and auto-immune diseases. I seek recommendations from people that are managing their health well. I compare what I’m doing to the treatment and see if it makes sense for me. If the risk is low and I’m not doing it already, I’ll give it a shot. It’s a very unscientific approach. But given I’m bumping up against an unknown date when my MS could progress, I’m not willing to wait until all the studies are in when it could be too late for me. Continue reading
As someone who is usually hesitant to try new things I’ve found that if you give something new a try, it could result in some really nice benefits and rewards. A few years ago I wrote about trying yoga classes for the first time, and as it turns out it’s something that has really helped my pain issues when they come on. I attend hot yoga classes, and I know for many with MS this style is not an option if heat sensitivity symptoms are an issue with the disease, but yoga in other formats can be beneficial too. It’s more about the movements and mindset it creates that can be valuable to all. Continue reading
MSAA is pleased to highlight a few towns across the country to showcase local resources and support for the MS community. The first area we are highlighting is in and around Chicago, IL. The resources provided below can assist those who live in the area get connected to MS Centers and helpful programs throughout the region. We hope you find this guide to navigating local resources helpful! Continue reading
By Alene Brennan
How to Navigate the Underground World of MS
Being the invisible disease that it is, multiple sclerosis can make you feel like you’re living in an underground world. So let me lay out a roadmap to help you navigate to better understanding and better health. Continue reading
By Alene Brennan
My first reaction when I received the diagnosis of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis? Do NOT tell a soul. People would judge me and put limits on me. Not to mention I was 37 years old and single. MS isn’t exactly the trait I wanted featured on my online dating profile.
I kept my diagnosis a secret for more than a year. Continue reading