The Frustration of FWV (Fumbling Word Vomit)

FWV - a frustrated woman trying to articulate words that are locked inside her head.

It does have a name. That maddening feeling of being stuck, unable to express what’s on your mind. In the Multiple Sclerosis community, it’s now called fumbling word vomit.

In her piece, Ashley Ringstaff details what many of you have experienced—that inability to find the right words in the moment. It’s yet another piece of MS that’s hard to live with.

We posted Ringstaff’s piece in the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page, and more than 100 of you commented, venting along with Ringstaff and sharing solution as well.

Here’s what you had to say. Continue reading

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It’s crazy getting exhausted just going to the mailbox

Mailbox during the summer heat - Penelope ConwayBy Penelope Conway

Summer used to be my favorite time of year. A time to spend in the sun, taking a trip to the beach, going fishing at the local fishing hole, spending time swimming at the lake, enjoying concerts in the park, and so many other activities that just pop up and sound fun to do. For me, those things are no longer something I look forward to being a part of. My summer has become one more of staying inside with the air conditioner blasting and me hoping for cool days to come soon.

My multiple sclerosis body has a Continue reading

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Summer Jumble

By Doug Ankerman

You made it!  You are halfway through summer without a hitch.  Okay well, beside searing your thighs on the hot lawn chair, you made it.

Here are a few pointers to get your through the rest of the season…

Hit The Floor

Doug summer blog On the Floor

You don’t need a gym membership to exercise.  Just get down on the floor (carpeted, by the way).  Roll around.  Lift your legs.  Flail your arms.  Sit up.  Twist side to side.  Push yourself up, over and get back down again.  How you move doesn’t matter—just move!  You’ll give yourself the perfect Continue reading

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Stories to Inspire: Team Strong Girls Swim Challenge

During some of the hottest days of the year, one of the best ways to cool down (and support MSAA at the same time) is to participate in our Swim for MS initiative! Swim for MS is a do-it-yourself fundraiser where you create your own individual or group swim challenge and recruit donations to support the MS community. Past participants have created cannonball jumping contests, backyard pool parties, stand-up paddleboard contests, and more to raise funds for MSAA’s free programs and services.

Team Strong Girls Swim, made up of mother and daughter duo, Sara and Anabella, decided that they Continue reading

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Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Onions

I love zucchini in the summer.   It’s the easiest summer side dish to make and is in season to buy for a great price!  I live in New Jersey, so tomatoes are delicious this time of year!

Ingredients: Continue reading

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With great power comes great responsibility…

By Scott Cremeans

I slept horribly the other night and decided to sleep in because a tired brain is a dysfunctional brain. I had nothing planned that next day to wake up early for and realized that this would be a great day to be lazy. I am not sure what caused my unrest though I lay all night with busy mind syndrome. Sadly the chaos that was to ensue would not allow the extra slumber that I so wanted. This terrible technological turmoil would not allow the excess rest to calm my brain that I desperately desired. Continue reading

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How I Stay Cool in the Summer

By Alene Brennan

I used to love summer.

As a Jersey girl, I spent my summers “down the shore.”

But since my MS diagnosis the warmth of the sun is something I avoid… and straight up fear somedays.

I also hate the heat that summer temps bring to my workouts. I get so easily overheated. My danger zone is when it’s hot enough to raise my internal body temperature but not hot enough for me to break a sweat.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful that I can exercise as it’s something that brings me Continue reading

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Lights, Camera… Action

One of my favorite things about the Summer…is movies. Well to be honest, one of my favorite things just in general is movies. But studios pull out all the stops for the Summer Blockbusters and I look forward to it every year. The Action, the Thriller, the Suspense and Drama. Movies for me have always been a great escape. An hour and a half or so to get lost in the concerns, problems, and hijinks of the leading lady or man and be transported somewhere else. I also enjoy a good sequel. It’s like running into an old friend Continue reading

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For the Love of Biking – It Really Can Be for Everyone

By Stacie Prada

In a conversation with coworkers years ago, one person reflected on his summers spent in their backyard pool in California.  I responded with excitement and jealousy that he had his own pool when all I had was a bike!  Another coworker who grew up in Hong Kong, exclaimed with awe, “You had a bike?!?”

Wow.  I laughed at my own ignorance to my privilege.  To think she grew up in a large city and didn’t have a bike at all made me realize just how special it was Continue reading

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Summer Hostage

By Lauren Kovacs

Let me see, MS has pretty much taken summer hostage for many MSers.  Some things we can in fact re-claim, with modifications.  We have to learn to put our own spin on things.

Plan, plan, plan. You kind of have to go into a situation knowing all your options and the “what if.”  The “Last-minute Lucy” folks won’t like this.  Know your own body.

With three Boy Scouts at home, the moto of “Always Be Prepared” rings true for most MS folks.  Remember the heat is usually not our friend. Summer means heat.  Heat means Continue reading

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