Question: How often is an MRI recommended, and is it still needed when symptoms have not worsened?
Answer: Although there is a wide variation in the use and frequency of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) testing in neurological practices, it may be helpful to begin by considering why we get MRI scans for people with MS.
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Visits to the doctor are part of living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether you go routinely or once in a while, it is an ordeal. When you get to the office, you encounter challenges. We wondered what would make the visits better.
To learn more, we turned to community members on the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page. There, we asked you to answer this prompt: “Fill in the blank: If I could make the doctor’s office more MS-friendly, I would ____.”
You had some inspired ideas for changes.
Continue readingI’m not a betting man but if you have multiple sclerosis, odds are in your favor you suffer from foot drop. Foot drop is that draggy, MS hex where your foot never seems to clear the floor for a normal step. It hinders your balance and can make you prone to falls.
The most popular way to beat foot drop is wearing an ankle foot orthotic or AFO.
AFO’s aren’t cheap (what medical device is?), so it would seem an AFO should have more uses than just preventing foot drop.
That’s where I come in.
After much research, here are some other ways your AFO can help around the house…
Continue readingSpring is a time of fresh starts and emerging from winter. Spring is a season, a mindset, and a promise of better days ahead. Lately, spring for me is the overreaction my arms and legs give for a slight touch. Reflexes that have always overreacted to the tap on the shin or elbow are now exaggerated to a point that seems almost comical for the physical threat they pose to anyone within reach.
Spring now correlates with spasticity and spasms for me. The energy and movements my limbs release are disproportionate to the touch that triggers them. A limb’s quick return to original position and residual spasms mimic the vibration and cartoonish boing of a spring as it comes to rest.
My spasticity isn’t what I anticipated from the descriptions I’d researched over the years.
Continue readingOld man winter is finally sleeping. While bikini weather is not welcome, the sunshine is and I need it and flowers. Heat I can do without. I need the grey to go away.
NC this year has had strange weather. Gosh, I sound like an old man talking about the weather. I promise I am not an old man. Old…some days I feel old.
Spring is full of rain and up and weather. NC has big swings, this time of year. Now we are in season five. Pollen. It is like snow and it also means cold, wet, grey skies, but dormant vegetation are about to vanish. My favorite chocolate is around too. It better start laying those Cadbury Creme Eggs. Come on furball, lay those eggs faster.
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In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, MSAA wants to recognize the incredible volunteers that support us year-round in all that we do.
Day in and day out, MSAA relies on so many to help drive our organization forward so we can provide more support, more services, and more impact for those living with MS and their care partners:
Continue readingIn the spirit of spring cleaning, when is the last time you decluttered your emotional life? Spring cleaning isn’t just for the home. Did you know feelings and thoughts have a way of piling up and need decluttering too? Acknowledging our emotions can be the beginning to setting them free and releasing emotional baggage.
Think of those unhelpful thoughts that have been in the back of your mind lately. Am I holding on to anger, guilt, sadness, or resentment? Those thoughts generate feelings that impact the way we see ourselves and everything around us. Make a list or say them out loud and take some time to really acknowledge those feelings. Now ask yourself this question – are these feelings helping me with my wellbeing and goals? If the answer is no, it is time to tidy up!
Continue readingSpring has sprung, and it is a gentle reminder of how beautiful the passing of seasons can be. As the flowers blossom and tiny sprouts break through the brown barks, it’s time to venture out of my cocoon which has been my shelter for the past few winter months. It is the season to explore the beauty that nature has at its best.
Continue readingIt’s time to wake up from winter hibernation! If you’re anything like me in the cold months, you like to curl up in a blanket with hot drinks (coffee please!), watch movies, and take it easy. But now that warmer and sunnier days are here, it’s time to ditch our cocoon and “spring” into action! Transitioning from winter to spring has a positive effect mentally, physically, and emotionally. The warmer spring weather allows us to get back outside into nature. Our skin uses the sunlight to produce more vitamin D which has vital functions for good health and mental well-being. Here are a few enjoyable ways to enjoy the spring season and get outside:
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Cinco De Mayo is on Thursday, May 5th, 2022. It is a celebration that commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Wouldn’t it be fun to enjoy and share this avocado-based recipe with loved ones to celebrate this special day? This creative recipe is a clever way to put a spin on the classic taco. Adding the use of avocados for the shell is a healthier option too.
Ingredients
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