Slow change can be really tough to handle. Its gradual and persistent nature can disguise itself as normal and stable. Only when it reaches a threshold or shifts might we feel the results.
I’ve been living with multiple sclerosis unknowingly and knowingly for almost thirty years, and in the last 12 years I’ve known lesions in my spinal cord are the root cause of pain and my body malfunctioning. I know my body is damaged from MS, I sense where it’s going, and yet Continue reading
I was blessed that I went years without big changes. By the time my youngest was in second grade, I had to use a cane and a walker a few months later. The change snake bit me again a few years later.
A wheelchair became my new fashion accessory. I like crazy shoes so, I applied that to my assistant devices. My chair is Continue reading
MSAA strives to be a leading resource for the MS community by improving lives today through vital services and support – and we could not accomplish this without the help of our volunteer board members. MSAA’s Board of Directors is comprised of accomplished professionals from across the country who volunteer their time to further MSAA’s mission. With our ongoing series, Meet the Board, we hope to introduce you to our wonderful volunteer board members!
This month, MSAA is proud to highlight our newest board member Kelly Waters, Esq. Continue reading
You, with multiple sclerosis, fall-in, and listen up! You’ve got a battle to win. It’s time to step up and fight!
As you know stress is your enemy in this war. Your silent, invisible, debilitating nemesis.
Now, stress is Continue reading
It’s Friday, August 14th on another sauna of an afternoon in Texas. I’m hot, yes, but there’s something else to it, too: I’m stressed.
After a moment, I push away from my work desk and decide to shift gears. It’s been an eventful few months, but I’d learned fairly quickly that corona wouldn’t matter if my atria weren’t functioning right. So, I take a break and call a good friend of mine. Continue reading
Stress is one of the many symptoms that come with living. It isn’t a root problem, although it can feel like one. Stress is the indication that there is something else going on, and it isn’t always bad. The excitement of an upcoming event causes stress, and I wouldn’t want to skip over the feelings of anticipation and accomplishment that come with looking forward to or working hard for something.
That said, it would be great Continue reading
Dealing with stress is often a challenge, even when we are not living through a pandemic. While stress is a natural reaction for the body to feel, too much stress for too long can cause harm. For anyone with a chronic health concern, such as multiple sclerosis, sustained stress can lead to worsening MS symptoms. Whether needing relief from emotional or physical stress, finding ways to relax is an important part of any wellness care. MSAA offers a number of resources to help combat stress. Here are a few of our most recent programs highlighting wellness: Continue reading
This, unfortunately, is a battle most MS folks fight daily. I do. Each situation requires a custom battle to fight stress. We have to adapt. Change our warrior armor based on the battle ahead.
I find a day might be needed to access the situation, if multiple days of Continue reading
Nothing up my sleeve! It is magic I tell ya!
Magic how a disease like multiple sclerosis works from the inside-out. Hiding your symptoms from those around you.
MS uses deceptive tricks to mask your illness, prompting some to ask the dreaded, cringe-worthy question… Continue reading
One of the most significant issues with multiple sclerosis is the many hidden symptoms that lead to accusatory statements. The invisibility of these MS issues means that many times others do not see, perceive, or believe that they even exist. The two primarily posed comments are you do not look sick; you must be fine or, I know someone with MS, and they do not complain like that. These statements drive MSers insane and can cause us to stand our ground in defense vociferously.
I have been a member of several local MS support groups and currently Continue reading