What I Wish People Knew About MS and the Heat

For many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), heat is more than just an uncomfortable weather condition. It can worsen symptoms and impact daily life.

Community members on MultipleSclerosis.net share their experiences when it comes to dealing with the heat. Here is what they wish people knew about how heat affects their MS. Read on for their insights.

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When It Comes Time to Pay the MS Tax

We all know the feeling. That surge of energy, the desire to participate, to feel “normal” for a while. Whether it’s attending a family gathering, tackling a long-awaited household project, or simply enjoying a few hours out with friends, those with multiple sclerosis (MS) often seize these moments with both hands. 

But as many in our community understand all too well, this activity often comes with a significant price: the dreaded “MS tax.” 

Here is what our community members had to say about how they deal with physical and mental exhaustion after overexerting themselves.

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How to Respond When People Ask, “How Are You?”

How are you?” is a standard greeting among friends and acquaintances. It can be a societal expectation or norm. Answering when living with a chronic disease like multiple sclerosis (MS) is anything but simple. Those with MS are rarely the standard answer of “fine.”

MultipleSclerosis.net published an article about navigating the How are you question with MS. The article resonated with many members, and it generated a number of comments! Here are some community insights. 

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Mobility Changes With MS

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) takes a huge toll on the body. One of the greatest challenges is mobility changes. Those living with MS often find their activity level changes. Things that once came easily, such as walking, cooking, gardening, and shopping, become difficult.

MultipleSclerosis.net published an article about coping with changes in mobility. Many community members responded by sharing their experiences. Here are some of their insights.

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Life After an MS Diagnosis

A multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can stir up many emotions. Fear, anger, relief, denial, and confusion are common. Each person’s experience is unique.

The team at MultipleSclerosis.net invited the community to “Share what life with MS after diagnosis really feels like.” Respondents provided their insights into life after diagnosis.

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Numbness and Tingling With MS

One common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is feelings of numbness and tingling. Most often, this symptom affects the hands or feet. It makes everyday tasks more difficult. Holding a toothbrush or standing to cook is challenging when hands and feet go numb.

MultipleSclerosis.net recently shared an article on this topic. Many community members shared their experiences with these symptoms.

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Trouble Swallowing Food or Drinks

Many symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are challenging to endure. For example, having difficulty swallowing is a common issue with MS. It can prevent any pleasure or comfort when eating a meal. Many people with MS report being discouraged from eating at all due to the severe pain and terror it can cause.

We reached out to the MS community to learn more. We asked, “Do you ever feel like your food gets stuck in your throat or experience other difficulties when it comes to swallowing food or drinks?”

We received 280 responses to our prompt! The MS community was moved to share their symptoms.

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MS and Sensory Overload

One overlooked symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is sensory overload. Noise, lights, and crowds cause panic and lead to feeling overwhelmed. Many with MS do not realize sensory overload is a symptom. It feels confusing when it first happens.

MultipleSclerosis.net published an article about sensory overload that resonated with many readers. The insights and responses from the community are worth sharing!

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Morning Pain and MS

Navigating pain is a consistent challenge with multiple sclerosis (MS). Nights are often not restful. Many with MS wake in pain. It is challenging to move first thing in the morning. 

MultipleSclerosis.net members recently engaged in a discussion about morning pain. Here are some of the insights they shared.

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Shared Experiences: Things Only Someone With MS Would Understand

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel lonely. It is hard for others to understand the spectrum of MS symptoms. Fortunately, there are communities to connect with others navigating MS! It makes the journey feel less isolating. 

MultipleSclerosis.net recently posted the following:

“Fill in the blank: ______ is something that only someone with multiple sclerosis would understand.”

This question clearly resonated, as there were over 350 responses! Among the comments, some common themes emerged.

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