About Selena Fisher

Selena is the Manager of Mission Delivery over the MSAA MRI Access Program. She has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She enjoys spending time with her family, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Shaping the MS Experience: Getting MRIs

Posted on March 11, 2022 by Selena Fisher

A part of the MS experience includes getting routine MRIs. This process can be both daunting and expensive. Did you know that MSAA’s MRI Access Program provides financial assistance for Cranial and C-Spine MRIs?

MSAA’s MRI Access Program assists with the payment of Cranial (brain) and C-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for qualified individuals who have no medical insurance or cannot afford their insurance costs and require an MRI to help determine a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or evaluate current MS disease progression.

What does the program offer?

Continue reading →

10 Ways To Stay Busy In The Winter

Posted on February 23, 2022 by Selena Fisher

Between the cold weather and COVID, it might be a challenge finding fun ways to stay busy in the winter. There’s no need to stare at your ceiling out of boredom. Staying home can be just as fun and productive as putting real clothes on and going out! These 10 ways to stay busy in the winter will have you saying “paaaar-tay!”

· Call up your friend or a close relative

· Clean out your closet

· Give yourself a manicure

· Read a good book

· TV time!

· Start scrapbooking

· Bake a delicious cake

· Take up knitting

· Have a dance party in your pajamas!

· Virtual Zumba classes

For many people, the mere concept of sitting at home is enough to make you feel like you are swimming in a sea of boredom. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Try out these different ways to stay busy in the winter and see how it works for you!

You might find that you keep the sea of boredom at bay!

ABCs of the MS Diagnostic Process

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Selena Fisher

A – Ask a Neurologist

Is it MS, or is it something else? If you are experiencing numbness and tingling in your body, these symptoms could be caused by MS. On the other hand, there are many illnesses that easily mimic MS symptoms. To help figure out what is going on, the next step is to make an appointment with your primary care physician. If your doctor suspects MS, you’ll probably be referred to a neurologist for a definitive MS diagnosis.

B – Brain MRI

The MRI scans the brain using a computer, radiofrequency stimulator, and a huge magnet. Good news, MRIs do not expose patients to radiation, and helps doctors get a clear picture of what’s happening in the Brain. The MRI is used to assess the size and location of lesions in persons with multiple sclerosis. Contrast enhancement is often used to help to better assess inflammation and determine if MS is present in the Brain.

C – Consider Your Treatment Options

MS can be treated with a variety of effective FDA-Approved drugs. These medications can be recommended for all three types of MS. There are three main goals of MS treatment. Firstly, is to limit MS activity and development. Secondly, is to lessen the severity and duration of a relapse. And lastly, is to treat MS symptoms. All of these medications are typically administered by a doctor who specializes in MS or a neurologist. To download a list of FDA-Approved MS medications, please click here.

Happy New Year

Posted on December 27, 2021 by Selena Fisher

As this year comes to a rapid end, I’d like to leave you with something positive to help you get your 2022 off to a great start. As I thought about what I might share with you, I came across this acrostic that truly inspired me. My hope is that it will inspire you as well, and that you will have a Happy New Year.

Happy New Year by Catherine Pulsifer

H appiness depends upon your outlook on life – Find the good in all situations
A ttitude is just as important as ability – Keep your attitude positive
P assion, find yours this year! – Do what you love and you will never work
P ositive thoughts make everything easier – Stay focused and stay positive
Y ou are unique with special gifts, use them – Never forget you have talent

N ew beginnings with a new year.
Enthusiasm, a true secret of success.
W ishes, may they turn into goals.

Y ears go by too quickly, enjoy them – Wisdom from your elders, listen
E nergy, may you have lots of it – Take care of yourself
A ppreciation of life, don’t take it for granted – Live each day
R elax, take the time to relax in this coming year – Keep a balance in your life

May your holidays be filled with joy and may you have a “Happy New Year.”

Mentally Preparing for the Holidays

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Selena Fisher

With the holiday season quickly approaching, you may find yourself spending a bit of time mentally preparing for the holidays. For a variety of reasons, holiday traditions such as family reunions, gift giving, and increased workload impact many of us. As you prepare for the holidays, I’d like to share some tips taken from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Here are 10 tips to assist you with mentally preparing for the holidays.

· Stick to normal routines as much as possible

· Be sure to get enough sleep and rest

· Take time for yourself, but don’t isolate yourself

· Eat and drink in moderation and don’t drink alcohol if you are feeling down

· Get exercise, even if it’s only taking a short walk

· Make a to-do list and keep things simple

· Set reasonable expectations and goals for holiday activities such as shopping, cooking, entertaining, attending parties or sending holiday cards

· Set a financial budget for holiday activities

· Listen to music

· Remember that holiday blues are short-term, so be patient and take things week by week and day by day

These 10 tips to help you mentally prepare for the holidays are both practical and doable. Implementing these tips can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and enjoy the holidays with your friends and family.

A Letter from a Friend

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Selena Fisher

Dear friend,

I am sorry to learn of your recent MS diagnosis. My heart cannot truly grasp the emotions you must be experiencing. I imagine this new chapter of your life has been quite scary and frustrating for you. Please know that you have a community of advocates behind you cheering you on.

I have seen firsthand how an MS diagnosis can take you on a wild emotional roller coaster ride that you never asked to be on. My mother was diagnosed with MS back in 1996. Advances in research and educational information about MS were much different back then. She wasn’t told that every person’s MS journey is unique and can look totally different than someone else’s. As a family we had no idea that MS didn’t look the same for everyone who was diagnosed with it.

As you deal with being newly diagnosed, I’d like to share with you a few words of encouragement that I wish someone had given my mom.

Your story as an MS fighter is completely unique to you. Try to stay away from searching online and get your information from reliable sources such as your doctor’s office and MS organizations like this one I’m writing to you from. Also, staying positive is extremely important as you navigate through this uncharted territory. Remember, toxic emotions release neurotoxins into the body. Additionally, being mindful of the type of food you put in your body goes a long way. And Lastly, never be afraid to ask for help, and never be ashamed to advocate for yourself.

Friend, I want you to know that I think of you often and wish you all the best as you learn to live life as someone who has been newly diagnosed with MS. MSAA is rooting for you, cheering you on, and doing everything we can to make a positive impact in your life and on the entire MS community.

We are here for you, and we care about you.

Signs of an MS Relapse

Posted on September 24, 2021 by Selena Fisher

When you have a relapse of multiple sclerosis (known as an exacerbation or flare-up), nerve signals are disrupted due to damage in the brain or spinal cord. As a result, you may experience new or returning symptoms. An MS relapse is defined as one lasting longer than 24 hours and occurring at least 30 days after any previous relapse. The duration, severity, and symptoms of relapses are all different. Here are a few common signs of an MS relapse.

Weakness

Normal messages from the brain to the body are disrupted when the protective covering of nerve fibers is damaged. When such signals are disturbed, the body stops working properly. Things you used to do easily, like opening a jar or turning a doorknob, can seem challenging during a relapse. You may be experiencing a relapse if you have sudden or worsening weakness that does not go away.

Vision Impairment

It’s possible that you’re starting to relapse if your eyesight is blurry or you’re seeing double. As the optic nerve becomes inflamed, some people lose their depth or color vision. Vision issues can be caused by taking a hot shower or bath, or by a viral infection like the flu, but they are just momentary and should go gone within a day.

Numbness

One of the most typical indicators of a recurrence in multiple sclerosis is numbness. It’s possible to lose so much feeling in your hands or other affected body parts that it’s difficult to use them. You might be unable to write or hold a cup of coffee. Please pay a visit to your doctor if your numbness is new or getting worse.

Cognitive Challenges

It’s aggravating to lose track of where you put your vehicle keys or to have to reread the same phrase several times simply to grasp the meaning. MS can impair your mind in a variety of ways, especially as the disease develops, affecting with memory, focus, language, and information processing. Any new difficulty thinking clearly or recalling past events could be a sign that you may be experiencing a relapse.

Feeling Dizzy

It’s uncomfortable to feel lightheaded or unstable on your feet, but it’s a frequent symptom of MS relapses. Damage to the areas of your brain that control balance causes dizziness. In the short term, there are medications that can help relieve the ‘room is spinning’ sensation, but if it lasts longer than a day, you may be experiencing an MS relapse.

If you suspect that you are experiencing an MS relapse, please reach out to your doctor to share your concerns. What you are experiencing could possibly be signs of an MS relapse.

Finding Joy in Life

Posted on August 9, 2021 by Selena Fisher

Do you ever find it difficult to find happiness in the midst of hard times? Even in the face of adversity, having a mental list of simple behaviors to try out every day may help you feel happier. You might find that doing something as easy as listening to music improves your mood and helps you on your journey to finding joy in life.

Whatever joy means to you, you may tap into it in surprisingly easy ways, even when it’s tough to remember what it’s like to be joyful.

So, here are 3 easy-to-implement suggestions for finding joy in life during challenging circumstances.

1. Find the things in life that make you happy, and then do them.

2. Always take a moment to express gratitude.

3. Stay connected to the good relationships you’ve established in life.

Remember friends, do what brings you joy. Demonstrate thankfulness. And stay connected to your relationships. You are amazing, and you can do this!

MSAA’s MRI Access Program

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Selena Fisher

Did you know that MSAA’s MRI Access Program provides financial assistance for Cranial and C-Spine MRIs?

What does the program offer?

The MRI Access Program helps financially with New MRIs and Past MRIs up to a maximum of $750 per MRI. So, whether you need help paying for future MRIs or if you are staring at an MRI bill you recently received in the mail. MSAA’s MRI Access Program is here to help!

How do I apply?

It’s simple! You can either apply online directly through our website or you can fill out a paper application and send it back via email, mail, or fax.

• To apply online, click on this link https://mymsaa.org/msaa-help/mri/

• To print out a paper application, click on this link https://mymsaa.org/PDFs/app_mri.pdf

Are you mailing your application?

No problem! You can mail it to the following address:

Attn: MRI Access Program

375 Kings Highway North

Cherry Hill, NJ 08034

You can also fax your application to MSAA at 856-488-8257 or you can email it to MRI@mymsaa.org.

Want to learn more?

Feel free to give me a call at 800-532-7667 ext. 142, and I would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Selena Fisher, Manager of Mission Delivery-MRI

Keep Cool This Summer

Posted on June 16, 2021 by Selena Fisher

It’s that time again, summertime that is. In just a few days, it will officially be Summer, and the heat has already been pretty brutal for many. Any amount of heat, no matter how minor, might affect neurological functions enough to exacerbate symptoms. Keeping cool can help you maintain a consistent, cool body temperature and prevent flare-ups. To help keep you cool this summer, MSAA’s Cooling Program is here to help!

MSAA offers free cooling products such as a cooling vest, wrist wraps, ankle wraps, and neck wraps! These free cooling products are great ways to keep cool this summer for free. Yes, you read that right, I said free! MSAA’s Cooling Program is an excellent resource that “offers cooling vests and accessories for adults with multiple sclerosis as well as children diagnosed with pediatric MS.” MSAA’s Cooling Program is open 365 days of the year, which means you can apply at any time throughout the year. This is a great way to beat the heat sensitivity that often comes with MS without having to break the bank. Here is a link for more information on how to apply for your free cooling products through MSAA’s Cooling Program, https://mymsaa.org/msaa-help/cooling-products/.

If you find that you do not meet the eligibility guidelines for MSAA’s Cooling Program and would like to purchase your cooling products, you can always reach out to the manufactures listed below. If you call and mention MSAA, you could be eligible to receive a discount on your purchase.

Polar Products 800-763-8423 www.polarproducts.com
Steele Body Cooling 888-783-3538; www.steelevest.com

Keeping cool this summer is a must, especially when managing Multiple Sclerosis. I encourage you to take advantage of MSAA’s Cooling Program to help keep your body cool and refreshed.

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