Living with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel isolating at times. While we can be our own support system through self-love and self-care, not everyone has strong family ties that bring support and comfort. Many of us may not have a built-in support system, and that’s okay. The good news is that building one is entirely possible. Know that you don’t have to do this alone.
Continue reading
Life with MS can be full of ups and downs. Some days you feel strong and independent – others, you may need a little extra support. That’s completely normal. No one is meant to carry everything alone – MS or not.
Having a reliable support system – a personal safety net – can make daily challenges more manageable and help you feel more grounded, emotionally and physically. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your MS journey, it’s never too late to build or strengthen that circle of support.
Continue readingBy Samuel Fitch
When you think of a safety net, what comes to mind? Is it a circus act—a high-flying trapeze artist soaring through the air or someone being launched from a cannon, hoping to land softly?
The truth is, safety nets come in many forms. At their core, they are tools that provide security, comfort, and confidence.
Continue reading
Living with multiple sclerosis can bring about a number of uncertainties – from navigating symptom and treatment options to dealing with emotional and lifestyle changes. While every journey with MS is unique, one thing is universal: no one should have to face MS alone. This is why the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) created My MSAA Community.
Continue readingFor 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.
Continue readingAs the temperature continues to rise and the sun continues to shine this summer season, we may find ourselves making lifestyle adjustments to accommodate the heat. Here at the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), we recognize how crucial it is to manage MS symptoms while still enjoying life, especially during this time of year. Our recent webinar, “Summer Wellness Tips for Life with MS,” was designed to provide helpful summer tips and empowerment for the MS community.
Continue readingThere are a lot of uncertainties one must face while battling MS, and its symptoms vary widely among individuals. For newly diagnosed individuals, this can be a scary and unsettling journey without knowing what to expect down the road. Below are a few things you can suggest to someone who has been recently diagnosed with MS:
Continue readingAs MSAA continues to highlight MS Awareness Month this March through the campaign theme of “Empowered from the Start with MSAA,” our efforts to raise awareness and provide vital support to the MS community remains our priority. This month specifically, we are spotlighting both educational and supportive resources that may be of use to those who are newly diagnosed and navigating their MS journey. With this in mind, MSAA would like to present one of the many free resources available to the community – MSAA’s Podcast.
This month, MSAA has released a three-part podcast series titled, “If I Knew Then: Reflecting on an MS Diagnosis.” This special series highlights expert insights for newly diagnosed individuals, as well as the personal stories and experiences from community members with MS.
Being diagnosed with MS can be disheartening news for many since the road ahead can be so scary and unpredictable. If left undiagnosed, it can lead to severe disability over time.
It is of utmost importance that you schedule your appointments with your neurologists and other care providers regularly so that they can help with managing your symptoms and keeping your MS at bay. The high costs associated with the treatment make medical coverage crucial as over time, MS may unfortunately place a financial strain on individuals and families. Fortunately, there are organizations like the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) can direct you to valuable resources while navigating the bumps along the way.
Continue reading
A new diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be overwhelming, with the potential to disrupt nearly every aspect of our lives, including our career and financial stability. MS symptoms vary widely from person to person, so each individual’s experience can be unique. A new diagnosis marks the beginning of a period of learning, adjusting, and navigating changes. While health becomes the central focus, it’s important to recognize that many other aspects of life are also affected. Concerns about career, job stability, and financial security often arise as we try to find balance in this new and uncertain reality.
Continue reading