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.
Receiving a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be overwhelming, but it’s also the beginning of a journey where you can take charge of your health and future. While MS comes with uncertainties, empowering yourself with knowledge and a proactive mindset can make a world of difference. Start by educating yourself about MS through the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Understanding your diagnosis helps you make informed decisions about treatment, symptom management, and lifestyle changes.
Continue readingMSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Merrilee Schultz as March’s Artist of the Month. Merrilee is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
“Chaos”
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Every year, MSAA celebrates the artistic talents of the MS community in our digital Art Showcase. We are honored to have received such inspiring stories and pieces of art over the years. This year, we are excited to launch MSAA’s largest Art Showcase to date! With the participation of more than 85 artists, and over 240 art pieces displayed, the 2025 Art Showcase highlights the experiences of artists with MS from across the country.
Beginning this month, in honor of MS Awareness Month, one artist will be featured per month as our Artist of the Month. Artists of the Month will be shared on MSAA’s website, MS Conversations blog, and social media platforms. We highly encourage you to view this one-of-a-kind Showcase by visiting MSAA’s 2025 Art Showcase webpage.
Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD
MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer
Question: How do tremors with MS differ and what types of treatments help?
Answer: Tremor or shaking is relatively common in multiple sclerosis, affecting as many as one quarter to one half of people living with MS. Tremors may range from a mild nuisance, to moderate or severe, and affect activities of daily living.
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Love, like any living thing, needs nourishment. Just as plants require water, sunlight, and care to grow, our relationships – both with ourselves and those around us – thrive when we invest time, attention and kindness. The way we treat ourselves often reflects in how we show up for others, and vice versa. When we nurture love within, it naturally extends outward, strengthening our bonds with the people with care about.
Continue readingI truly believe that the more I care about my needs, the more effectively I can take care of others around me. The more compassion I show myself, the more empathy I can show to others. This means that if I want fruitful relationships with others around me, the transformation must start from within me. Taking care of oneself is not selfish and it often translates to prioritizing yourself. Below are some things to keep in mind while learning to love yourself.
Continue readingCottage Cheese is finally having a moment across the USA. This recipe made with cottage cheese and eggs are creamy and loaded with protein. It’s easy, and incredibly delicious. Add it to your list of things to try. Be adventurous and add different seasonings you might like to mix in.
There are so many aspects of life that can continuously change: your job position, friends, family, romantic relationships, your environment. But there is one thing that always remains: You. We often forget that we have a relationship with ourselves and how we nurture that can affect many other aspects of our lives.
The relationship you have with yourself is one that you carry with you every day and everywhere. Your thoughts, emotions, sense of identity, perspective on yourself and your connection to the world will ultimately affect your perspective on life and the various situations and relationships you encounter. A positive relationship with yourself is the foundation to a positive relationship with the world and people around you. But how do you determine what type of relationship you have with yourself? By asking yourself a few questions, you may be able to weave together the bigger picture.
Continue readingEl autocuidado es a menudo más fácil de decir que de hacer. Aunque en términos generales se refiere a las medidas que tomamos para mejorar o mantener nuestro bienestar físico, mental y emocional, a veces resulta difícil comprender realmente lo que implica el autocuidado y cómo nos beneficia. En esencia, el autocuidado consiste en satisfacer nuestras necesidades y cuidarnos para poder brindar lo mejor de nosotros mismos a los demás.
Comprender la importancia del autocuidado y su impacto en nuestro bienestar es vital. Me gusta pensar en el autocuidado como un vaso con agua: no podemos compartir de un vaso vacío. Cuando damos de nuestro vaso, agotamos nuestras propias reservas. Mejor enfoquémonos en llenar nuestro vaso hasta el borde con amor y cuidado, dejando que rebose. Al compartir desde lo sobrante, nos aseguramos de que nuestro vaso siempre permanezca lleno, y al mismo tiempo compartimos lo sobrante con los que nos rodean. Al hacerlo, creamos un ciclo sostenible de dar que beneficia tanto a nosotros mismos como a los demás.