I must say this is easier said than done.
I am kinda bored actually. I am a homebody, but even I have limits. MS has aged me, too.
I mean, I have always liked birds, but watching them used to bore me. Now I can watch them up close. It is like watching a fight club with feathers. Male Cardinals and Blue Jays are jerks. Bullies. I can watch a soap opera right outside the window.
Continue reading
There’s no doubt that the winter months can be dreary and feel long-lasting. That’s what many across the country are currently experiencing these days. From treacherous weather to isolation still occurring because of the pandemic—feeling trapped is a universal experience we’re sharing during this time. So, what can we do to stay occupied and busy so that the time goes by a bit quicker? If we’re all feeling isolated, at least we’re all together in that too.
There are several different activities that can help to keep us busy, and playing games is a good one. Whether it’s playing a board game with others in your household or playing card games or online games if you live alone. Games can be a fun way to pass the time, and there are so many varieties out there to choose what’s most engaging for you. It can also be a fun way to interact with others virtually or meet new people.
Crafts is another way to stay busy. Though not everyone is into crafting and may not find it fun or interesting, a lot of people do. And again, there are so many ways to do it. Painting, collaging, drawing, building things, knitting, sculpting, etc. There’s no wrong way to craft, especially if you find something you enjoy doing. Reading is another popular pastime. Some enjoy this, and while it may not be others cup of tea, it’s an option for passing the time during these long winter days.
Watching movies and shows is a good default for staying occupied too. With so many streaming services these days, it’s not hard to find something that grabs and keeps your attention. Engaging in online groups and community forums can help the time pass too. This can also keep the door open for communication to help reduce feelings of isolation. We don’t have to go through these gloomy winter days alone.
Each winter, darkness pervades my free time. Living in the Pacific Northwest, daylight hours seem to only exist on weekends and during lunch on weekdays. Dry, sunny days are less frequent, and spending time outside requires dressing for wind, rain and cold. While invigorating to experience, inclement weather provides encouragement to stay inside and find comfort from the elements.
It takes more creativity and effort to be active when the environment encourages spending time indoors. The draw of the sofa and screen time is compelling and comforting. I can justify that time and accurately describe it as productive by using it to rest, connect with others, learn, create, reflect and amuse myself. All are valid uses of time, and they only lack fulfillment if they sabotage my needs or goals. Usually the challenge is not the use of time but the amount of time spent on them.
Continue readingEach year, we feature the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis in our annual MSAA Art Showcase. We receive many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share the work of these artists and their inspirational stories with you, including highlighting one artist each month as our Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature artist Hope Angel of Seattle, WA:
Are they for real?! Most multiple sclerosis (MS) commercials feel completely disconnected from your experiences of living with the condition.
We wondered how you would improve them, so we turned to MultipleSclerosis.net and asked community members to get creative! We asked our community to fill in the blank: “If you directed a commercial about MS, it would include ___.”
With more than 300 comments, they had some great ideas!
Continue readingIt’s a well-known fact multiple sclerosis is different for each individual. What pains you might not bother me at all. MS symptoms can be as unique as one’s personality.
That’s why writing about the “ABC’s of MS” can be a real toss-up.
What “ABC” means to you could be totally different from what I believe.
Your “ABC” could mean “Always Buy Crisco.” Maybe it stands for “Absolute Best Cat.” Or, short for “A Bulky Corduroy.”
Only you know your particular definition.
In my experience, the “ABC’s of MS” stands for “Any Bathroom Close?”
Continue readingIs 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.
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.
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.
Multiple sclerosis affects brains and spinal cords, and damage affects sensations, movement and cognition. Each person experiences MS uniquely, and what helps one person might not help the next. The right treatments, medications, diet, coping skills, life changes, fitness regimens and lifestyles are different for each person. They also change throughout a person’s life. What works well for one person at diagnosis might not work for the same person years later.
The same is true for every person with or without a chronic illness. One size doesn’t fit all. Yet, I feel strongly that everyone can benefit from approaching ourselves, each other and the world with curiosity.
Continue readingWhen my own MS began in 1980, there were only two organizations in the U.S. that supported multiple sclerosis – NMSS and MSAA. Although information and programs were quite scant at the time, development and availability began accelerating during the 1980’s.
There were no personal computers/internet, cell phones, or social media. My first MS peer connection in 1984 was arranged confidentially between myself and another member of the NMSS as a courtesy. Soon after, a team of MS patients began confidential, telephone-peer-counselor training sponsored by the NMSS. I was one of them.
Continue readingHappy New Year! So many of us are trying to kick of the New Year focusing on health and wellness. What better way to incorporate a healthy option. These ABC Muffins (Apple, Banana and Carrot) are moist and delicious and are full of fruits and vegetables. Perfect as a little snack or pair it with a hot beverage of your choice.
Ingredients
Instructions