Wishes for Wellness

Posted on December 11, 2024 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Bright lights on buildings and cool decorations

Brighten the landscape and cause a sensation

Snail mail and email share tidings and cheer

Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year

Kindness from strangers and heartfelt connection

Show us what matters and trigger reflection

Posts on the social show who they hold dear

Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year

Visit with loved ones and arrive gift bearing

delight in giving while sharing and caring

Joy, peace, and goodwill for those far and near

Wishes for wellness and Happy New Year

When fatigue hits

When the stress rears

When I’m overwhelmed

Focus on what matters, let go of the rest,

and deem the season success!

This was written for fun to be sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things,” by Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rodgers in their musical, “The Sound of Music.” Take good care all!

*Stacie Prada was diagnosed with RRMS in 2008 just shy of 38 years old. Her blog, “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” is a compilation of inspiration, exploration, and practical tips for living with Multiple Sclerosis while living a full, productive, and healthy life with a positive perspective. It includes musings on things that help her adapt, cope and celebrate this adventure on earth. Please visit her at http://stacieprada.blogspot.com/

MS and Sensory Overload

Posted on December 9, 2024 by MultipleSclerosis.net

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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Navigating Life with MS: Finding Growth in Challenges

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) comes with its own array of challenges and setbacks that can feel overwhelming at times. From unpredictable symptoms to navigating the complexities of treatment, these hurdles can seem daunting. It’s important to recognize that while these setbacks are very real, they do not have to define our journey. Effective strategies exist for managing these difficulties and finding ways to adapt and thrive. Setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose, showing that even in the face of adversity, there is always a path forward.

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Moments Matter

Posted on November 13, 2024 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Have you ever been in a mood and had something happen that changed it in a moment? It happens a lot, and some moments stick through the years.

I recall being at work years ago, and cheerfully saying, “Good morning!” They responded quickly and sharply, “What’s good about it?”

I don’t remember how I responded then, but I still think about how it startled me. I felt like I’d done something wrong, and I wasn’t sure what. My mood swiftly dropped from happy to resentful. This memory helped me learn the life lesson that we’re all living different experiences, and lots of interactions have nothing to do with us.

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Morning Pain and MS

Posted on November 4, 2024 by MultipleSclerosis.net

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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Ask the Expert: Sleep Issues

Posted on October 28, 2024 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What types of problems most often interfere with sleep for individuals with MS?

Answer: High quality sleep is generally recognized as an important health benefit for everyone, and this is especially true for people with MS. Poor quality sleep can increase MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and depression, as well as difficulties with memory and concentration. Unfortunately, more than half of those with MS have some kind of a sleep disorder or sleep dysfunction, which is a higher proportion than for those in the general population.

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Look Forward to Something

Posted on October 11, 2024 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Fall where I live means shorter days, less sunlight, more rain, and colder weather. I realized after my Multiple sclerosis diagnosis, that seasonal shifts to spring and fall are times when I’m more susceptible to MS exacerbations. I used to worry about it, and it’s taken a lot of effort to feel more confident approaching seasonal changes.

My usual approach is:

When things are tough, take inventory of what’s tough, what will help, and what’s helped before; and
Look forward to something.

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Self-Care on the Wings of a Goldfinch

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Kate

I’ve already written this blog post once and I’ve decided to scrap it. This is a page one rewrite. My initial post was preemptive. I was writing about something I had yet to experience and now I’m on the other side. Isn’t it funny how much we can project onto something that is yet to be? Better to live in the present, but what a challenge that is for me.

Our topic this month is self-care, and my ultimate self-care starts with a 20-year desire and ends in a goldfinch. On Friday the 13^th I got a tattoo of a goldfinch on my forearm. It’s not my first tattoo and probably won’t be my last, but this little guy is the most meaningful to date. The goldfinch is a symbol of finding happiness in challenging times. It is seen as protective, devoted, persistent, and carries good fortune on its wings. What more could you ask for in a little cheerleader when you’re living with MS? It may seem strange that I consider this new addition to my skin as self-care, but I can’t honestly think of a more direct way to honor and treat myself.

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Fear of Falling With MS

Posted on September 23, 2024 by MultipleSclerosis.net

A concern for many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is the fear of falling. Loss of balance with this disease makes falling a common problem. But many find that slowing down, walking carefully, and learning to get up safely after a fall can be helpful.¹

MulipleSclerosis.net recently published an article that highlighted some of these trials. Given the reaction it received, it clearly resonated with lots of people! Here are some of the themes that people shared in response to the article.

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Digital Detox: How to Unplug and Prioritize Your Wellbeing

Posted on September 13, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Is it just me, or does it seem like everything is digital nowadays? Whether I’m scheduling an appointment online, texting a friend, or ordering groceries, it feels like our world has become a virtual reality, with my phone as a constant companion. While technology offers undeniable convenience and benefits, it can negatively impact our emotional and physical well-being. A digital detox—a break from technology—can help us reconnect with our bodies, thoughts, feelings, and loved ones in a more meaningful way.

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