Burdens Shared

Posted on March 14, 2025 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

March is MS awareness month, and it’s a good time to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned while navigating life with multiple sclerosis for 16 years. Of all of the lessons I’ve had to learn, the hardest has been accepting my MS is not just my problem.

When I was diagnosed with MS, I firmly wanted to be able to deal with it myself. I saw it as my problem, and I didn’t want it to affect those around me. I saw it as solely my responsibility, and I thought it would be unfair for me to let it burden anyone else.

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Life After an MS Diagnosis

Posted on March 12, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

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.

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You Got This!

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Melissa Young

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.

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Numbness and Tingling With MS

Posted on February 5, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

One common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) is feelings of numbness and tingling. Most often, this symptom affects the hands or feet. It makes everyday tasks more difficult. Holding a toothbrush or standing to cook is challenging when hands and feet go numb.

MultipleSclerosis.net recently shared an article on this topic. Many community members shared their experiences with these symptoms.

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Trouble Swallowing Food or Drinks

Posted on January 6, 2025 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Many symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) are challenging to endure. For example, having difficulty swallowing is a common issue with MS. It can prevent any pleasure or comfort when eating a meal. Many people with MS report being discouraged from eating at all due to the severe pain and terror it can cause.

We reached out to the MS community to learn more. We asked, “Do you ever feel like your food gets stuck in your throat or experience other difficulties when it comes to swallowing food or drinks?”

We received 280 responses to our prompt! The MS community was moved to share their symptoms.

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Ask the Expert: Weakness

Posted on December 30, 2024 by MSAA

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: How is weakness in MS best treated?

Answer: Weakness in multiple sclerosis can be divided into “primary weakness,” due to injuries from lesions of the spinal cord and brain; or “secondary weakness,” which comes from issues such as inactivity, fatigue, pain, or medications used to treat multiple sclerosis and its symptoms.

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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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