Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is full of challenges. Those without MS may not realize the ways the disease impacts life.
MultipleSclerosis.net recently asked members of the community to “Fill in the blank: I wish more people understood ____ about MS.”
There were many insights from the responses!
Living with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, presents a unique set of challenges. Managing finances can be one of them, with medical expenses, reduced work hours, job loss, or unexpected expenses straining budgets and causing disruptions. Financial worries can impact our emotional and physical wellbeing, and building a support network of friends, family, and others living with similar challenges can offer much-needed support. I heard a quote once saying, “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can,” and I couldn’t agree more. Be resourceful and think outside the box.
Continue readingBy: Kate Durack
This month we are focused on staying positive while living with MS. I’ve written in the past about the positive outlook MS has provided me and I thought it might be interesting to pick the brain of someone (thing?) else on this topic to see if it generates anything new for me. So, I asked our new friend ChatGPT its thoughts on the matter. Here’s what it dished out:
Kate:
Why is it important to stay positive when living with multiple sclerosis?
ChatGPT:
Staying positive when living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is important for several reasons:
Continue readingAs usual, time slipped by me and before I knew it, we were already days into June.
It’s a common enough routine: laughing with colleagues or strangers and saying, “Can you believe it’s June already?” or “I forgot it’s not May!” Usually, this conversation ends with a chuckle, perhaps a little added hustle to catch up on work, but ultimately no trouble.
But there are some months that are just more stressful.
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 Nancy Garcia as June’s Artist of the Month. Nancy is from Chicago Heights, IL.
Continue readingBy Kate
My journey to motherhood was pushed into warp speed when I was diagnosed 8 years ago. In 2014, I had just gotten married and started having vision and grip issues which led to my eventual diagnosis of MS. Before any treatment was considered, my initial doctor (a lovely human) asked what it was I wanted for my life. I told him I wanted to be a mom. His response: “GREAT! You have 8 months to get pregnant, and if you don’t, I suggest we start treatment and reassess how and when to stop treatment in order to try again in the future.” This was good news, but like, no pressure, right?
Continue readingWhen a loved one receives a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), learning how to support them is vital. To learn what type of support people living with MS most value, we asked the MultipleSclerosis.net community:
“What advice would you give to friends and family who want to support someone receiving an MS diagnosis?”
The community shared lots of helpful insights!
Continue readingFeaturing Barry A. Hendin, MD
MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer
Question: What symptom affects up to 80% of people with MS and can worsen as the day goes on?
Answer: Fatigue.
Question: What are your recommendations for people with MS who are experiencing fatigue?
Answer: Fatigue is the most common symptom of multiple sclerosis. Although fatigue occurs in the general population, it’s more common and often more problematic in people with multiple sclerosis. The first approach should be to investigate the cause of fatigue with your clinician or neurologist. When MS is the only cause for the fatigue, it is labeled primary fatigue.
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Nature is such an important part of our world. While I am not fond of the bugs that call it home, I appreciate the beauty and all the resources nature provides. Did you know that nature can help us with stress management? This is known by a variety of names, including nature therapy, ecotherapy, and green therapy. Regardless of the name, it refers to the therapeutic benefits of spending time in nature.
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La naturaleza es una parte muy importante de nuestro mundo. Aunque no me agradan los insectos que la habitan, aprecio su belleza y todos los recursos que nos proporciona. ¿Sabía que la naturaleza puede ayudarnos a controlar el estrés? Esto se conoce con diversos nombres, como terapia de la naturaleza, ecoterapia, o terapia verde. Independientemente del nombre, se refiere a los beneficios terapéuticos de pasar tiempo en la naturaleza.
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