Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) takes a huge toll on the body. One of the greatest challenges is mobility changes. Those living with MS often find their activity level changes. Things that once came easily, such as walking, cooking, gardening, and shopping, become difficult.
MultipleSclerosis.net published an article about coping with changes in mobility. Many community members responded by sharing their experiences. Here are some of their insights.
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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.
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.
Continue readingOne 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.
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.
Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD
MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer
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.
Continue readingOne 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!
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.
Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD
MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer
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.
Continue readingLiving with multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel lonely. It is hard for others to understand the spectrum of MS symptoms. Fortunately, there are communities to connect with others navigating MS! It makes the journey feel less isolating.
MultipleSclerosis.net recently posted the following:
“Fill in the blank: ______ is something that only someone with multiple sclerosis would understand.”
This question clearly resonated, as there were over 350 responses! Among the comments, some common themes emerged.
