Tag Archives: MS symptoms

When MS Makes It Hard to See: Understanding and Coping with Vision Changes

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Dealing with changes to your vision due to multiple sclerosis (MS) can be one of the scariest and most stressful things you face. It’s a core sense we rely on every minute, and any trouble with it can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling, please know you are absolutely not alone. Your challenges are valid. As one forum member shared, dealing with vision issues can truly “mess with your head.”

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Trying Your Best to Catch Some ZZ’s

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Sleep…. This word can generate a mixture of feelings for many. Some people find it so easy to just lay their head down, turn off the inside chatter of their mind for a bit, and fall into a good snooze. But for others, sleep is a tease- a taunting pleasure just out of reach, and for various reasons. For those living with MS, it’s very common fatigue symptom can be in constant conflict with sleep. Those who need to rest but find they can’t, or getting sleep at unwanted/inconvenient times, etc. We know that sleep is extremely important for our minds and bodies, but it’s not always easy to attain. 

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Ask the Expert: Anxiety

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Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer

Headshot of doctor Barry Hendin, chief medical officer for MSAA

Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What are the symptoms of anxiety, and how does anxiety differ from depression?

Answer: It is common for people with and without MS to experience anxiety from time to time. Anxiety can be helpful in fact, alerting us to dangers around us or focusing our attention on stressors. Anxiety, however, can become more problematic when it’s severe, pervasive, and persistent. Then it becomes a disorder: generalized anxiety disorder. At that point, it distracts from our quality of life.

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Creative Thinking & Well-Being

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By Stacie Prada

Being creative is generally accepted as a desirable trait, and the science supports it helps our well-being. When we look at our health physically, it’s often using objective measurements, lab test results, and diagnostic imaging.  They provide numerical measurements and data to compare ourselves to a healthy range for most people.

To capture emotional well-being, we use more subjective measurements that consider mood, worry, stress, happiness, and level of confidence we feel about managing our health. 

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Making the Most of Life After an MS Diagnosis

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By Dr. Eva Jackson

Reflections on Life After Diagnosis

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of hearing MS Warriors share their personal experiences following their diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Their stories offer a unique perspective on how disease has influenced their lives.

For some individuals, the initial impact of MS was minimal, allowing them to maintain their routines and activities without significant disruption. However, for others—particularly those diagnosed during more advanced stages, the effects were much more profound and immediate, altering their daily lives in meaningful ways.

Despite these varying experiences, there is a shared understanding among all of us: the importance of making the most out of life while we can. This common outlook serves as a powerful reminder to cherish each moment and embrace opportunities for fulfillment, regardless of the challenges we face.

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Navigating Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction: A Community Perspective

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Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can be full of surprises. One of the toughest challenges for many people is dealing with bladder and bowel issues. These are things we don’t always feel comfortable talking about, but they’re a very real part of the disease. 

This article, which brings together stories and advice from people who are living with MS, is here to help you feel less alone and more in control. It’s all about sharing what we’ve learned to manage these often-secret symptoms.

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Beyond the Usual: An Inside Look at Weird MS Symptoms

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Beyond the Usual: An Inside Look at Weird MS Symptoms

While many are familiar with common multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms like fatigue, vision problems, and muscle weakness, the reality for those living with the condition often involves a bizarre and sometimes baffling array of odd manifestations.

These “weird” symptoms can be unsettling, isolating, and even comical at times, highlighting the unpredictable nature of MS.

MultipleSclerosis.net asked its community members: “Have you ever experienced what you thought was a ‘weird’ symptom and wondered if others with MS have experienced it too?” Here’s what folks had to say:

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Adapting, Not Withdrawing: Enjoying Summer with Multiple Sclerosis

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While summer heat can be exhausting for anyone, individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) often face added challenges due to heat intolerance and fatigue. Heat sensitivity, also known as Uhthoff’s Phenomenon, refers to a temporary worsening of MS symptoms caused by overheating. Fortunately, there are proactive steps we can take to support our health and well-being while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.

For those living with MS, heat intolerance and fatigue can significantly impact daily activities. Something as simple as sitting in a warm car without air conditioning or spending just a few minutes in the sun can quickly drain energy levels. But with a little planning and self-awareness, it’s possible to make the most of summer while staying safe and comfortable.

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What I Wish People Knew About MS and the Heat

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For many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), heat is more than just an uncomfortable weather condition. It can worsen symptoms and impact daily life.

Community members on MultipleSclerosis.net share their experiences when it comes to dealing with the heat. Here is what they wish people knew about how heat affects their MS. Read on for their insights.

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