June 24, 2020 Columns by Stephanie Towler Actress Selma Blair’s Response to MS Motivates Me Over the years, I have observed how others deal with multiple sclerosis and its symptoms. This disorder is not one-size-fits-all, and it doesn’t discriminate. Recently, I came across a video of ABC News interviewing actress Selma Blair about her multiple sclerosis diagnosis and management. Although the interview happened over…
April 29, 2020 Columns by Stephanie Towler Staying Active During the Pandemic with a Little Help from Tech Staying active can help you to manage multiple sclerosis (MS) by helping to reduce the severity and frequency of many symptoms. For example, fatigue is my worst symptom and my narcolepsy doesn’t make it any better, but a regular workout routine has reduced my exhaustion. I love the gym,…
March 18, 2020 Columns by Stephanie Towler MS, Coronavirus, and My Crazy Immune System When I received my multiple sclerosis diagnosis, I was told that my immune system is a little weaker than most people’s and I am more susceptible to getting sick. But I didn’t realize how easy it would be to catch a cold until I did. No matter what…
February 19, 2020 Columns by Stephanie Towler I’ve Been Spoiled by My Clinical Trial The new year brings many changes, including the last year of my clinical trial. When I think about the past seven years, I am thankful for the opportunity to join the trial when I did and receive personal care that made fighting MS easier. It may sound crazy, but…
January 22, 2020 Columns by Stephanie Towler When Meeting New People, When Should I Disclose My MS? “Hi! My name is Stephanie and I have multiple sclerosis and narcolepsy.” While I don’t introduce myself this way, knowing the right time to share this information can be challenging. When I meet someone, I wonder if I should mention it or wait until an appropriate situation arises. It can…
December 18, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler MS Sucks, but I’m Trying to Stay Positive Since my diagnosis in 2012, I have tried to look past the negative aspects of multiple sclerosis and maintain a positive outlook. However, I realize that staying positive is not easy. I’ve even received a comment on a previous column about how the narrative of “focusing on the positive”…
November 27, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler Each MS Journey Is Different, So Be Kind I felt defeated. Someone had made a negative comment about me, and it became stuck in my head, making me question why I write. This person challenged the authenticity of my journey, and their remarks frustrated me. But I can’t let one person stop me from sharing my experiences. Multiple…
October 2, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler Lifestyle Changes Have Improved My MS Symptoms I have been fighting multiple sclerosis (MS) for seven years now. I’ve changed a lot since getting diagnosed. I’ve become more aware of my body and the ways MS has changed my life. Nothing stopped me from graduating from college, but I’ve still faced many challenges…
September 11, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler I Struggle with Sleep Disorders, but They Don’t Stop Me Imagine that you’re sitting in your 7 a.m. clinical psychology class and fighting to stay awake. Energy drinks were part of my morning routine in college. I usually went to bed around the same time every night, so I couldn’t figure out why I was still tired and…
August 21, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler The Clinical Trial I Participated in Was a Positive Experience I knew nothing about multiple sclerosis (MS) before 2012, including the cause, the cure, or any other details. I had so many unanswered questions about how I would live with MS when I was diagnosed. I had never heard of treatment for MS and was unsure of the…
August 7, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler It Could Be Worse: Practicing Positivity in Life with MS “It could be worse.” That’s a phrase I say to myself when I feel defeated by my multiple sclerosis (MS). When I am exhausted or just feeling “off,” I think I about how much worse my situation could be. I speak for myself…
July 17, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler Talking to My Parents About My MS Diagnosis There is nothing worse than being diagnosed with a disorder that you know nothing about. While it was extremely difficult for me to take in, my parents also were affected. I had never thought about how my parents felt about my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and what I have…
July 3, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler Confession: I Was a Toxic Person I confess. I was a toxic person. A “toxic” person can possess many different characteristics — some can be more harmful than others. What do you do when you realize you have a toxic attitude? The beginning I never imagined myself becoming a…
June 19, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler Climbing Out of the Dark Hole of Depression Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic illness accompanied by various symptoms. Depression is one of the most common. Depression is a shape-shifter and affects one’s life in different ways. The dark hole Imagine one week everything is fine. You’re known for being a social butterfly…
June 5, 2019 Columns by Stephanie Towler I Am a Millennial with Multiple Sclerosis I remember the day like it was yesterday: Sept. 20, 2012. I was fortunate to receive a swift diagnosis — following a couple of tests, my neurologist told me that I have multiple sclerosis (MS). At the time I thought, “Well, let the journey begin.” My name is Stephanie…
