DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Jessie is the host of the DISabled to ENabled podcast and author of the “ENabled Warriors Symptom Tracker” book. She’s also an illustrator working with MS charities and magazines worldwide. She’s interviewed paralympians, radio DJs, chronic illness bloggers, marathon runners, and more. Jessie, based in the U.K., was diagnosed with MS at 22 years old and was told by a doctor to “go home and Google it” to find out what MS was for herself. Her own experience of being newly diagnosed so young was negative and scary, so she fills the internet with positivity for other anxious MS Googlers to stumble upon.

April 6, 2021April 2, 2021

Rediscovering My Passion for Running Helped Me Regain Control of My MS

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Sunlight flooded my bedroom. My tired eyes slowly pulled apart. Realization set in: It was Saturday. Yes! I love Saturdays.  As I got out of bed and glanced outside my ... Read more

March 30, 2021March 26, 2021

Sharing the Experiences of Others During MS Awareness Month

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

It’s nearly the end of MS Awareness Month.  Previously, I spoke about helping out with the 31 Days of MS initiative by MS News Today and its parent company, BioNews, ... Read more

March 23, 2021March 22, 2021

How an MS Episode Gave Me Mental Strength and Clarity

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” The other night I watched the movie “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and seeing the portrayal of the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury as ... Read more

March 16, 2021March 11, 2021

How I Find Certainty While Living With an Unpredictable Illness

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

I glanced at the clock: 15:51. I was relieved. For some reason, I’ve been obsessed with time lately. I’m not sure if it’s due to lockdown anxiety or the ups ... Read more

March 9, 2021March 5, 2021

On Difficult Days With MS, Try Shifting Your Focus to Gratitude

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

We often focus on what we don’t have rather than what we do. This doesn’t just apply to our relationships, but to everything: our carers, our careers, our children, our ... Read more

March 2, 2021February 25, 2021

MS Is Like Having a Winning Ticket to a Club You Never Wanted to Join

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Recently, I was given the exceptional honor of finding stories for MS News Today‘s upcoming “31 days of MS“ initiative. I loved the challenge, and used it as an opportunity ... Read more

February 23, 2021February 23, 2021

Why It’s Important to Promptly Address Changes in MS Symptoms

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Tingling fluttered down my spine and into my butt.  “What on earth was that?” I thought. I bent my head forward again, and the same thing happened.  “OK, that’s weird.” I ... Read more

February 16, 2021February 11, 2021

Virtual Reality Could Play a Role in the Future of Our Health

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

This week, I went to Tokyo, saw elephants up close in Africa, flew over New York, and watched a stage show, all in one day. How was it possible? Virtual ... Read more

February 9, 2021February 4, 2021

How Players Present and Perceive Disability on ‘The Circle’

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

“Open Circle Chat!”  Have you seen the reality TV series “The Circle”? It was first shown in the U.K. on Channel 4, and there’s now a U.S. version on Netflix. ... Read more

February 2, 2021January 29, 2021

After My Diagnosis, Daily Affirmations Changed How I Spoke to Myself

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

I am confident. I am amazing. I am enough.  Don’t worry, I’m not getting big-headed. I say these statements to myself every day. Why? It’s part of a routine I ... Read more

January 26, 2021January 21, 2021

The Trick That Helps Me Manage My Fatigue

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

I have a secret. You may roll your eyes at me when you hear this one.  It’s how I juggle spending time with family and friends, running a business, and ... Read more

January 19, 2021January 15, 2021

How to Overcome January Blues in 5 Easy Steps

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Can January March? No, but April May!  OK, well, I thought it was funny.  Nothing beats the January blues like bad puns, right? Let’s face it. For most people, January ... Read more

January 12, 2021January 7, 2021

Learning to Appreciate My Personal Progress and Growth

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

“Ooh, I found some of your artwork in the loft. Did you still want it?” My mum’s beautiful, melodic voice sang through the phone during our regular chat.  “Heck yes! ... Read more

January 5, 2021December 22, 2020

I’m Setting New Year’s Goals, Not Making Resolutions

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

How do you feel at the start of a new year? I love it, because I enjoy defining my intentions and setting my goals for the coming days. Everything seems ... Read more

December 22, 2020December 17, 2020

How Much Energy Do You Spend Making Yourself Presentable?

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

“She smelled amazing!” I commented to my oblivious husband as we walked our muddy dog back home after our daily walk. “Did you smell that lady as she walked past ... Read more

December 15, 2020December 10, 2020

Can Taking a Break From Tech Reduce My Fatigue?

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

What would happen if you switched off all of your devices for a day? Phones, tablets, laptops, TVs — all of them switched off. Could you do it? How would ... Read more

December 8, 2020December 8, 2020

Disclosing Your Diagnosis: Is There a Right Way to Do It?

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

For many of us, odd symptoms and strange feelings may fill our lives for years before we are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Others may be diagnosed more quickly, which flips ... Read more

December 1, 2020November 24, 2020

How Is Your MS Affected by Temperature Sensitivity?

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

“I’m too hot!” My brain was turning to mush as my body seemed to grow heavier. I could feel the energy draining out of me. This isn’t an uncommon complaint when ... Read more

November 24, 2020November 20, 2020

How Lucy the Dog Changed My Life

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

A pet is the most loyal companion a person can have.  I’m currently sitting in my dad’s home office and typing away on my laptop. It’s nice to have a ... Read more

November 17, 2020November 16, 2020

How to Survive the End of the Year When You Have MS

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

The end of the year is incredibly difficult. We already have to put up with more than others because of our MS.  In addition to that, the weather changes, the clocks ... Read more

November 10, 2020November 6, 2020

Brain Fog and Changing Clocks

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Annually, I’m frustrated by the changing of our clocks due to the end of daylight saving time. It seems so straightforward: Time either goes backward or forward by an hour. ... Read more

November 3, 2020November 2, 2020

6 Types of Fatigue and How They Might Affect Us

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Did you know that there are various types of fatigue, and each makes us feel slightly different than the others? A long while ago, I was at an MS seminar ... Read more

October 27, 2020October 23, 2020

Managing Feelings of Uncertainty

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

It doesn’t take much for us to feel uncertain. It could be the result of a new symptom or doing something you’ve never before done, such as attending a telehealth ... Read more

October 20, 2020October 20, 2020

Finding Support in an Online Community

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Finding an understanding community makes such a difference to people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).  Our partners, families, children, and friends do their best to listen and empathize, but at ... Read more

October 13, 2020October 12, 2020

How to Make Subcutaneous Injections Less Painful

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

When I was first diagnosed with MS, I didn’t have a choice about what disease-modifying therapy (DMT) I could take. My neurologist held up his hand and pointed one by ... Read more

October 6, 2020October 2, 2020

What No One Tells You After a Diagnosis

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

A multiple sclerosis diagnosis is hard to process. Our body that we once knew so well suddenly feels untrustworthy. The truth is that the malfunctioning of our body is a ... Read more

September 29, 2020September 25, 2020

Internal Conflict Could Be Affecting Your Symptoms

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

“I’m just lazy,” I told myself. “Why can’t I do the things I need to do? I’m so exhausted and in pain all the time, I just want to sleep. ... Read more

September 22, 2020September 17, 2020

Why You Need to Be Tracking Your Symptoms for Your Medical Team

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease that can fluctuate at any time. It’s difficult to predict something that behaves so unexpectedly, but one thing you can do to feel in ... Read more

September 15, 2020September 11, 2020

The Surprising Reasons You Might Be Bloated

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) struggle with intestinal issues. There is evidence of the link between gut health and MS.  Bloating is a common result of these issues. It’s ... Read more

September 8, 2020September 4, 2020

5 Surprising Ways to Stay Cool Without an Air Conditioner

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

People outside the U.K. might not understand this column, but that’s OK. Not long ago, we had an entire week with temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) in most ... Read more

September 1, 2020August 27, 2020

What Does ‘ENabled Warrior’ Mean to You?

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

After I received my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, my nurse handed me a leaflet explaining how to tell those at my workplace I’m “DISabled,” and what that means, and another ... Read more

August 25, 2020August 24, 2020

How Much Caffeine Are You Consuming?

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Your alarm sounds at 7 a.m.  You grunt, smash the snooze button, and turn over. Ten minutes later, your alarm sounds again.  You smash snooze.  And repeat another five times.  ... Read more

August 18, 2020August 13, 2020

A Simple Hack to Access Better Treatment by Doctors

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

“What was the date of your last relapse?” the neurologist asked while peering over her glasses at me.  I stared back blankly and then shrugged with a sheepish smile. I ... Read more

August 4, 2020July 30, 2020

3 Ways People Respond to Your MS Diagnosis — and 3 Alternatives

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

After you get a new diagnosis and are coming to terms with a new way of life, the next part is especially tricky. You have to tell others. “Urgh. I ... Read more

July 28, 2020July 23, 2020

Managing Expectations on Your Wedding Day

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Rose petal confetti — made from the roses my dad had given me a few days before — rained down as the people I cared about most in the world ... Read more

July 21, 2020July 20, 2020

‘You Look OK to Me’

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

“You look OK to me.” He stood, towering over me, his big belly billowing from his shirt as he straightened up and lifted his chin, glaring down at me over ... Read more

July 14, 2020July 9, 2020

Do You Wish You Could Return to the ‘Old’ You?

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

I saw this question asked in a group somewhere not long ago and it got me thinking. Would I go back to the way I was before my multiple sclerosis diagnosis? ... Read more

June 30, 2020July 23, 2020

3 Things to Do If You’re Freaked Out by Blood Tests

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Note: This column was updated July 23, 2020, to remove erroneous information about red blood cells. We regret the error.  When I was newly diagnosed seven years ago, one of ... Read more

June 23, 2020June 19, 2020

Being Free from Symptom Flares Makes Me Feel Like a Fraud

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

I’m a fraud. Or at least I feel like one.  When writing for a site about multiple sclerosis and setting up a business focused on my diagnosis to help others ... Read more

June 16, 2020June 12, 2020

Advice for Helping a Loved One Through a Diagnosis

Columns, DISabled to ENabled – a Column by Jessie Ace

Last week, the U.K. marked Carers Week, which got me thinking about how a chronic illness diagnosis often affects a patient’s entire family.  I also was reading how the Multiple ... Read more