Social Clips

Jack Osbourne Talks About His Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWJ2NW-BUNI In this MS Society video, Jack Osbourne admits that although he’s lived a fairly hedonistic lifestyle, the scariest moment of his life was when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). MORE:Ā Jack Osbourne asks strangers to compete in a game show and test their knowledge ofĀ multiple sclerosis…

Journalist With MS Explains the Importance of Stretching

Trevis Gleason is a food journalist who also writes about his journey with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS). Gleason was diagnosed with the disease in 2001 and has written many blog posts and articles about his life with MS. He’s also published a book called Chef Interrupted. MORE:Ā Try out some…

How Does Oxidative Stress Affect Multiple Sclerosis?

Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance in the body of free radicals. These free radicals damage proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which in turn causesĀ inflammation. The inflammation results inĀ demyelination of the central nervous system and has a bearing on how severe a patient’s multiple sclerosis is. MORE:…

How a Service Dog Changed This MS Patient’s Life

We’ve heard from many members of the MS community that service or therapy dogs can provide incredible comfort to patients and their families. From helping with mobility to reducing anxiety, these magical animals are sometimes exactly what the doctor ordered. Here, we talk to 45-year-old Karin, who’s been living with…

6 of the Best Apps for Chronic Illness Management

Managing a chronic illness can be difficult. There are many different medications to take (often at different times), appointments to remember, symptoms to keep track of, and lots of information to absorb. Thankfully, living in a digital age means that there are numerous mobile apps that can help you manage…

5 Tools Used to Diagnose Multiple Sclerosis

It’s never a good idea to jump to conclusionsĀ when trying to find a cause for any symptoms you might have. With multiple sclerosisĀ (MS), self-diagnosing is not the way to go. This diseaseĀ may cause permanent damage even in its earliest stages so it’s crucial to get it properly diagnosed as soon…

4 Types of Multiple Sclerosis-Related Tremors

Tremors are a common symptomĀ ofĀ multiple sclerosis, experienced by around three-quarters of people with the condition, and one that often makes sufferers feel quite self-conscious. For most, the tremors will be mild and occur infrequently, but for some, the tremors may be more severe. There are fourĀ different types of tremors associated…

10 Benefits of Having a Service or Therapy Dog When You Have MS

Service dogsĀ are typically thought of as necessary companions for the visually impaired, but service and therapy dogs can be a practical solution forĀ people with a variety of chronic illnesses. As well as being a trusted friend, service dogs canĀ expand owners’ motor abilities, granting them new independence and allowing them to…

15 Multiple Sclerosis-Inspired Tattoos

Getting a tattoo shouldn’tĀ be taken lightly. It’s a piece of art that will be on your body for life and therefore, should represent somethingĀ that’s near and dear to your heart. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that many who suffer from a chronic illness choose to add permanent messages…

Rare Symptoms of MS: 12 Things to Know About Facial Pain

Trigeminal neuralgiaĀ is a term used for facial pain which begins in the trigeminal nerve. It usually occurs in people over the age of 50 and affects women more than men. However, it is more common in people who haveĀ multiple sclerosis (MS). We’ve put togetherĀ a list of facts about trigeminal neuralgia…

9 Ways Multiple Sclerosis Affects Your Body From Head to Toe

Multiple sclerosis (MS)Ā is a chronic illness that presentsĀ many different symptoms since itĀ can affect any part of theĀ human body. While no two people living with MS will experience the same symptoms, according toĀ healthline.com,Ā there are some more common ways the condition affects the body. Brain Cognitive issues…

3 Things to Consider When Telling People You Have Multiple Sclerosis

Accepting a multiple sclerosis diagnosis is difficult and it often takes people a while to come to terms with what it means for their future. Some people choose to tell others immediately about their MS diagnosis, while others may bide their time — there is no right or wrong way to approach it, it's very much up to the individual and what they feel comfortable with. However, if you're finding it difficult to tell the people closest to you about your multiple sclerosis, the Multiple Sclerosis Society UK has some useful advice. Telling Your Loved Ones: Family members and partners are usually the first people you want to tell, but these are the hardest people to tell as they love you and will most likely be upset. They'll need time to fully digest the news and come to terms with the diagnosis. They may be in denial about what it means or they may not fully understand the implications of MS. Try to be as informative as you can and remember MS is different for everyone, so while they may jump to the worst conclusions about the disease, it doesn't mean that's how it will work out for you. Tell children as much as you think they can emotionally cope with and fully understand for their age. It's better to be as honest as possible so they don't find out information from other people. Children are often more adaptive to change than adults and will probably take the news a little better. Choosing Who Else to Tell: You don't need to tell everyone you meet that you have multiple sclerosis (although you can if you want to), but there are some people you may want to know right away so that they can offer you emotional support. Close friends will want to support and help you in any way they can, and sometimes they may be easier to talk to than family as they tend to be more objective. Telling colleagues about your MS will help them understand why you may be fatigued or unable to work. Telling dates and potential partners can be tricky, you may want to be upfront or you may want to wait to see if you like them before broaching the subject. Either way is fine. Dealing With Different Reactions: You will find that people can often react very differently to your news. Some may be very upset and grieve, others may be upbeat and positive about your outcome. Some may even withdraw and avoid you — they do this because they don't know what to say or how to handle the situation. Others may bombard you with questions that you can't answer. You may find that you have to reassure people and explain that having MS doesn't mean that you can't live a happy and successful life. It's important you emphasize that you're still the same person you were before your diagnosis and you want to be treated the same. How have you dealt with this issue? Be sure to visit Multiple Sclerosis News Today and leave a comment.

How Massage and Bodywork Is Used to Treat MS Patients

MassagesĀ areĀ knownĀ toĀ relieveĀ pain, stressĀ andĀ helpĀ outĀ withĀ problemĀ areas. AccordingĀ toĀ theĀ National MS Society,Ā it’sĀ oneĀ ofĀ theĀ mostĀ well-knownĀ bodyworkĀ treatments.Ā ThereĀ areĀ severalĀ kindsĀ ofĀ massagesĀ thatĀ originatedĀ inĀ differentĀ countries — belowĀ areĀ someĀ ofĀ theĀ mostĀ usedĀ today. MORE:Ā MassageĀ helps with MSĀ pain and fatigue TheĀ SwedishĀ massageĀ isĀ a bit more “traditional.” ItĀ usesĀ techniquesĀ suchĀ asĀ vibration,Ā kneading, and friction. TheĀ GermanĀ massageĀ usesĀ mostĀ ofĀ theĀ sameĀ techniquesĀ asĀ theĀ Swedish massage,Ā butĀ combinesĀ themĀ withĀ healingĀ baths.Ā KeepĀ inĀ mindĀ thatĀ ifĀ you’re sensitive to heat, thisĀ mightĀ notĀ beĀ the best optionĀ forĀ you. AcupressureĀ sounds likeĀ acupuncture, and that’s no mistake. This treatmentĀ isĀ aĀ ChineseĀ massageĀ thatĀ originatedĀ from acupunctureĀ andĀ usesĀ fingersĀ toĀ stimulateĀ theĀ sameĀ partsĀ ofĀ theĀ body as needles do. ShiatsuĀ isĀ aĀ JapaneseĀ treatmentĀ that focuses on preventing conditions, not healing…

Important Things to Remember If You Have MS

If you or a loved one isĀ living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it’s important to rememberĀ that you can always try to make yourĀ situation better. If your doctor says something like “there’s no other option” or “we have nothing more to offer you,” find another doctor. Doctors are humans, too, and they…

18 Common Home Modifications to Improve Life With MS

As your MS progresses, you may find it necessary to make some modifications to your home to make it safer and more accessible. Such alterations can vastly improve the quality of life for people living with the disease, allowing them toĀ regain some independence and making life more comfortable. HereĀ are someĀ common…

How Doctors Treat Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis

SpasticityĀ is where the muscles become stiffened and often spasm due to nerve damage — it’sĀ a common symptom associated withĀ multiple sclerosis (MS). MORE:Ā Six of the best apps for managing chronic illness Generally, the spasticity occurs in the arms and legs and may impact the way a person can move their limbs.

5 Things to Know About the New MS Drug Ocrevus

TheĀ multiple sclerosisĀ community has been waiting with bated breath for the approval of the drug Ocrevus (ocrelizumab), which will be used to treat patients who have relapsing MS and primary progressive MS. The FDA’s decision of final approval arrivedĀ on March 28, which coincides with Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. In preparation for…

Using MRI to Diagnose and Track Multiple Sclerosis

This video from the Center for Diagnostic ImagingĀ explainsĀ how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help in diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS) and how far this technology has come in a relatively short time. MRIs can alsoĀ track the progression of the disease. MORE: 10 things to know…

John’s Story: ‘I Am More Than MS’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht3Z6-m6LIU In this video from Patients Like Me, John shares thatĀ although he’s suffering from the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS), he’s definitely much more than the disease. MORE: How doctors treat spasticity in MS John explains that when the MS symptoms he was experiencing began…

5 Benefits of Cannabis Tea for Chronic Illnesses

Medical marijuana is gaining popularity as a complementary medicine to help with many symptoms associated with chronic illnesses. While many people are curious about how marijuana (or cannabis) may help improve their symptoms, they are also reluctant to smoke the substance. However, there are ways that medical marijuana can be…

5 Tips for Parenting With Multiple Sclerosis

Living with an unpredictable illness can be tough at the best of times, but when you're a parent, it can often cause unforeseen problems. Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is no different — you'll have to continue being a parent, but you'll also have to manage your condition. However, there are ways that you can make life easier for you and your family as you navigate parenthood, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Be Honest: Children are often more resilient than we give them credit for. Explain your condition, how it may progress and what it means for you as a family on a day-to-day basis. Take Care of Yourself :The better you feel, the more energy you'll have for your family. Overdoing things can knock you off your feet for days, increasing fatigue and general unwellness. Learn to plan, pace and prioritize. Decide what's important to do today and what can wait until another time when you're feeling better. Eat well, try to sleep well, get some daily exercise and ensure you comply with your medications. Teach Understanding: Make sure your children understand that there will be days when you can't take them to the park, or have to cancel plans at the last minute. Make sure you have a stash of things younger children can do at home to occupy themselves while you rest (watching DVDs or playing board games). Make sure they know how to help when you're going through a flare. Focus on What You Can Do: Maybe you can't play ball with your children in the backyard, but you might be able to do arts and crafts with them. Find something fun that you can do together as a family on a regular basis. Delegate: Partners, older children and other family members should pitch in around the house and take an equal share of the chores. Even young children can be given some age-appropriate chores to do, such as putting away their toys or making their beds. This will allow you more time and energy to spend doing fun things with the family.