Breakfast is often cited as being the most important meal of the day, but to get the full benefits, make sure you eat a nutritious breakfast that is high on flavor but delivers health-wise. Here are six great wholesome and flavorful breakfast and snack ideas to help you manage your…
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: Jack Osbourne asks strangers to compete in a game show and test their knowledge of multiple sclerosis…
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: Try out some…
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 causes inflammation. The inflammation results in demyelination of the central nervous system and has a bearing on how severe a patient’s multiple sclerosis is. MORE:…
According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, around 65 percent of people living with the disease suffer from some cognitive issues — most notably, memory, concentration and speed of processing information. MORE: Six of the best apps for managing chronic illness If you find that…
Many multiple sclerosis patients will suffer from bouts of bowel dysfunction and in particular, constipation and seek their doctor’s advice on how to relieve the symptoms. Dulcolax (bisacodyl) is an over-the-counter stimulant laxative medication that MS patients can take to help them get their bowels moving again. MORE: …
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…
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…
It’s never a good idea to jump to conclusions when trying to find a cause for any symptoms you might have. With multiple sclerosis (MS), self-diagnosing is not the way to go. This disease may cause permanent damage even in its earliest stages so it’s crucial to get it properly diagnosed as soon…
Although multiple sclerosis (MS) is more likely to be diagnosed in adults between the ages of 20 and 40, children can also develop the autoimmune disease. MORE: Nine ways MS affects you from your head to toes According to WebMD, between 8,000 and 10,000 children under…
Tremors are a common symptom of 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 four different types of tremors associated…
Service dogs are typically thought of as necessary companions for the visually impaired, but service and therapy dogs can be a practical solution for people with a variety of chronic illnesses. As well as being a trusted friend, service dogs can expand owners’ motor abilities, granting them new independence and allowing them to…
Getting a tattoo shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s a piece of art that will be on your body for life and therefore, should represent something 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…
Trigeminal neuralgia 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 have multiple sclerosis (MS). We’ve put together a list of facts about trigeminal neuralgia…
Vitamin D is often talked about as an important vitamin that helps the body stay fit and strong, but it could also help in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS). While there still needs to be more research into the beneficial effects of vitamin D, there are some things to know about its…
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic illness that presents many different symptoms since it can affect any part of the human body. While no two people living with MS will experience the same symptoms, according to healthline.com, there are some more common ways the condition affects the body. Brain Cognitive issues…
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.
In this video from Roche, multiple sclerosis (MS) patient and advocate Shana and her partner Leo talk about the unpredictability of the condition. Shana explains that no two days are the same when you’re living with the disease. MORE: Eight tips for dealing with the heat when you have…
Massages are known to relieve pain, stress and help out with problem areas. According to the National MS Society, it’s one of the most well-known bodywork treatments. There are several kinds of massages that originated in different countries — below are some of the most used today. MORE: Massage helps with MS pain and fatigue The Swedish massage is a bit more “traditional.” It uses techniques such as vibration, kneading, and friction. The German massage uses most of the same techniques as the Swedish massage, but combines them with healing baths. Keep in mind that if you’re sensitive to heat, this might not be the best option for you. Acupressure sounds like acupuncture, and that’s no mistake. This treatment is a Chinese massage that originated from acupuncture and uses fingers to stimulate the same parts of the body as needles do. Shiatsu is a Japanese treatment that focuses on preventing conditions, not healing…
If you or a loved one is living with multiple sclerosis (MS), it’s important to remember that you can always try to make your 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…
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 to regain some independence and making life more comfortable. Here are some common…
“Alexa” is Amazon’s talking service that acts as a virtual personal assistant. According to tomsguide.com, as part of the company’s Echo speaker system, the voice-activated device can pick out music tracks for you, operate other electical devices, create to-do lists, and of course help you…
Many people living with multiple sclerosis find that their symptoms become more pronounced when they’re subjected to heat. With summer in full swing, many people with the condition will experience a temporary worsening of symptoms. (The same can happen if the person takes a bath or shower that’s too hot.) According to …
Spasticity is where the muscles become stiffened and often spasm due to nerve damage — it’s a common symptom associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). MORE: 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.
The multiple sclerosis 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 arrived on March 28, which coincides with Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week. In preparation for…
This video from the Center for Diagnostic Imaging explains 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 also track the progression of the disease. MORE: 10 things to know…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ht3Z6-m6LIU In this video from Patients Like Me, John shares that 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…
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 administered, including in tea form. According to thealternativedaily.com, here are five ways that cannabis tea can help relieve some of the symptoms people with chronic diseases live with. Relieves pain: Marijuana has been associated with pain relief for centuries. Researchers have found the cannabinoids in marijuana dampen pain signals by binding to the pain receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). In contrast to opiates such as morphine or codeine, cannabis is not addictive and poses no withdrawal symptoms to patients. Cannabis-infused tea is delivered to the whole of the body through the digestive system so the effects are longer lasting and more efficient than smoking. Reduces inflammation: Medical marijuana has been found to reduce inflammation associated with many autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and lupus. It also helps to temper the body's immune system making it less likely to attack itself. Protects the brain: Studies of cannabis's effect on the brain have found that the drug has a neuroprotective effect and appears to slow down or even block the beta-amyloid protein build-ups associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Promotes digestive health: Many chronic illnesses present symptoms which affect the gastrointestinal system. Cannabis has been found to improve digestion and relieve symptoms such as cramping, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, constipation and acid reflux. Mood enhancer: While smoking cannabis may produce mind-altering effects that most people are weary of, drinking cannabis tea can help with stabilizing mood and helping to relieve emotional symptoms associated with chronic illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
This video from The Mighty shares some of the things a person living with a chronic illness might want to carry around with them on a daily basis. MORE: 29 Tips to Help You Survive the Summer While Living With Multiple Sclerosis The survival pack contains some of the essentials…
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.
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