Silver Linings – a Column by Jennifer Powell

September 19, 2019September 17, 2019

Emotionally Hard-wired: Pseudobulbar Affect and MS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I saw a praying mantis this morning. The long, leaf-like oddity caught me off guard. I was transfixed by the beautiful specimen, its prayerful state contrasting starkly with its ... Read more

September 12, 2019September 9, 2019

We All Have Bad Days

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Mama said there would be days like this. I just never thought there would be so many. After three days of insomnia, I am heavily fatigued and weary. I ... Read more

September 5, 2019September 3, 2019

Becoming Your Own Advocate Takes Practice, but It’s Worth It

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I recently sent my neurologist a thank-you card. A friend of mine was incredulous and truly baffled at my gesture. “Why would you thank your doctor?” she asked. Why ... Read more

August 22, 2019August 20, 2019

I Will Not Be Sidelined in the Game of Life

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

It is the most wonderful time of the year. Sounds of commentator calls, audibles, and cheering crowds fill the house. A familiar sense of calm envelops my being. It ... Read more

August 8, 2019August 6, 2019

My Pain Is Real — Don’t Deny Me Relief

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I am quite outspoken. I have no problem voicing my opinion or needs — or so I thought. An exchange this morning left me speechless. While my head was ... Read more

August 1, 2019July 30, 2019

We Are Strong — We Have No Other Choice

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I recently saw a greeting card that read, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” No truer words. While I am grateful ... Read more

July 25, 2019July 25, 2019

Judging a Book by Its Cover

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I find airport newsstands alluring. I am drawn toward the litany of books. Shelves of colorful covers beckon to me, bestsellers emblazoned with enticing accolades. I need those books, ... Read more

July 11, 2019September 3, 2019

My Independence Day: Reinventing Ability with SPMS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell, SPMS

The glow of the fireworks bathes the surrounding trees. A kaleidoscope of blue, yellow, and red illuminates the night sky. It is a day of picnics, parades, and pyrotechnics. ... Read more

June 27, 2019June 25, 2019

Loving Yourself in Sickness and Health

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I am frequently commended for my demeanor. For my strength amid pain and adversity. For my optimism and happy disposition. For making the most of my circumstances. I love ... Read more

June 13, 2019June 11, 2019

Move It or Lose It: Movement Is Crucial to Well-being with MS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

A well-known mantra exists in the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. I first heard it after my diagnosis and have since adopted it as my own. “Move it or lose ... Read more

June 6, 2019June 5, 2019

Consortium for a Cure: Witnessing Hope

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Our emotional selves are unique to each of us. The catalysts that elicit tears and fears vary. We feel emotions rise and await their eruption. Contrarily, they can catch ... Read more

May 30, 2019May 28, 2019

Chariots of Enlightenment: Overcoming My Fear of a Wheelchair

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is an education in and of itself. I’ve learned a lot about myself and I am a different person now, nine years after my ... Read more

May 16, 2019September 3, 2019

Trading Teacups for Buckets: Keeping Dreams Alive with SPMS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell, SPMS

They say that the only certainties in life are death and taxes. While I agree with these two, a third inevitability is capitulation. Why do we have theme parks ... Read more

May 9, 2019September 3, 2019

Perception Over Pain: Making a Mental Shift with SPMS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell, SPMS

I am a positive person with not-so-positive moments. These moments don’t quantify my essence. Nevertheless, they sure try. I work hard to keep the negativity at bay, but I ... Read more

May 2, 2019June 3, 2019

With an Autoimmune Disease, Fear of a Measles Outbreak Is Real

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Few things scare me. I mean, truly frighten me to my core. While I flee from bees and scream at spiders, I have been both stung and bitten. Scary ... Read more

April 18, 2019April 23, 2019

The DMT Decision: Tried and True or Shiny and New?

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I spend a great deal of time in my head. I think. A lot. Perhaps I do so more than I should, but then again, it is a haven ... Read more

April 11, 2019September 3, 2019

The Unlikely Warrior: Finding Purpose with SPMS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell, SPMS

I am balancing my laptop on one pillow and a leg brace. I have myriad MS-related health issues; alas, this is not among them. After meniscus surgery, aggressive arthritis, and ... Read more

April 4, 2019April 3, 2019

Be the Change with Walk MS 2019

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

  Fatigue falls hard as I look out on the first hot day of the year. I struggle to focus as my head bobs. This is my new normal. ... Read more

March 28, 2019March 26, 2019

Losing Fear of Change with SPMS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I am a strategist. I think things through. This attribute is borne of necessity. A birthday dinner is not complete without my exit plan. As I wait to be ... Read more

March 21, 2019March 28, 2019

Intimacy and MS: A Lesson in Discovery

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Living with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis is a lesson in discovery. I strive to manage life with MS one day at a time. My disease touches all aspects of my ... Read more

March 7, 2019March 6, 2019

My Second Act: Turning 50 with SPMS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

If a cat has nine lives then I have at least twice as many. One day shy of my 50th birthday, my mind runs a vivid montage of years ... Read more

February 28, 2019February 27, 2019

It’s Important to Know Your Limits with SPMS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I had a busy weekend. I made it to an event I had so wanted to attend and survived it. Our golden retriever rescue had a volunteer mixer, and ... Read more

February 21, 2019February 20, 2019

Faith Amid Funkiness When SPMS Brings the Blues

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I am in a funk. It took a lot of mental volleying to admit this. I am preconditioned to synonymize feeling down with weakness. This is simply untrue. I ... Read more

February 14, 2019February 20, 2019

There Are Angels Among Us: I’m Grateful for the Helpers

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I like to keep my life as normal as possible. This can be difficult given the physical challenges multiple sclerosis and chronic pain pose. Nevertheless, I try. Saturday was ... Read more

February 7, 2019February 12, 2019

Asking for Help with Secondary Progressive MS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I have a hard time asking for help. Even when it’s offered, my knee-jerk reaction is to decline. Only in desperation do I reach out for, or accept, much-needed ... Read more

January 31, 2019January 30, 2019

Creative Deconditioning for Behavior Modification

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I watched the sunrise with dread, my peaceful time disquieted by my own internal chatter. An 80-degree day would soon replace the cool mid-January morning. Not my favorite. I am ... Read more

January 24, 2019January 24, 2019

I Make Myself OK: Musings with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Not everyone is going to get it. And by “it” I mean our disease and the way it affects our lives. Few understand our limitations or the ramifications of ... Read more

January 17, 2019January 21, 2019

Seeing Through Solu-Medrol — Miracle, Menace, or Both?

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Today I came back to myself. For two months, I have been encapsulated in a hazy bubble. I could not kick this persistent bronchial condition and began to get ... Read more

December 20, 2018January 3, 2019

Reflections: A Letter to My Newly Diagnosed Self

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

As the year comes to a close, I find myself in a reflective state. This mild nostalgia visits each December and accompanies me into the New Year. I usually ... Read more

December 13, 2018December 12, 2018

Living with Intention This Christmas

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Ever since I can remember, my family has had a real Christmas tree. Finding the perfect tree became a magical adventure. We often cut our own, but as I ... Read more

December 6, 2018December 4, 2018

Receiving with Grace: Lessons Learned with Secondary Progressive MS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

In this season of thanks and giving, I have realized the beauty of receiving. I have recognized when to ask for help and how to accept assistance graciously. This ... Read more

November 15, 2018November 26, 2018

Losing Words Through Dysarthria Is Hard for This Word Nerd

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I have always prided myself on my smarts. I excelled in college, where I realized my love for learning. I enjoy conversing with others, and I make a concerted ... Read more

November 8, 2018November 16, 2018

MS and Your Immune System: ‘Tis the Season for the Flu

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Fall is my favorite season. I love the change in temperature, the falling of amber leaves, trading flip-flops for loafers, the din of football games, and the joy of ... Read more

November 1, 2018November 9, 2018

What You See of This MS Warrior Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Have you ever seen an iceberg? The prism of packed ice illuminates the surrounding sea. The part you can see is beautiful, yet most of its mass lies beneath ... Read more

October 18, 2018October 24, 2018

SPMS and the Continuum of Acceptance

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Some days are hard, while others are still harder. Then there are days that bring you to your knees. I am kneeling. Pain ricochets through my body like a ... Read more

October 4, 2018October 8, 2018

MS-related Insomnia is Exhausting

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I do not sleep well. Ever. I have tried a myriad of meditations and medications, yet sleep evades me. It is 2:30 a.m. and infomercials are taking over the ... Read more

September 27, 2018October 8, 2018

Navigating Roadblocks with SPMS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

I saw my neurologist earlier this week. After my work-up, we sat and discussed how well I manage my multiple sclerosis. How well? No comment. Suffice it to say ... Read more

September 20, 2018September 26, 2018

I Have MS and I Am Beautiful

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Having just written about uninvited commentary, I found this gem too awesome not to share. I went to the grocery store in my requisite San Francisco Giants cap and ... Read more

September 13, 2018September 19, 2018

Relationships Can Thrive with MS

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Relationships are a quagmire in and of themselves. Throw in a chronic, progressive disease, and you have yourself quite the ride. This ride has excitability, steady inclines, crescendos, fun ... Read more

September 6, 2018September 14, 2018

Uninvited Commentary Invites Enlightenment

Columns, Silver Linings - a Column by Jennifer Powell

Last week, I flew home from San Francisco. As I walked up the jetway, I moved to the right and held the handrail to allow others to pass. Once ... Read more