Note: This column was updated March 30, 2023, to remove the statement that Briumvi is more potent than Ocrevus or Kesimpta as there have been no trials comparing the three therapies’ potency. Welcome to “MS News Notes,” a Monday morning column in which I comment on multiple sclerosis (MS)…
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Photo courtesy of Mohammed Al-enbaree Day 26 of 31 This is Mohammed Al-enbaree’s story: I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 20 while I was in medical school. During the early phases, I was very busy and so lucky to have managed…
Dr. April Bee’s mother taught her, through words and actions, to embrace people for who they are. (Courtesy of Dr. April Bee) Day 25 of 31 This is Dr. April Bee’s story: Mama was bold and audacious. She cried with me when I cried. She laughed at things I…
Things had been more than dodgy for the past three days. My right shoulder had gone into complete spasm, and even diazepam couldn’t relax it. I’d also upped my antibiotics as instructed. Nada. As ever, I shouldered on (a naff play on words already, John? Dearie me), stuck on…
Boarding an aircraft before others is a small benefit to being a disabled flyer. For years, giving me a small start to get down the jetway ahead of even the most frequent of frequent flyers has given me time to get off the little scooter I use due to my…
Even if I resolved to improve my cardiovascular health by taking the stairs more often, I can’t. Mobility problems brought on by my primary progressive multiple sclerosis force me to use a wheelchair. Using a wheelchair, in turn, means that stairs and I are natural enemies (as are curbs and…
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has approved a class settlement overhauling a decades-old medical clearance system that led to illegal discrimination in the U.S. Foreign Service against people with mental health conditions or other disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The class settlement, signed in December,…
I have a friend who’s truly blessed. Aside from the typical struggles that come with being an adult, he has few problems. Seriously. Neither he nor a loved one has had any major medical issues. No one in his immediate family has passed away yet, and while he’s not rolling…
Welcome to “MS News Notes,” a Monday morning column in which I comment on multiple sclerosis (MS) news stories that caught my eye last week. Here’s a look at what’s been happening: Study shows Ocrevus lowers risk of MS progression This seems to be just what the doctor ordered,…
Photo courtesy of Jarika Winfield Day 18 of 31 This is Jarika Winfield’s story: My name is Jarika and I’m a 35-year-old queer, two-spirit person. My ethnic backgrounds are Metis and Ukrainian. I live in the unceded territory of the the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh people (aka…
If you noticed my sudden disappearance, it wasn’t because I was sacked. Surprising, I know. Just “MS MIA” — missing in action with multiple sclerosis. While raving in the hospital, I was suddenly moved to my own private room. In Britain’s National Health Service (NHS), this could only mean…
Choosing the best disease-modifying therapy (DMT) to treat your multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a tough decision. When I was diagnosed with MS way back in 1980, it was easy. There were no DMTs to choose from. The first three — Avonex (interferon beta-1a), Betaseron…
I may not be able to turn in circles like a dog anymore, but I still have a few bedtime routines. Before I had an intrathecal baclofen pump, multiple sclerosis-induced spasticity would wake me up multiple times during the night. Whenever that happened, it was next to…
A new podcast series called “A Campbell Never Quits” is telling the life story of Tyler Campbell, a patient advocate who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) during his junior year at college. “The podcast aims to appeal to sports fans, people living with MS, and anyone who appreciates…
Photo courtesy of Scarlett Ward Day 16 of 31 This is Scarlett Ward‘s story: My name is Scarlett Ward, and I’m 29 years old. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) when I was 27, after a particularly nasty relapse left me in the hospital,…
Chloe Murphy fought for years to understand the cause of her physical and mental struggles. (Courtesy of Chloe Murphy) Day 15 of 31 This is Chloe Murphy‘s story: I am 27, from Cork, Ireland. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in April 2021, but truly…
Welcome to “MS News Notes,” a Monday morning column in which I comment on multiple sclerosis (MS) news stories that caught my eye last week. Here’s a look at what’s been happening: A different type of stem cell transplant When stem cell transplant is mentioned to treat someone…
Photo courtesy of Kerry Walkins Day 13 of 31 This is Kerry Walkins‘ story: At 36, I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Looking back now, I realize I had symptoms for a few years before that. In early 2021, I began to…
Photo courtesy of Amber Cunningham Day 12 of 31 This is Amber Cunningham‘s story: Hi, I am Amber. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in April 2019, a day I will never forget. I woke up on my daughter’s birthday and couldn’t see out…
Photo courtesy of Julie Wigley Day 11 of 31 This is Julie Wigley‘s story: In 2010, I started having numbness in my legs, specifically when I’d look down. I didn’t think much of it, but mentioned it to my primary care doctor during a…
You may not have heard of Judy Heumann, who died March 4 at the age of 75. Although she’s not directly connected to the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, you should know about her. Everyone who lives with a disability owes her a great deal. At just 18 months old,…
A little over three years passed between my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and my medical retirement from the U.S. Army. Even before the diagnosis, I knew something was wrong and had taken a desk job while searching for the reason. Since I was behind a desk in a…
The “invisible” symptoms that are common with relapsing-remitting MS and many other chronic illnesses can be the bane of our lives. It’s difficult enough to manage them, as they’re constantly fluctuating like a changing tide. But in some ways, it’s even more difficult to explain them to…
Photo courtesy of Mia Suite Day 8 of 31 This is Mia Suite’s story: On the morning of March 10, 2020, I received one of the most gut-wrenching diagnoses of my life. The day started off normal. I had a 9 a.m. appointment with a neurologist to go…
I’ve always liked the quote, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Some folks think it was penned by the Scottish author Ian Maclaren (sometimes MacLaren). Others attribute the quote to actor Robin Williams (which is fitting, I think, given the…
Welcome to “MS News Notes,” a Monday morning column in which I comment on multiple sclerosis (MS) news stories that caught my eye last week. In this column, I’ll be highlighting more MS News Today articles from the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis…
Can Do MS has three missions for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their care partners — providing education about life with the disease, building connections among people, and activating them to be proactive about managing their condition. “Those are the three pillars that our programs are built…
Even the cold and rainy Southern California weather did little to dampen the excitement of the more than 1,800 attendees converging on the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. People filtered in, eager for the meeting to begin. Excitement reached a fever pitch Thursday morning as the curriculum came to life.
Want to reduce your multiple sclerosis (MS) fatigue? Maybe we should talk about it. I’m talking about a fatigue treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which usually involves changing a person’s thinking and behavior. By talking with a therapist, sometimes on the phone, a patient develops an…
Jessica (left) with her daughter, Jaleece. Photo courtesy of Jessica Lovato. Day 3 of 31 This is Jessica Lovato’s story: My name is Jessica, and I’m from Utah. In mid-February 2020, I was nine months into owning and operating a full-service salon and barbershop. As I was finishing a…