Living with MS

Both people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their nurses prefer the Sensoready Pen for administering Kesimpta (ofatumumab) — an approved MS treatment that’s injected subcutaneously, or under the skin — mostly because it’s easier to use than other available devices, a survey study found. With this pen “patients…

Issues with sexual performance and satisfaction are common with multiple sclerosis (MS), and show significant associations with measures of quality of life, a study shows. Sexual problems tend to be more pronounced among patients with severe fatigue and depression, data suggest. These findings highlight areas where healthcare providers can…

If you haven’t read last week’s column (ah, another discerning nonreader), all you need to know is that I’m in a pain sandwich very much of my own making. And this was an improvement! I’d rather be turned into a hefty snack by a Molift Raiser and a…

Many people with multiple sclerosis (MS) have experienced urinary tract infections (UTIs) at some point. It’s a common problem with MS and can be caused by a number of things, such as the inability to fully empty the bladder or the need to self-catheterize. Symptoms can include…

Photo courtesy of Suni Conway Day 31 of 31 This is Suni Conway’s story: I spent seven years battling strange and unexplainable symptoms with little support and even less hope that things would get better. When asking for help, I was doubted and made to feel just as…

In a previous column, I wrote about the journey to my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). In it, I mentioned that the neurologist had praised me for “taking this well.” I suppose I did — at first. When I eliminated the other possibilities, I was left with an…

Photo courtesy of Kellie Alderton Day 30 of 31 This is Kellie Alderton‘s story: I was 17 years old in 1988 when my body just stopped working. I had played softball for over a decade, but at my first practice that season I missed an easy fly…

Photo courtesy of Samantha Zarek Day 29 of 31 This is Samantha Zarek’s story: July 26, 2006 is a date I will always remember: That was the onset of my symptoms. My mom had emergency surgery that morning and when I told her that I saw two of…

Note: This story was updated March 29, 2023, to correct that cognitive function was assessed via questions about memory and three other cognition outcomes. Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and sleepiness may contribute to self-reported cognitive decline in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), a new study suggests.

Photo courtesy of Lucinda Howard Day 28 of 31 This is Lucinda Howard’s story: I was in the first few months of my first “adult” job when I suddenly felt numbness and tingling on my skin from my ribs down to my feet and in my hands. I went…

Cannabis-based products are more likely to be used by multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with higher levels of disability and pain than those with lesser disability or pain, according to a study of findings in Spain and France. This “may encourage health authorities to consider relaxing the barriers to cannabis use for…

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)…

Adherence to a high-quality diet may help alleviate symptoms of depression in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a study from Australia suggests. The study examined several dietary regimens that have been developed to help manage MS symptoms generally by avoiding foods that might increase inflammation, a key driver…

After trying countless medications, Lacie Granstrom found some relief through diet, exercise, and letting go of “toxic relationships.” (Courtesy of Lacie Granstrom) Day 27 of 31 This is Lacie Granstrom‘s story: In January 2016, I was sitting on the floor playing with my…

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…

Photo courtesy of Lindsey Holcomb Day 24 of 31 This is Lindsey Holcomb’s story: My daughters were both preschoolers when I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). It took well over a decade to find an answer to the myriad symptoms that had come and…

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…

Photo courtesy of Marti Hines Day 23 of 31 This is Marti Hines’ story: I have been living with MS for 4½ years now and a lot of days it doesn’t seem to get any easier. My grief over my past life hits in big…

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,…

Jessica Dubey, right, is with her partner, Tom. (Courtesy of Jessica Dubey) Day 22 of 31 This is Jessica Dubey‘s story: Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable, You never quite know what to expect or how you will feel. Planning a weekend, a holiday, or even just…

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…

Photo courtesy of Shane Nicolich Day 21 of 31 This is Shane Nicolich’s story: I was on my first multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment for six years but experienced bad side effects. That sucked, since I’m a dishwasher at a busy restaurant and am on my feet all day.

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 Angie Gensler Day 20 of 31 This is Angie Gensler’s story: As a mom, wife, and business owner, I have always prided myself on juggling my crazy life. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) 18 years ago on Christmas Eve after suffering from blurred…

Photo courtesy of Ashley Ratcliff Day 19 of 31 This is Ashley Ratcliff’s story: Fatigued, sore, and tingling, yet determined. Every Friday I fight the urge to surrender to my ever-long list of to-dos and the voice in my head telling me to sit this one out. Instead,…

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…