quality of life

Editor’s note: The Multiple Sclerosis News Today team is providing in-depth coverage of the 2021 Virtual AAN Annual Meeting, April 17–22. Go here to read the latest stories from the conference. Treatment with Tysabri (natalizumab) can improve mental and social health in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to new…

Vumerity (diroximel fumarate) is easier on the gastrointestinal tract than Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), and this translates into better quality of life for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a new analysis of EVOLVE-MS-2 trial data has found. The study, “Improved gastrointestinal profile with diroximel fumarate is…

Sunlight flooded my bedroom. My tired eyes slowly pulled apart. Realization set in: It was Saturday. Yes! I love Saturdays.  As I got out of bed and glanced outside my window, a crazy thought crossed my mind.  “I’m going running.” I hadn’t…

I am an optimist in a pessimistic world. A fish out of water. I hold hope to ward off messages of defeat. In a world rife with suffering, hope is essential for soul survival. In my world with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, it has been my saving grace.

Photo courtesy of Katie Collett Day 31 of 31 This is Katie Collett’s story: “You have multiple sclerosis” were words that struck fear in my heart nine years ago. I thought my life and my dreams were over. As I learned more about my diagnosis and met…

Photo courtesy of Caroline Gellatly Day 22 of 31 This is Marissa Green’s story: I am Marissa, a fundraiser, drama therapist, and mental health practitioner who loves the outdoors, cooking, music, and any excuse for a party. My original diagnosis, Balo’s concentric sclerosis, happened in…

Photo courtesy of Conor Devine Day 19 of 31 This is Conor Devine’s story: I have been living with MS now for more than 15 years, which I would summarize as follows: 2006–2011. The first five years were horrendous. I gave up, felt awful most…

I failed the complaint challenge. The goal was to go 24 hours without complaining — no complaining about anything. Yet while the objective is commendable, a win is nearly impossible. I’m not much of a complainer, and I still fell short. I’d venture to say that many others would, too,…

Photo courtesy of Jess Faulds Day 17 of 31 This is Jess Faulds’ story: My name is Jess, and I am a 28-year-old woman from Alberta, Canada. Ask anyone who knows me and the two things in life that I am most passionate about are food and…

I glanced at the clock: 15:51. I was relieved. For some reason, I’ve been obsessed with time lately. I’m not sure if it’s due to lockdown anxiety or the ups and downs of my multiple sclerosis, but time has…

NeurologyLive, CMSC Launch Expert Video Series ‘Cure Connections’ This series of 13 videos, designed for healthcare professionals, focuses on diagnosing MS, its psychological impact, managing symptoms, and treatments. Quality-of-life issues, fatigue, and patient support networks also will be discussed. I hope general neurologists will watch it, not just MS…

Day 14 of 31 This is Dr. Conor Kerley’s story: My name is Conor Kerley. When I was first diagnosed with MS at age 15, my first question was: will I still be able to play sports? I was diagnosed after three major relapses in eight months…

Day 13 of 31 This is Susan Carey’s story: My name is Susan Carey, and I was diagnosed with MS in 2004 at age 14. As you can imagine, it came as a surprise to me and others. Having to go through puberty with a chronic illness…

Day 11 of 31 This is Shane Stanley’s story: My name is Shane and I am 29, living with MS since 2011. In the beginning, I experienced mild symptoms until they progressed in 2018. From that time, I have realized that MS is a gift. It has taught me…

We often focus on what we don’t have rather than what we do. This doesn’t just apply to our relationships, but to everything: our carers, our careers, our children, our homes, our cars, etc.  I often hear people wishing they had more:  “I wish…

Photo courtesy of Sandra Costello Day 6 of 31 This is Dee DiFatta’s story: Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis the day before my 22nd birthday was not something I expected or anticipated, but it has truly been a blessing. Navigating MS has taught me to slow down…

Photo courtesy of Anita Alberto Photography. Day 4 of 31 This is Jen DeTracey’s story: It’s been over 10 years since I was diagnosed with MS.  Ironically, on the anniversary, I didn’t think about it. I realized a few days later…

Photo courtesy of Svetlana Didorenko Day 3 of 31 This is Alex Twersky’s story: My name is Alex Twersky, and I have worked with Overcoming MS for more than seven years, applying my marketing and communications experience to advancing our vision.

A healthy diet led to better physical and mental quality of life in Dutch adults with multiple sclerosis (MS), especially women, a large survey study found. Substantial amounts of vegetables, fruits, fiber, and healthy fats were associated with better overall…

This week, I went to Tokyo, saw elephants up close in Africa, flew over New York, and watched a stage show, all in one day. How was it possible? Virtual reality (VR), of course! Being unable to play badminton in lockdown has forced…

I know quite a few of you are dealing with copious amounts of snow right now, but there is not a speck of white stuff on the ground where I live in Atlanta. And for that, I am grateful. Why? Because I do not like snow. I do not like…

My left hand was numb and weak when I was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. For years after that, symptoms above my waist seemed just as prevalent as those below it. Yet, there were no tests being used that measured my waist-up disability level — nothing equivalent to the…

Optimism is kryptonite to the fear and doubt I keep inside. I am grateful for my cheerful disposition because it allows me to maintain balance. But balance is not healing. Left alone, those feelings that I fear ultimately fester. I tend to push aside sadness or frustration. I…

Levels of neurofilament light (NfL), a protein marker of neuronal damage, appear to capture some aspects of patient‐perceived physical and functional abilities with multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as their utilization of select healthcare services, a real-world study suggests. Its researchers, however, stress that more work is needed before NfL levels…

Almost every characteristic of multiple sclerosis differs for each of us who has the disease. While we share commonalities inherent to multiple sclerosis that make us similar to one another, much about the way our disease manifests is unique. This is why MS is sometimes referred to as the “…

Sexual dysfunction affects more than 60% of adult men with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a review study. The data add to previous findings showing that more than two-thirds of women with MS also experience these problems, highlighting the importance of detecting and managing sexual dysfunction in…

“Ooh, I found some of your artwork in the loft. Did you still want it?” My mum’s beautiful, melodic voice sang through the phone during our regular chat.  “Heck yes! Can I pick it up tomorrow?” I replied. I didn’t know what had happened…

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to mentally overestimate the time required to complete a short walking activity, causing cognitive fatigue that may affect their quality of life, a study reports. The connection between cognitive fatigue and imagined motor exercises may offer a potential…

If I were using a wheelchair, would you question why I use a handicapped placard? Perhaps some (or all) of the condemnation I now receive would diminish. Maybe the notes left on my windshield would not be written. Perchance, it might temper some of the ugly comments spoken to my…

Adults with mild to moderate multiple sclerosis (MS) are being urged to participate in a new clinical trial — STEP for MS — that will assess the impact of two different exercise programs on patients’ mobility, walking abilities, and quality of life. Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research…