Fatigue is a common symptom among people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), and has a significant negative impact on physical and psychological function, as well as quality of life, a U.K. study reported. Citing the study as the “largest study on fatigue in MS from U.K.,” researchers emphasized that…
quality of life
I recently did a little research to write an article reflecting on a photograph of the Library of Celsus. This marvelous piece of architecture was commissioned by a Roman consul named Gaius Julius Aquila as a funerary monument for his father. It was once home to…
I’m heading to the beach with my family soon. Not a resort, or any sort of popular, touristy destination. Far from it, in fact. We like to go to the old family beach house on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, where I went as a child and now want my…
Worsening disability was associated with worry about COVID-19 in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) living in the U.S. and Italy, a study evaluating the pandemic’s impact has found. In both countries, MS patients with greater psychological disabilities, such as depression, were more likely to have worrying thoughts, while those…
A five-week, high-intensity video game-based exercise program called exergaming outperformed other forms of exercise at easing symptoms and improving life quality in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a small trial found. While all exercise programs slowed symptom worsening over two subsequent years of lower-intensity exercises, exergaming led to the…
Last weekend was a busy one. On Friday, I had to drop my eldest son at school at 5:30 a.m. for a field trip and then pick him up at 11 p.m. A nap wasn’t in the cards, I’m sad to say, and at some point in the evening, I…
Aquatic exercise is used less often by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) than land-based exercise, but it’s generally well liked by those who use it, a patient survey found. A lack of pool access and associated expenses remain significant barriers to aquatic exercise. The team also found that exercise…
A Phase 3 trial will test the ability of a group resilience training program, called READY, to promote quality of life and better psychosocial outcomes in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Involving more than 200 MS patients, the trial will compare the benefits of READY training against those of…
Eating a ketogenic diet — one low in carbohydrates and high in fats — led to markedly less fatigue and depression for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in a small clinical trial that was designed to assess the tolerability of the dietary intervention. Measures of disability and quality…
The uncertainties that accompany multiple sclerosis (MS) are among the biggest challenges faced by people with the disease, with two-thirds of patients in a recent survey saying “they’re scared for the future” because of such unknowns, the MS Society, which conducted the U.K. survey, reports. “We may all think the…
Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects all aspects of life, from physical and mental health to relationships, and from work and finances to hobbies and holidays, according to results from an online survey conducted by the U.K.’s MS Trust. Most respondents said they wanted more support to manage their fatigue, improve…
There is an ongoing difference of opinion between my husband and me regarding my general outlook on life. I consider myself to be a realist, whereas he thinks I tend to err on the side of pessimism. I’m an overthinker. I’ve always felt things incredibly intensely. Interestingly, when I read…
Greater engagement in social activities and positive social support were associated with better physical and psychological health among people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in a recent study. These data “suggest that social integration and social support should be a crucial part of MS management,” the researchers wrote, adding that…
Do you think about death? I do — a lot. I mean, like almost every day. Don’t get…
In the South, we have a tendency to cram words together to create a single gigantic one, a kind of linguistic Pangea, if you will. The one I’ve been using a lot lately is “usetacould,” a condensed form of the phrases “I used to be able to” and “I once…
While sexual problems are relatively common in women with multiple sclerosis (MS), it can still be difficult to openly discuss their experiences with their doctor. A questionnaire especially tailored for women with MS called the Sexual Dysfunction Management and Expectations Assessment in Multiple sclerosis – Female (SEA-MS-F) may…
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Conway Day 29 of 31 This is Jennifer Conway’s (@jenzconway) story: I was 24 when I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 1998. Over the years, I’ve learned so much about how to manage daily life with MS and all that comes with…
Photo courtesy of Marie Pontini Day 25 of 31 This is Marie Pontini’s (@mariepontini) story: The page on the previous chapter of my life had turned. It was pointless to wonder why, hang on to my past expectations of the future, or worry. My accomplishments, education, and knowledge were…
Eight weeks of an online mindfulness program significantly lowered levels of depression and improved quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), researchers in Australia report. “This study adds to growing evidence on how wellness strategies can help people with MS to reduce symptoms and enable fuller participation…
Photo courtesy of Yazzie Nicolau Day 22 of 31 This is Yazzie Nicolau’s (@yazzietalks) story: I am a 31-year-old free-spirited vegan and coming up on my five-year “diagnosary” of MS. Yep, that’s me! To be honest, since being diagnosed, my life has felt a lot smoother. I’ve…
Photo courtesy of Ken Bach Day 21 of 31 This is Ken Bach’s (@kens.ms.fitmess) story: Ten years ago, on the day my youngest son was born, I woke up unable to move my right arm. A month later, results from an MRI confirmed my suspicions and showed nine…
Telehealth services for physical and mental healthcare were used often by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the COVID-19 pandemic and most were satisfied or highly satisfied with such care, according to a study based on survey results. “The findings suggest that telehealth services were well liked during the…
Photo courtesy of Lissette Mares Day 19 of 31 This is Lissette Mares’ (@ms.ironman) story: There is so much in life we get to choose but there’s more that is out of our control. I find myself telling people we are all dealt with many cards in life,…
“Mirrors don’t lie. They only show a part of truth.” — Lara Biyuts I’ve written about how my reality feels jagged compared with actual reality. I wrote, “The woman looking back at me isn’t whom I perceive myself to be.” I’ve been pondering this recently. The realism of reality With…
Photo courtesy of Tyler Campbell Day 11 of 31 This is Tyler Campbell’s (@tcspeaks32 ) story: At 22, I was suffering from paralysis and even erectile dysfunction. I felt so lost and yearned to be found. I needed a friend, someone to lean on who wouldn’t judge…
Photo courtesy of Carolyn Hinds Day 10 of 31 This is Carolyn Hinds’ (@carriecnh12) story: Mild cognitive impairment, or CI for short, probably doesn’t sound as debilitating or challenging when compared to other symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but it is. The word “mild” can be very misleading because…
A short-term ketogenic diet, which dramatically cuts carbohydrate consumption, is safe and results in significant improvements in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), a small study in patients reported. “Our study provides evidence that a ketogenic diet is safe and beneficial, reducing some symptoms for people with MS, when…
Photo courtesy of Kaci Bell Day 8 of 31 This is Kaci Bell’s (@myelinmoxi) story: Something I feel a handful of people in the disabled community have experienced but are too shy to open up about is “imposter syndrome.” Imposter syndrome and chronic illness rarely fall in the…
Photo courtesy of Zaki Farzand Day 2 of 31 This is Zaki Farzand’s (@zakifarzand) story: Hi, I’m Zaki Farzand, and I’m 33 years old. Here is my MS story, so pull up a seat, grab a coffee, and sit back. I still remember the day I got my…
Columns
Does 2 + 2 = 4, 5, or 0?
Am I about to share my first conspiracy theory, even if it’s just about me? Why not? It’s all the rage, though this one may have a loose connection to a possible truth. Stick with the story, please. It requires some scene-setting. It was years ago, at the end of…
Recommended Posts
- Climbing mountains when you have MS is easier with good support
- Australian study probes how genetic variants combine to cause MS
- This MS advocate has turned her weakness into strength
- How I became an advocate for young people with MS
- Starting at age 8, MS has been the invisible illness invading my life