May 10, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn The Hidden Costs of Multiple Sclerosis MS is sneaky. It is expert at evading detection and diagnosis, and often brings a host of invisible symptoms that may come and go at random. MS also brings invisible costs — expenses beyond the obvious medications,…
May 3, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Unsure Which Way to Turn? Let an MS Navigator Guide You A few years ago, after a fairly stable decade, my MS decided to shake things up. What began as occasional tripping over my own feet soon turned into chronic shin splints, and the inability to walk or…
April 5, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn If We Took a Holiday (from Our Meds) It Could Be So Nice! I was a teenager during the 1980s and cannot say the word “holiday” without Madonna’s song playing briefly in my head. For most holidays the perky music seems okay, but for discussion of a “drug holiday” it feels…
March 29, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn The Anniversary Effect: How Do You Remember Your Diagnosis Date? Editor’s note: Marking the second MS diagnosis anniversary of our columnists in one week, Judy Lynn writes about the “Anniversary Effect.” This week marks the 14th anniversary of my MS diagnosis. That day, March 27, 2003, is etched clearly…
March 22, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn How Well Will MS and Jet Lag Play Together? Diligent research and planning have left me confident in my ability to enjoy upcoming travels, while managing MS and health concerns. Decisions have been made regarding luggage, medications, airport travel, car rental, and accommodations. I know whether to…
March 8, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Making Careful Travel Plans for MS Medications and Supplies If I were playing “Chronic Disease Bingo,” I’d be a winner! In addition to MS, I have three other chronic health conditions. While that may sound bad, it’s not unusual in the world of autoimmune disease, and I…
March 1, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Tips for MS Travelers Include Diligent Packing Prep and Carrying a Bright Suitcase My coming trip to Spain has me in research mode. After making a list of my travel questions last week, I decided to obtain the answers to just a few each week. Baby steps for this novice planner.
February 22, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Travel Plans Actually Require Planning These Days, Thanks to MS In my younger years, I took great pride in my far-flung spontaneity, and unfairly judged those I perceived to be too thoughtful and prudent. Age, with its attendant wisdom and experience, moved me slightly inland. In 2003,…
February 15, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn MS Support Groups: Pot Brownies, Shoes, Bladders — and Inspiration What do pot brownies, shoe shopping and bladder control have in common? These are just a few of the varied MS self-help support group discussion topics in which I have enjoyed participating. I have been an attendee and…
February 8, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Interferon Hangovers: Managing Treatment Side Effects Interferons (Beta and Alpha) are the oldest of the disease-modifying treatments, or DMTs, for people with MS. Interferons include Avonex, Betaseron, Rebif, and Plegridy. This column won’t get into the pros and cons of each of these…
February 2, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Using the Outdoors to Recalibrate, Forget MS for a While January 2017 has proven to be a bit of a cluster, if you know what I mean. Holiday recovery, out-of-town trips for work, budget cuts, extreme weather and, of course, the social and political “chaos climate” all conspired…
January 18, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Cancel the Uber; I’m Staying in This Old, New House (and Body) After All In August I sold my home of 18 years and downsized to a small one-bedroom rental “in town.” For weeks I tripped over boxes, packing paper, out-of-place furniture, the dog, the cat, the dog chasing the cat, size…
April 22, 2024 Columns by Desiree Lama Learning to manage cognitive impairment with multiple sclerosis
April 18, 2024 Columns by Benjamin Hofmeister Learning how to write a ‘SOAP’ note feels different after an MS diagnosis
April 15, 2024 Columns by Leigh Anne Nelson What does ‘delicate balance’ mean in my life with multiple sclerosis?