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They say the eyes are the mirror to the soul...but it looks like they could also be a mirror to the progression of multiple sclerosis. A newly published study in the Journal of Neurology explores the possibility that retinal scans could reveal the disease activity for progressive MS.  This information could prove to be especially valuable for evalutaing clinical trials.  Always good to see … [Read more...] about MS Research – The Eyes Have It

One of the biggest challenges with MS (or any other chronic illness) is fighting to keep the disease from identifying us.  Amidst all of the time, energy, and money required for disease management, it's easy to let the disease define us.  Since MS is in our faces, it's sometimes easy to let the rest of our qualities fade into the background. I was reading a devotional today that helped to bring … [Read more...] about Keeping Perspective

One of my least favorite side effects of MS is the increased risk of falling.  Balance issues are quite common for a number of reasons.  My biggest challenge is getting off-balance when I'm using my ankle foot orthotic (AFO) because I can't compensate for the extra weight on that leg.  I find that when I'm walking down a slight incline and I trip (even slightly) with my AFO leg, I'll stumble … [Read more...] about Falling with MS

There are two different ways to approach multiple sclerosis.  We can passively resign ourselves to having a chronic illness.  Or we can focus in thriving, not just surviving, by taking charge of our lives which include having a chronic illness.  The difference is being proactive instead of reactive.   The first step is setting goals that involve taking control instead of just drifting from … [Read more...] about 2013 Resolutions

Superman has kryptonite.  People with MS have heat.  Heat sensitivity is a common problem for those of us living with multiple sclerosis on a daily basis. I got reminded of that last week.  Spasticity is a common issue for me, but last Tuesday morning, my leg was locked.  Typically, patience and some gentle guidance from my husband and me will help bend my left leg, but that did not work at … [Read more...] about MS and Fever

Have you gotten your flu shot yet? The CDC reports that the flu season has gotten started early and looks like it could be bad this year.  On the plus side, it looks like this year's vaccine is well suited for fighting off this year's flu strain. If you've got MS, then the flu is of particular concern.  MS and heat don't go together well, and getting the flu is a recipe for disaster.  The … [Read more...] about Flu and MS