News, info and tips for living with multiple sclerosis

My MS Bladder Coaster is Looping Again

My MS Bladder Coaster

I thought I finally had this bladder thing licked. After years of urinary urgency and frequency, I’d been doing much better. I was sleeping at least seven hours a night without having to go to the bathroom, and bathroom trips were less frequent in the daytime, too. When traveling by car, the once common question “How long to the next rest area?” became less of a concern. During our annual…Continue Reading

I’m Suddenly Sleeping Sounder. How come?

Man sleeping in bed

I had a great night’s sleep the other night. I fell asleep quickly and slept straight through the night for nearly seven hours. When I got up in the morning, I felt refreshed, which is exceedingly rare for me. This has happened a few more times since then. What changed? I’ve been sleeping in the same bed with the same blankets and the same wife for years. I haven’t made…Continue Reading

Cold, Demyelination and MS

cold

I hate the cold. It triggers my bladder and stiffens my legs. When the leaves start to turn in Maryland, I start thinking about the palm trees in Florida. So, I was interested to read research from the University of Geneva that indicates that exposure to cold may stop, and even reverse, nerve demyelination that occurs in multiple sclerosis (MS). These scientists applied the concept of life history theory to…Continue Reading

Time to Make a Date for the Flue Vaccine

flu vaccine

A couple weeks ago, my wife and I rolled up our sleeves and got our shots again. No, not the COVID-19 vaccine. We’ve already had two of those shots, and expect to receive a third before Thanksgiving. Our latest shot was the seasonal flu vaccine, which we’ve gotten every year for as long as I can remember. With all of the attention on COVID-19 vaccines, you may have forgotten about…Continue Reading

Ageism in Healthcare Webinar

Kaiser Health News, a group of healthcare journalists that I follow and that produces excellent, well-researched, reporting, is producing a webinar on ageism in healthcare. I think many people with MS have serious problems receiving equal treatment as they age. So, I’m pleased that KHN is providing this discussion. DATE: Thursday, October 21, noon to 1:30 p.m. Eastern time. WHO: Judith Graham, Navigating Aging columnist for Kaiser Health News, will…Continue Reading

Are You Ready for Doctor Amazon?

Dr. Amazon

Would you sign up for healthcare from the place where you buy books, bluejeans, and bagels? Amazon thinks you might, and the company is moving closer to becoming the doctor in your house, according to a report last month by Insider. Amazon has been dabbling in the healthcare business for a few years. In January 2018, it joined JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway in launching a program called Haven, which…Continue Reading

MS Exercise Study Looking for Volunteers

Here’s an opportunity to participate in a study that compares an in-person MS exercise program with one that’s done on-line. In the STEP for MS program, participants will exercise about one hour, twice a week, for 16 weeks. Some will do this in a clinic and some at home. A trained “coach” will help participants learn how to exercise and will provide encouragement as they do. There will be clinic…Continue Reading