The MS Wire

News, info and tips for living with multiple sclerosis

Category: Living with MS

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

Can You Give Your Pain a Pain Scale Number?

Lately, I’ve been thinking about pain — specifically, how to match a number to my pain. While lying on a treatment table my physical therapist Richard asked me to rate my pain, on a scale from zero to 10, as he manipulated my shoulder. I’m sure many of you have been asked something similar by a healthcare provider, as it’s a standard way of assessing pain. But it doesn’t make…Continue Reading

A Paralympic Bull’s-eye for This Woman With MS

Lia Coryell says she wanted to die. According to The New York Times, after fighting COVID-19 last winter, Coryell 56, was hit with heart and kidney failure, pneumonia, and shingles. This was in addition to living with progressive multiple sclerosis. “I’ve had to fight this really dark demon that says: ‘Why are you fighting this? Just let go, let go,’” Coryell told the Times‘ Ben Shpigel. “But I’ve never let go…Continue Reading

I Found What I Want in my MS Shoes

I wish I could walk a mile in my shoes but, even with a new pair, that’s not going to happen. My MS limits me to about 100 steps while using two canes and a functional electrical stimulation device strapped under my left knee. Because walking is so difficult, the choice of my MS shoe is important. Here’s what I want in my MS shoes I like shoes with a…Continue Reading

A Third COVID-19 Shot for People With MS?

Third covid vaccine

Now that a third COVID-19 shot has been approved in the U.S. for immunocompromised people, and vaccine boosters are expected to be available to the general public sometime after Sept. 20, Walgreens and CVS have lost no time in offering the additional shot to those who qualify. Like their previous policies for vaccine shots and COVID-19 tests, the stores require people to make appointments online, and they’ll be happy to jab you. But should you get that…Continue Reading