News, info and tips for living with multiple sclerosis

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

Need Help? Don’t be Too Proud to Ask for it

need help

“Do you need help?” The question came from a 30-something woman after I’d finished loading some cartons into the back of my SUV. I automatically replied, “No thanks, all done.” But lifting and loading isn’t an easy job for me. My upper body strength is good, but my legs are weak and offer no help to my topside. In addition, I’ve slacked on my exercising, so I’m not as strong…Continue Reading

Use Caution When Using Cannabis for MS.

cannabis for ms

People with MS who are using cannabis take heed. A research letter published in May in JAMA Network Open reports that calls to poison control centers about people using cannabis products have been increasing over the past several years. Public health officials are concerned. According to the letter, written by various health experts in the U.S., one problem is that a growing number of retail sales involve manufactured cannabis products…Continue Reading

Poppy Has MS, But so What?

My grandson, John, turned 5 in May, and my granddaughter, Hayden, turned 7 in June. I love being their Poppy, but I wish their Poppy didn’t have MS. I was diagnosed with MS in 1980, just over a year after our son, Geoff, was born. He and our grandkids have lived with my MS all of their lives. I’ve only lived with it for about half of mine. As I…Continue Reading