News, info and tips for living with multiple sclerosis
It’s not easy going for a cruise when a scooter and a couple of canes come along for the trip. I’ve done it with success a number of times in the past, and planning helps a lot. My wife and I recently returned from our first first cruise since the pandemic began. It was also the first cruise for us with our son and his family. Much was the same…Continue Reading
Thanksgiving is just a few days away, so I thought it would be a good time to repeat a few of my airline travel tips and add a few new ones. Get the wait-time app Needless to say, you need to get to the airport early on busy travel days. How early? In the United States, the Transportation Service Administration has an app, MyTSA, which will help you judge. It…Continue Reading
It’s the time of year for travel here in the U.S. Graduations, weddings and vacations are on all of our calendars. Air travel, in particular, can be a real pain for someone with a handicap such as multiple sclerosis. Security, aircraft seats and legroom are all becoming increasingly tighter. I’ve flown quite a bit for business and pleasure, and I’ve learned a few things that make my life a little…Continue Reading
To scoot or not to scoot? Is is better to drag your legs around for as long as you can or to give in and get yourself a set of electric wheels? That decision prompted this vent on a multiple sclerosis Facebook group recently: “I’m just wondering if anyone has this happen to them. Every time I go to the store I have someone roll up on me in their…Continue Reading
(This first appeared as my column in www.multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com) “Round round get around. I get around.” I was humming that classic 1960s Beach Boys tune this morning (yes, I’m that old) as I thought about a feature story that I saw on one of the TV networks the other night. The story profiled Cory Lee. Cory has spinal muscular atrophy, which means he’s one of us gimps who get around on…Continue Reading
Today, on the 15th anniversary of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, I’m re-posting a story that I posted a few months ago. It’s about a trip that I made to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York City last Spring…a trip that will resonate with anyone who makes it. And I encourage everyone to make it. ** I grew up in Lower Manhattan. Though I’ve lived…Continue Reading
I love the summer. I also live at the beach. So, I’m just asking for trouble. I can’t help it. Being out in the sun is one of my greatest pleasures, followed by hanging around in the swimming pool at our condo. Note that I said in the pool. Staying in the cool water helps offset the problems that summertime temperatures create for those of us with MS. Even if…Continue Reading
My neurologist tells me “the buzz is good” about ocrelizumab. The investing web site Motley Fool calls it “the revolutionary Multiple Sclerosis drug you’ve never heard of.” Ocrelizumab, which Genentech hopes to market under the name Ocrevus, is special because it’s designed to treat primary-progressive, as well as relapsing-remitting, MS. How does it work? I’m not a scientist, but after reading a lot of scientific writing here’s my best attempt to…Continue Reading
I grew up in Lower Manhattan. Though I’ve lived in Maryland since 1973, once a New Yorker…always a New Yorker. So, I’ve always felt the closeness of a New Yorker to the events of September 11, 2001. Earlier this month I finally had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to pay my respects to those who died there and also to see the magnificent 1 World Trade…Continue Reading
Why didn’t someone think of this long ago? The “Ogo” is the coolest thing I’ve seen for getting around when your legs can’t do the job. And you don’t need your arms, either. Just bend in the direction that you want to travel, just like riding on a Segway, and off you go. You can even change tires and travel off-road…through the woods or down the beach. The prototype can…Continue Reading