Managing MS

Managing MS

DMTs and Their Side Effects: Our Lived Experiences

With nearly 30 disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) now available to help slow the progression of multiple sclerosis, people can feel overwhelmed by the choices. While people should discuss these with their physician, one important consideration is each treatment's potential side effects. Here, Bezzy MS readers discuss which medication they take and what, if any, side effects they personally experience.

Managing MS

Weathering MS: How Heat and Cold Sensitivity Affect My Mobility

People with multiple sclerosis often experience worsening symptoms with extremely warm or cool weather. I find that my foot drop and walking ability are particularly affected, so I’ve learned some strategies that help keep me stable.

Managing MS

Cycling with MS: Gaining Strength and Deepening Family Ties

Early in my journey toward a diagnosis, I felt so fatigued that exercise was out of the question. But once I began treatment for MS and the worst of my symptoms subsided, I began biking. It helped me feel more energetic and stronger and created deeper bonds with my family.

Managing MS

Optimizing Nutrition for Multiple Sclerosis

People with MS often wonder if a certain diet or food will help change the course of their disease process. While no one diet or food can do this, eating a Mediterranean-style diet high in antioxidants, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients may help reduce symptoms and promote overall health.

Managing MS

Cane and Able: Learning to Use My Mobility Aid Properly Gave Me More Access to the World

I resisted using a mobility aid for a long time. When I finally relented, I thought I instinctively knew how to use it properly. I was wrong, but physical therapy helped me learn to use it correctly and way more efficiently. I now move through the world with much greater ease.

Managing MS

How to Exercise When MS Limits Your Mobility

The wide range of multiple sclerosis symptoms, from muscle weakness and spasticity to vision changes, numbness, and heat intolerance, can make the thought of exercise daunting. Here's how to modify exercises for strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health even when MS symptoms seem to interfere.

Managing MS

Using AI to Manage Your Health Condition

I live with ulcerative colitis, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, as well as several other chronic health conditions. I wanted to see if ChatGPT could help me track my symptoms, plan meals, provide educational resources, and help me better manage my sleep and exercise routines. It was more useful in some areas than others.

Managing MS

Headed for a Fall?

Multiple sclerosis symptoms can increase your risk of falling. Learning prevention strategies — and techniques for falling safely — can minimize your risk of serious injury.

Managing MS

MS Symptom Changes After the Holidays: When to Ride Them Out and When to Seek Help

If you feel more fatigued or are experiencing other changes in your multiple sclerosis symptoms after the holidays or other periods of stress or busy-ness, you may wonder if these are symptoms you can resolve with a little extra rest or if they suggest something more serious. A few key details can help you tell the difference.

Managing MS

Not All MRIs Are Created Equal

Today, many people with MS may be able to have imaging tests done in an open MRI. There are several types, with news one being used in research, that will help diagnose and monitor MS.

Managing MS

I Was Diagnosed with MS 25 Years Ago — but Physical Therapy Helped Me This Year

I was very skeptical when my neurologist recommended PT for my weak leg. But when I went, I was able to improve my strength, balance, walking ability, and energy levels. And I still keep up with my exercises.

Managing MS

Finding Balance: Creating an MS Diet for My Whole Self

I tried so many diets to manage my multiple sclerosis symptoms. In my pursuit of the perfect diet, I lost sight of the big picture: my individuality.

Managing MS

Should You Try a Clinical Trial as a Treatment Option? What to Know

Clinical trials may offer cutting-edge treatment options for your condition. Here's what to know.

Managing MS

Why Does My MS Feel Worse If I Don’t Have Any New Lesions?

People with multiple sclerosis may develop "progression independent of relapse activity," or PIRA, in which worsening symptoms sneak up slowly and evade common neurological testing.

Managing MS

6 Tips for Remembering Medications

It’s time to get organized. Here are six tips for remembering to take your medications from someone living with diabetes.

Managing MS

My Favorite Gluten-Free Foods for Managing My MS Symptoms

I’ve been on a gluten-free diet for 10 years, and after much trial and error, I’ve discovered some favorite foods that help me keep pain and fatigue in check.

Managing MS

I Was a Technophobe — Then I Got Tech-Savvy to Manage My Chronic Condition Better

I used to hate technology. Then, I learned it could help me manage costs, communicate quicker and more effectively with my doctors, and save me time and energy. And it wasn’t nearly as difficult as I’d imagined!

Managing MS

What’s the Best Climate for MS?

Extreme temperatures — both hot and cold — can make symptoms of multiple sclerosis worse. So can high humidity, and maybe even air pollution. We examine the evidence and make recommendations — even if you can't move across the country right now.

Managing MS

The Medicinal Magic of Music

Bezzy RA guide, Ashley Boynes-Shuck, shares her relationship with music and how it's helped her through hard times.

Managing MS

Should I Take Dietary Supplements to Help Improve My MS Symptoms?

Ongoing research suggests supplementing with certain nutrients may help manage some MS symptoms.

Managing MS

Hope for the Future: MS Treatments That Don’t Suppress Our Immune System

The disease-modifying treatments currently available for multiple sclerosis leave us susceptible to catching potentially deadly viruses. We need different options, and fortunately researchers are working on them.

Managing MS

How Meditation Helps Me Manage My Pain

Try this beginner's meditation guide to soothe pain from chronic conditions.

Managing MS

What’s The Best Diet for MS?

Research into specific diets like keto and gluten-free is limited, but choosing nutritious foods over heavily processed foods may help people with MS.

Managing MS

What to Know About Infusion Treatments for MS

Infusion therapy is one type of disease-modifying treatment for MS. Six different infusion therapies are currently available for MS, and each carries its own risks and benefits.

Managing MS

Does MS Cause Weight Gain?

Weight gain isn't a direct symptom of multiple sclerosis, but living with the disease can make it harder to eat well and exercise.

Managing MS

MS Itching: Causes and Treatment Options

People with multiple sclerosis may experience chronic itching, and feel frustrated when typical approaches to resolving it don't work. We break down what causes it, and what you can do about it.

Managing MS

How Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect the Eyes?

Multiple sclerosis can lead to numerous problems with the eyes and vision, but eye twitching isn't commonly one of them. Here's a breakdown of the most common eye symptoms of MS.

Managing MS

The Surprising Symptoms I Never Knew Were from MS

Some symptoms of multiple sclerosis seem to get all the attention. So when I started having trouble with swallowing, vision, mood, and electrical sensations, I never associated them with MS. Turns out, they're all part of it.

Managing MS

7 Ways to Break the Cycle of Low Mood and Chronic Pain in MS

Research suggests that chronic pain in MS can lead to depressed mood, and that depressed mood can reinforce your sensitivity to pain. For best results, it's important to treat both symptoms at the same time. Here's how.

Managing MS

Overcoming MS Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common — and least understood — symptoms of MS. We provide a mix of research-backed and crowdsourced tips for managing it when it hits.

Managing MS

Accessing Accommodations at Work or School Can Feel Overwhelming. Where Do I Start?

Whether you are a student or in the workforce, you deserve to have your needs met. Asking for accommodations can be intimidating. This article will help you figure out your first steps.

Managing MS

Managing Foot Drop in MS

Foot drop is the most common symptom contributing to walking difficulty among people with MS. It can interfere with mobility and activities of daily living, but numerous treatment options are available.

Managing MS

The Lasting Effect of the Opioid Epidemic on People Living with Chronic Pain Conditions

The ripple effect of opioid overprescription and misuse has left some people living with chronic pain without adequate care and carrying the burden of stigma. Experts are looking for adequate alternative treatments, but there's a long way to go.

Managing MS

Managing Headaches in MS

People with MS experience headaches often. These may include migraine, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Learn about possible links between headaches and MS, and how to prevent and treat them.

Managing MS

How Intermittent Fasting Helps Me Reach My MS Goals

In addition to supporting weight loss, intermittent fasting can help improve the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation. These effects may help reduce multiple sclerosis symptoms and overall outcomes.

Managing MS

Multiple Sclerosis Glossary: 52 Terms You Should Know

People with MS will be able to communicate more clearly and efficiently with their care team and others in the MS community if they learn and use the terminology associated with their disease. We present a list of important terms.

Managing MS

How I Adapt My Fitness Routine to My Changing Abilities

Having multiple sclerosis means my abilities vary from day to day, so my fitness routine does too. I still find a way to move some body part every day.

Managing MS

The MS Hug: The Embrace No One Wants

The MS hug is one symptom of multiple sclerosis that feels like a tight squeezing sensation around the chest. It can be mistaken for other health concerns, so it's important to identify it correctly when it occurs. Then you can take steps to minimize the discomfort.

Managing MS

Help Your MS with Better Sleep

Sleep problems are common in MS, and can worsen the progression of the disease. Learn why sleep problems happen and what you can do about them.

Managing MS

Tired? Decision Fatigue May Be to Blame

Decision fatigue is common in people with chronic conditions. Learn what it is and simple tips to manage it.

Managing MS

Managing Scanning Speech in MS

People with MS may develop scanning speech, a type of dysarthria characterized by unusually long pauses between words, or equal emphasis on all words.

Managing MS

Am I ‘Sick Enough’ for a Mobility Aid?

If you’re asking if you need a mobility aid, chances are you do. Understand your options, how to navigate stigma, and how to know if you “really” need a mobility aid.

Managing MS

Ask Ardra Anything: When Can I See My PCP Instead of My Neurologist?

While it's important to see your neurologist for any changes in MS symptoms, your primary care doc can handle most other concerns.

Managing MS

We Need to Talk About The Financial Challenges of Living with a Chronic Condition

Living with a chronic condition can be expensive. We need to do a better job of providing resources and support to those who need it. Here are some of the ways that living with a chronic condition or disability can be costly, as well as some tips for ways to get assistance.

Managing MS

How Chronic Illness Affects More Than Just Your Physical Health

The nonphysical effects of living with a chronic condition are often ignored or underestimated. We need to change that. These are nine ways that living with a chronic condition has affected my life and strategies I've found to help me cope.

Managing MS

Driving Changes with MS

Once it was no longer safe for me to drive, I felt a big hit to my independence. But I've since learned other ways to get around and get things done.

Managing MS

What’s in My Toolbox for Managing MS Pain?

Yes, everybody hurts sometimes, but those of us with MS need some specialized tools to manage pain. Here are mine.

Managing MS

Flu Season Is Upon Us: What Those Living with Chronic Conditions Need to Know

If you're living with a chronic condition, it's important to be aware of your risks and what you can do to lower your risk of catching the flu. Learn more here.

Managing MS

Managing Holiday Travel with MS

Hacks can make traveling with MS or other disabilities easier, like choosing certain luggage, asking for help, and packing medications for MS flares.

Managing MS

I Tried Stem Cell Therapy for My MS

It's risky and painful. It's expensive and experimental. It's definitely not for everyone — or even most people — but it was right for me.

Managing MS

Contemplative Practices Can Help When You Live with Chronic Pain

Pain has taught me a lot about who I am. My contemplative practice has been an important part of my journey into knowing myself.

Managing MS

What’s New in MS Research?

What are the latest findings in MS treatment and management?

Managing MS

How I Manage MS Heat Sensitivity During the Summer

When my multiple sclerosis makes summer heat unbearable, I keep my cool using a variety of tools — everything from neck fans to nectarines.

Managing MS

Can Folate Supplements Benefit People with Multiple Sclerosis?

Learn about the potential benefits of folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 supplements for multiple sclerosis.

Managing MS

How to Navigate the U.S. Healthcare System When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Dealing with the U.S. healthcare system when you have a chronic condition can feel impossible, but it’s easier when you know what to expect.

Managing MS

How Mobility Aids Have Affected My Experience Living with Chronic Illness

My cane and rollator walker have changed my life for the better by helping me experience life more fully.

Managing MS

What’s in My Bag?

Life with MS means having certain essentials ready 24/7. Here are the things I never leave home without.

Managing MS

Connecting with a New Doctor: Tips for Building a Bridge

When you live with a chronic condition, your relationships with your doctors can be extremely personal. Ashley Memory describes her experiences building trust with a new doctor, following the retirement of her beloved MS neurologist.

Managing MS

I Tried Orthotics for My Foot Drop and This Is What Happened

My balance, posture, and gait all improved.

Managing MS

I Just Switched Neurologists — Why I Did and How to Seamlessly Transition Practices

If you're thinking about switching neurologists, for any number of valid reasons, setting yourself up for a smooth transition is really important.

Managing MS

Immunocompromised? Here’s How to Navigate the Ever-Changing COVID-19 Guidelines

Understanding our unique set of concerns and protocols can feel dizzying. But there are actions you can take to protect yourself.

Managing MS

6 Tips That Help Me Manage Heat Sensitivity with MS

I love summer, but the heat can make my multiple sclerosis symptoms worse. Here are my favorite tips for keeping cool.

Managing MS

Understanding MS Relapse Triggers and Symptoms

When you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), symptoms can unexpectedly flare up. Here's what to know about triggers and symptoms of MS relapses.

Managing MS

How to Be Your Own Best Advocate When You’re Living with a Chronic Illness

Good self-advocacy in medical settings requires a complicated balance of confidence and humility.

Managing MS

Ask the Expert: COVID-19 Vaccines and Chronic Conditions

A pharmacist answers common questions among Healthline's chronic condition communities.

Managing MS

How Virtual Care Has Changed My Chronic Illness Treatment

The option of virtual care used to be a dream for managing my chronic illness. It took a pandemic for that dream to come true.

Managing MS

14 Products to Make Life with MS a Little Easier

When it comes to living well with MS, here are 14 products you may not have heard about from your doctor.

Managing MS

How to Rebuild Trust with Doctors After a Misdiagnosis

When it comes to living with a chronic condition, the doctor-patient relationship will be one of the most important connections you ever build.

Managing MS

The Swank MS Diet: What You Should Know

The Swank diet has been touted as a treatment for MS symptoms and progression. Is it the real deal?

Managing MS

6 Exercises for MS Bladder Control

Say goodbye to bladder control problems with these exercises prescribed by pelvic health physical therapists.

Managing MS

Immunocompromised: How to Know If You Have a Weakened Immune System

If you have a compromised immune system, you can take actions to protect yourself and stay healthy.

Managing MS

A Guide to Disability Benefits and Multiple Sclerosis

Disability benefits can give you some much-needed peace of mind when you’re living with multiple sclerosis.