Articles on Multiple Sclerosis | Living Like You

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Gratitude and MS

Karen reflects on how she found gratitude during hard times, when she received her MS diagnosis and grieving loss of her mother.

Person tying shoelaces on leather brown shoes

The truth about my MS symptoms

LLY blogger, Declan, discusses some of his many MS symptoms, their impact on his daily life and solutions to working round them

Man in white shirt kneeling, holding hand of women in wheelchair

The power of a caregiver

Our LLY blogger, Birgit, shares the hidden power of a caregiver

Woman in sat on bed with laptop and dog

MS: Living in denial

Willeke reflects on her experience dealing with MS symptoms and coming to terms with her diagnosis

Woman looking at a laptop and smiling

COVID-19, MS and doctor’s appointments

COVID-19 has brought many challenges to people with MS in getting treatment, but the results are changing the future of MS care

Phone with red heart, kiss face, red heart emoji on screen

Online Dating and MS

Ever tried online dating? Our LLY Blogger Karen reflects on her various online dating experiences and what she has learned from it.

Older woman in white shirt leans against table laughing with younger woman in white top

MS and ageing

Our LLY blogger, Willeke, gives her thoughts on what it will be like growing old with MS.

Grey to do list journal on white desk with plant

The time MS stole my memory

LLY blogger, Willeke, talks about memory loss as a symptom of MS, and how she has dealt with it over the years.

MS doctor checking MRI scan

My Relationship with having an MRI

Gaby shares her tips for reducing MRI anxiety and on how to make the experience an easier one for those with MS

Person balancing with the sunset behind

Balance and equilibrium with MS

From exercise to mental health, Declan, shares how balance and equilibrium benefit his MS in a positive way

Woman with MS sitting on sofa holding a coffee cup

The MS daily routine

Birgit shares her tips for structuring her day and the importance of a daily routine with MS

Laughing man in brown shirt and woman in brown dress, knelt hugging child.

Family and Relationships

Declan reflects on the impact Multiple Sclerosis has had on the relationships with his family.

Person walking on treadmill

Exercise, MS and me

Declan addresses the excuses for not exercising and debunks the myth that people with MS can’t exercise

Telemedicine consultation on a digital tablet

Symptom changes, treatments & COVID-19

Willeke shares her experience of dealing with symptom changes and access to treatment during the pandemic

Woman hides face behind hands while sat in a chair

MS and cognitive symptoms

Learn more about cog fog (the thinking and memory problems associated with MS) and how to track and manage them.

Woman sitting on a park bench reading a book

Back to life or back to a new normal?

Birgit shares her tips for navigating life with MS as a result of COVID-19

Two hands holding a heart

Telling your partner you have MS

Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been in one for a long time, explaining MS can be tricky

A number of multi-colored tablets in different shapes and sizes

What is NEDA?

No evidence of disease activity (NEDA) is an emerging new goal for MS treatment. Here’s what it is and how it could help you.

Hand holding a pencil begins multiple choice questionnaire.

What does PRO mean?

Learn about Patient Reported Outcomes, a measure increasingly used to assess the impact of MS.

Group of friends looking at sunset

The MS Community

Karen explains the importance of having an MS family and the support they bring

Woman on a horse

MS, exercise and COVID-19

Living Like You blogger Karen explains how she adapted her exercise regime because of COVID-19 and how it benefits her body and mind

Glasses, coffee cup and notebook on a table

Eyesight and interior design with MS

Willeke explores how MS has affected her eyesight and shares some of the steps she’s taken to help improve her symptoms

Declan in his wheelchair at a pier in Spain

My MS Journey Part 3: The balance

Declan has been living with MS for over 20 years now. In the third and final part of his MS story, he tells us how his life has changed

Woman with MS talking to friends and family

The power of validation

You matter. Your Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis matters…even if no one asks about it. Gaby shares her validation story

Woman with MS chatting with friend

Friendships and MS

Gaby shares her tips for maintaining strong relationships while having MS

MRI machine

Having an MRI during COVID-19

Getting an MRI during a pandemic can be daunting but trust in the process, follow the rules and smile

Tiles spelling “Be positive”

Positive thinking with MS

Staying positive when living with MS isn’t always easy. Follow Birgit’s tips for an optimistic outlook on life

Woman dancing with headphones

Music and MS. What’s the connection?

LLY blogger Birgit explains how music helps enhance her life with MS

Woman with MS smiling and talking

My ‘COVID-19-free’ days

Willeke shares her tips for managing the impact of COVID-19 on your lifestyle and MS

Person with MS diving into the sea

How swimming can help MS symptoms

Birgit tells us how swimming has helped more than just her MS symptoms

SPMS patient pointing at tablet and showing doctor

Noticing the early signs of SPMS

Diagnosing SPMS is not always simple. Tracking your symptoms and monitoring your progression helps give you the best care available

Man with MS struggling with invisible symptoms

Invisible MS symptoms

They can’t be seen, but they are there. How do invisible MS symptoms affect daily life?

Declan smiling in graduation robes and holding certificate

My MS story continues – Part 2

Adapting to life with MS can be and tricky can take a lot of adjustment. Declan shares the second part of his MS story

Man and woman discussing life with MS in the kitchen

Living a proactive life with MS

Proactivity – how to have a plan and make decisions in a meaningful way

A baby’s feet wrapped in a white towel

Family planning and MS

Planning for a family brings challenges to anyone’s life, even more so if you have MS

Medical professional in lab coat holding stethoscope and face mask

Dear Doctor, let’s talk MS and COVID-19

Living Like You blogger, Willeke, shares her tips for discussing the impact of COVID-19 on your MS

Woman with MS holding child at beach

I Told My Son That Mommy Has MS

LLY blogger Gaby explains how she told her son that she has multiple sclerosis and provides tips for describing MS to children.

Photographer and man with MS in a rugby wheelchair on photoshoot

More to uS

Introducing the heroes of More to uS, who are proving that Multiple Sclerosis does not define who you are

Declan holding fish

My MS Journey - Part 1

Did you feel alone and confused when you were diagnosed with MS? Declan looks back at his diagnosis and shares his experiences and learnings

Various pills on white background

Types of RRMS treatments decoded

With so many types of RRMS treatments out there, it's hard to know which one is best for you

RRMS

The three stages of RRMS relapses

Although relapses present differently, they are all made up of three stages: before, during and after

MS patients in waiting room looking at iPad

Six ways to manage SPMS symptoms

From meditation to cannabis, check out our tips on the different ways to manage your SPMS symptoms

MS patients laying on grass in circle

‘Beneath the Surface’ MS film

A film telling the stories of people living with multiple sclerosis throughout different phases of their disease journey

Woman with MS reading book on pink sofa

MS and lockdown, mind over matter

LLY blogger Willeke tells us about her COVID-19 lockdown experience and her perspective of ‘mind over matter’

Tips for Keeping Your MS Glass Half Full

Tips for Keeping Your MS Glass Half Full

From writing bucket lists to nightly journaling, Willeke is sharing her tips for staying positive with MS.

Sidecar

SPMS on screen debut

Sidecar is a short film highlighting the importance of monitoring MS progression

Going back to the ‘new normal’

Going back to the ‘new normal’

Tips for getting back into work/shopping/socializing.

Smiley ved fødder

Staying mentally healthy during COVID-19

Advice for staying mentally well with MS during the ever evolving COVID-19 pandemic

Novartis Innovation Prize

Novartis Innovation Prize

The winners of the Novartis Innovation Prize: Assistive Tech for Multiple Sclerosis are announced.

Mobility vs Multiple Sclerosis

Mobility vs. Multiple Sclerosis

Tips for preserving mobility with MS

How Digital Trends Are Improving Patients’ Lives

Patients Go Digital

Birgit is sharing the digital tools that she uses to help manage her MS

Compliment-ary Medicine

Compliment-ary Medicine

Can a compliment a day really keep the doctor away? Declan explores the benefits of sharing some encouragement with those around you.

Karen and Ruby

The power of pets: A letter to Ruby

LLY blogger Karen shares the power of pets in this letter to her dog Ruby

Karen and Ruby

The power of pets: Part 2

LLY blogger Karen shares the power of pets in this letter from her dog Ruby

MS diet and body connection

The MS Diet and Body Connection

With so many MS diets out there, it's hard to know which is the best option for you. Check out these tips and insights.

Woman on sofa with coffee

MS and COVID-19: the 'new normal'

Tips and advice for staying mentally and physically healthy with MS through COVID-19

MS Carers: Spotting signs of progression

Carers: Spotting symptoms changes

Whether a friend, partner, family member or colleague, the people around an MSer can be key to identifying symptom changes.

5 top tips for living well with SPMS

Living well with SPMS

MS progression isn’t as simple as having RRMS one day and SPMS the next. We break down how to live well with SPMS.

Meditation

My experience of MS body-shaming

Willeke believes that there’s no denying how MS tests our perception of ‘the perfect body’.

Miss, Mrs and MS: Womanhood and MS

Miss, Mrs and MS: Womanhood and MS

Jamie reflects on the specific ways that an MS diagnosis can affect women.

Kvinde ved computer

Coping at work with MS

After five years out of the workplace, Jamie shares her thoughts on heading back into the office.

Managing relapses and MS

My way of dealing with relapses

15 years after her MS diagnosis, Willeke reflects on her attitudes to her relapses.

Managing MS muscle weakness

Managing MS muscle weakness

Muscle spasms or stiffness affect at least one in five of people with MS. Discover how best to care for your muscles.

MS Pain 101

MS pain 101

From neuropathic to musculoskeletal, did you know that there are actually different kinds of MS pain?

Independence and MS

Independence with MS - is this possible?

From being able to work to going for a walk, Birgit discusses what independence really means when it comes to MS.

The financial impact of MS

My top 7 tips for exercising with MS

In an exercise funk? Willeke shares how she motivates herself to get moving

MS Progression: How Do Symptoms Change Over Time?

MS progression and symptom changes

MS is a condition of many phases – learn about it can evolve over time

MS symptoms: How to track changes

Tracking MS symptom changes

Picking up on MS symptom changes is key to helping manage the condition. Check out our top tips.

Sovende kvinde

Talking MS fatigue

How to talk MS fatigue with friends, family, colleagues and doctors.

How to keep MS from stealing your Zzzzz

How to keep MS from stealing your Zzzzz

Here are some tips to help you get your zzzzs.

My Dad Has MS: An Interview

A conversation with my daughters

Living Like You blogger Declan interviews his daughters on how his MS has impacted them.

Knowing when to swipe right with MS

Knowing when to swipe right with MS

Tips for navigating the dating scene.

MS and the Mind-Body Connection

MS and the mind-body connection

The mind and body are inextricably linked and this connection has an impact on MS.

Eyes Helping Assess MS Progression

How your eyes can help assess your MS

Your eyes are your window to the world.

Meditating With MS

Meditation: Breathe in and out...

For LLY blogger Birgit, just ten minutes of meditation each morning helps her prepare for the day.

Why MS Can Be a Real Pain in the… Bladder

Why MS can be a real pain in the…

Urinary Tract Infections are annoying, unpleasant, and can also be an indirect symptom of Multiple Sclerosis.

Gut Bacteria and Managing MS

Can listening to your gut help MS?

Think bacteria are icky? We look at the potential benefits of healthy gut flora on multiple sclerosis.

Easy Nutrition Life Hacks to Help You and Your Multiple Sclerosis

Food for thought: Nutrition #MSlifehacks

After her multiple sclerosis diagnosis, Living Like You blogger Karen decided to make changes to her diet.

Skeletal Health

Boning up on skeletal health

Investing in your bone health when you have MS is essential.

Kvinde med mobil

Five free brain training apps

Here are five engaging and effective brain-training apps that won’t cost you a cent.

How to Talk MS at Work

How to talk MS at work

Our handy guide on dealing with MS at work.

Could –omics hold the key to MS?

Could –omics hold the key to MS?

We spotlight molecular research on Multiple Sclerosis and what “omics” could mean for the future.

Myelin under the microscope

Myelin under the microscope

Myelin is another one of those confusing MS terms, but it’s pretty important.

MS over 150 Years

Multiple Sclerosis in 150 years

Find out more about the 150 year history of MS.

What You Eat Affects Your Health

Can what you eat help MS?

Get the ins and outs of managing MS by first focusing on what you eat.

Waistline

How your waistline could impact your MS

Jeans not fitting right? We take a look at how multiple sclerosis can impact your weight.

Your gut health and MS

MS and gut bacteria

You are what you eat?

Financial Tips for People With MS

Financial planning for the young MSer

Here are tips about financial planning for people living Multiple Sclerosis.

8 life hacks for staying fit with MS

8 life hacks for staying fit with MS

Working out is great, but sometimes the logistics get in the way of a good sweat session.

Financial Impact of MS

The financial impact of MS

LLY blogger Birgit shares her tips on how to handle the impact of MS on finances.

healthy hacks at desk

Hacks when you’re at your desk

Our top tips for staying healthy in the workplace.

Healthy Fats and MS

Is fat your friend?

Not all fats are bad. We break down the potential health benefits of foods rich in omega-3s.

Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy

MS and pregnancy – part 1

Does multiple sclerosis affect pregnancy? We take a look at the facts.

Multiple Sclerosis and Pregnancy

MS and pregnancy – part 2

We take a deeper look at how pregnancy could affect MS.

The oral contraceptive and MS

The impact of contraceptives on MS

Could you be at increased risk of Multiple Sclerosis when you take the birth control pill?

A New Perspective

How an MS life hack helped me

Jamie shares how #MSLifeHacks helped her get the medicine she needed to get to her child.

Life Hacks for Multiple Sclerosis, Living with MS

MS through a child's eyes

From when she was first diagnosed to now, Karen has undergone a dramatic transformation.

bff neurologist

Should you be BFFs with your neurologist

According to Declan, finding a doctor that is your BFF should not be your top priority.

Improving communication with your doctor

Dear Doctor, talk human to me

Living Like You blogger Willeke shares her tips for avoiding common and confusing medical jargon.

Sex and Sclerosis

Sex and sclerosis

How to stay safe and satisfied, and maintain a healthy sex life with MS.

Sh*t people say about MS

Sh*t people say about MS

Sh*t people say about multiple sclerosis.

The diary of my MS

The diary of my MS

When Karen was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2007, the world as she knew it, collapsed.

Bladder Dysfunction and Multiple Sclerosis

MS symptoms we don't like to talk about…

The bladder is an organ like all others—so why are people living with MS afraid to discuss bladder dysfunction?

MS and Combatting Stress

MS and forest bathing

For some people living with MS, excess stress can have a worsening effect on their symptoms.

Volunteering and Multiple sclerosis mental health

How volunteering helped my mental health

Karen has starting volunteering and it has helped her feel better in herself.

MS and Depression

Depression & MS: my experience

LLY blogger Jamie has shared her experience of depression with MS.

Kvinde ved computer

Coping at work with MS

After five years out of the workplace, Jamie shares her thoughts on heading back into the office.

Pets - MSer’s best friend?

Pets are an Mser's best friend

The many benefits of owning a pet when living with MS.

talking to your doctor

Tips for talking to your doctor

Discussing MS symptoms with your doctor can be embarrassing. We’re sharing tips and tricks to help you build courage.

Lassitude Fatigue and MS

MS fatigue vs lassitude fatigue

LLY blogger Jamie shares her experience of lassitude fatigue and her advice on how to deal with tiredness when living with MS.

Can music improve your MS symptoms?

Can music improve your MS symptoms?

Picking up a bass after a doctor’s appointment changed Living Like You blogger Jamie’s MS journey for the better.

Multiple Sclerosis and Headaches

MS and migraines: The link

A look at the relationship between headaches and Multiple Sclerosis.

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What’s in a name? Understanding your MS

There are several phases of Multiple Sclerosis.

Using Tech for Your MS

Four MS tech hacks

Four MS tech hacks that could help.

MS Symptoms with Yoga

Can MS symptoms be improved with yoga?

Yoga has the potential to improve both your mind and body.

Multiple Sclerosis and Sex in Men

Sex and sclerosis - for men

For all the guys out there, we got honest about sex and Multiple Sclerosis.

A finger on a dog’s nose

Raising a pet when you have MS

LLY Blogger Willeke reflects on her experience looking after her dog whilst living with MS

5 women sitting on a sofa, talking.

Opening up about my MS

LLY blogger, Karen, answers some of the questions her family and friends have always been afraid to ask about her MS.

MS and relationships

Love is hard, so let’s break it down

Relationships and multiple sclerosis: Love is hard, so let’s break it down.

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