Between 60% and 80% of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients are sensitive to environmental heat and experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms when it's hot or humid or they have a fever. Fortunately, these symptoms are usually temporary and go away when you cool down. Here are tips for preventing heat-related problems: 1- Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. (P.S: the cost may be tax deductible if you get a written prescription from your doctor) 2- Avoid exercising on hot and humid days and only exercise earlier or later in the day when it's cooler. 3- Avoid too much alcohol, eat light, and stay hydrated by drinking water and cool beverages. 4- Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes and use cooling products available in the market, including cooling vests, neck bands, hats, etc. 5- Apply for a disabled parking permit if necessary. This helps you save your energy by walking a shorter distance and minimize the risk of heat-related symptoms. 6- Always consult with your doctor and healthcare providers about how to treat and prevent serious heat-related symptoms. - Share your experiences or concerns with the most authentic MS community to get feedbacks from like-minded people. (You may need to sign up first) ------------------------------- Follow TraXel & Stay Tuned: Website: https://www.mytraxel.com/ MS Community: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://www.mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission

More than 50% of MS patients have sleep disorders. Some MS-related symptoms such as spasticity, depression, overthinking, stress, and bladder issues may also cause poor sleep. MS-related Insomnia can be very exhausting. Here are 7 tips for improving your sleep quality: 1- Have nighttime routines, such as taking a shower or going to bed at the same time every night. 2- Avoid overthinking and stressful conversations or emails before going to bed. 3- Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. 4- Reduce your caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon. 5- Avoid eating or watching TV while in bed. 6- Turn off all smart devices (such as smart phones) and keep them far away from your bed. This discourages you from checking them during your sleep. 7- Always consult with your doctor and healthcare providers about how to mitigate your MS-related symptoms leading to sleep disorders (such as bladder issues, depression, etc.) - Please share your experiences or concerns regarding MS & sleep problems below this post and with the most authentic MS community to get feedbacks from like-minded people. (You may need to sign up first. You could also sign in using your Facebook account) ------------------------------- Follow TraXel & Stay Tuned: Website: https://www.mytraxel.com/ MS Community: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://www.mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission

Studies suggest that there is an association between smoking and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) progression: 1- Smokers have a higher chance of developing MS; a worse disease course; and a faster disease progression. 2- Smoking may decrease the effectiveness of MS treatment and increase the risk of disability in MS patients. 3- Studies also suggest that MS patients who smoke may progress to Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS) at a faster rate. The good news is that quitting smoking will provide protective benefits in MS patients, such as protecting their long-term cognitive function and CNS integrity, and delaying the transition to secondary progressive MS (SPMS). - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story offers great value to others. Please share your experience with the most authentic MS community founded by a group of patients, scientists, and neurologists. ------------------------------- Follow TraXel & Stay Tuned: Website: https://www.mytraxel.com/ MS Community: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://www.mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission

It’s not uncommon for MS patients to gain weight due to their symptoms, treatments, fatigue, low energy, physical barriers, and depression. It would be a good idea to keep your weight in check by: 1- Building an exercise routine: Consult with your doctor and start a routine within your range of ability that meets your needs and stick to it. 2- Avoiding emotional eating: Mood swings, such as stress and depression, may lead to emotional eating. Be aware of it and try relaxation and stress management techniques, such as yoga or meditation. 3- Sticking to a well-balanced diet: Although there is no evidence that a specific diet can prevent or treat MS, being overweight may worsen MS symptoms. Talk to your doctor, create a healthy diet, and make sure you're getting enough water, vitamins and minerals. 4- Monitoring your weight: If you don’t hold yourself accountable, who will? Weigh yourself regularly and hold yourself accountable. - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story offers great value to others. Please share your experience with the most authentic MS community founded by a group of patients, scientists, and neurologists. ------------------------------- Follow TraXel & Stay Tuned: Website: https://www.mytraxel.com/ MS Community: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://www.mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission

Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your experience offers great value to others. -------------------------------- Follow TraXel in Social Media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/mytraxel Instagram: www.instagram.com/mytraxel YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg

Based on a study published in "The American Journal of Managed Care", the total lifetime cost per MS patient is estimated to be $4.1 million. Based on this report, the average yearly healthcare costs of an MS patient may range from $30,000 to $100,000 (based on the severity of the disease). Here are 3 tips for reducing the economic burden of MS: 1- Contact the patient assistance program of your pharmaceutical company Don't pay more than what you should. Most pharmaceutical companies offer assistance programs for the drugs they manufacture. It's important to know if any program is available for the drug you are taking. You can find the right copay programs for your medicine here: https://www.mytraxel.com/copayprograms 2- Consult with your neurologist about your cost: It's very important to consult with your doctor about your economic burden. Your neurologist must be aware of your ability to afford a medication before prescribing it. In addition, he/she may know and refer you to a nonprofit assistance foundation, copay program, or other patients who are receiving help and can share their experiences with you. 3- Find a nonprofit assistance organization: There are several nonprofit assistance foundations offering programs that may be able to help MS patients pay the cost of their DMT. Keep searching for and calling the best assistance program available to you. - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story offers great value to others. Please share your experience with the most authentic MS community founded by a group of patients, scientists, and neurologists. ------------------------------- Follow TraXel & Stay Tuned: Website: https://www.mytraxel.com/ MS Community: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://www.mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission

Extreme temperatures may worsen MS symptoms. Although less common than heat sensitivity, cold sensitivity may also trigger some MS-related symptoms, such as: fatigue, nerve pain, spasticity and stiffness, and depression. Cold weather may considerably impact the life of MS patients struggling with cold sensitivity and their symptoms may get worse in cold weather and even by a fever or driving with windows open. Some MS patients may also suffer from Raynaud' s phenomenon, a condition that affects blood flow to the fingers and toes making them numb, cold, and painful in cold temperatures. Fortunately, MS symptoms which are triggered by cold sensitivity usually fade away when body temperature returns to normal. If you are struggling with cold sensitivity or Raynaud's phenomenon, the following tips may be helpful: 1- Choosing appropriate clothing for the weather 2- Keeping your fingers and toes warm 3- Moving around frequently and getting some physical activities 4- Having hot foods and drinks 5- Getting some sunshine if possible 6- Avoid driving with windows open and preheating your car It's very important to keep the right balance since some MS patients may suffer from both heat and cold intolerance. Please discuss your issues and available treatment options with your neurologist, physician, or healthcare provider first and before taking any treatment option into consideration - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story about MS & Cold Sensitivity offers great value to others. Please don't hesitate to share it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission Please subscribe & stay tuned: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Website: https://mytraxel.com MS Community: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1

Studies suggest that at least ~40% of all patients will have some disease activity return when they stop taking their medications. A new study, focused on patients with relapsing forms of MS, showed that about 60% of patients experienced a recurrence of acute disease activity within 2 years off therapy after they stopped their Disease-Modifying Therapies (DMT) on their own. Unfortunately, long-term adherence to Disease-Modifying Therapies and treatments is a significant challenge for many MS patients for several reasons. Below are 3 important tips to improve your adherence to DMT: Cost control: Do not pay more than what you should for your DMT. The economic burden of MS treatment should never discourage you. Several copay programs and financial resources are available. Talk to your healthcare provider, insurance, and local MS society chapter. They can help you find the best financial assistance program available to you. At this page, you could find some useful information about relevant copay programs: https://www.mytraxel.com/copayprograms Don't wait until something better comes along: Although it's a good idea to follow the latest news and research in MS, it's important to know that it may take a long time for any medication to get FDA approval and become available to patients. Please keep in mind that time matters in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The sooner you begin your treatment and DMT, the more effective it would be. Hence, don't wait until something better comes along. It is still a good idea to stay informed on the latest news and research in MS while remain adherent to your DMT, prescribed by your doctor/neurologist. Please follow the latest news in MS here: https://www.mytraxel.com/the-magazine Manage side effects: Side effects, such as injection site reaction and redness, are almost inevitable in MS-related DMT. The good news is that most of these side effects are easily treatable and will go away once your body gets used to your medication. If your side effects are bothersome and intolerable, talk to your doctor. Your doctor could switch your medication. It's very important to remember that your DMT is designed to reduce the progression of your disease, even if you don't feel it working. Please always consult with your doctor about any DMT-related health issues. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story offers great value to others. Share your stories and concerns: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission Please subscribe & stay tuned: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/traxel/id1484027730 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel

Although hearing loss is not a common symptom of MS, some patients may experience MS-related hearing problems due to damaged hearing nerve pathways. The good news is that deafness is extremely rare in MS and most acute MS-related hearing problems tend to be improved. Hearing problems in MS patients may include: ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sudden hearing loss, poor understanding of speech when background noise is present, and noise sensitivity (Hyperacusis). Studies suggest that about 50% of MS patients who experience sudden hearing loss may also experience ringing in the ears. Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus) may occur in the form of whistling , buzzing, ringing, or hissing and lead to insomnia and Fatigue during the day. If continued for a long time, tinnitus may cause serious problems, such as anxiety and noise sensitivity. Since there are some proven remedies for treating tinnitus, it's very important to consult with your doctor/neurologist if you're experiencing ringing in the ears or any other hearing problems. Your doctor may recommend you: * Noise Suppression Devices: - White noise machines: white noise machines are devices which produce white noises or soothing sounds (such as, falling rain, etc.) to help you sleep better and focus less on ringing in your ears. - Hearing aids and masking devices: these wearable devices are worn in the ears and help you suppress ringing in your ears and not to focus on it by producing continues white noises and other techniques. It's very important to consult with your doctor and follow his/her instructions. * Changing Your Medications: Some medications and therapies may mitigate your tinnitus-related symptoms. Depending on your health conditions, medical history, progression of your disease, severity of your symptoms, and several other factors, your doctor may decide to prescribe you a medication or refer you to a therapist or psychologist to help you learn coping techniques for overcoming your tinnitus-related symptoms, including both direct and indirect impacts (such as, anxiety and depression). * Knowing your triggers and making adjustments to avoid them: Knowing your tinnitus' triggers and making some adjustments around them can be very helpful. Although triggers differ from person to person, heat, stress, loud noises, and excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine may trigger your MS-related tinnitus symptoms. Given that hearing problems are not common in MS, it's very important to consult with your doctor about any hearing issue you're experiencing and have your hearing evaluated thoroughly and periodically. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story offers great value to others. Share your stories and concerns: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 You can also login using your Facebook account. Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission Please subscribe & stay tuned: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg iTune: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/traxel/id1484027730

Your right to have a job you’re qualified to do is protected by law. Although MS may decrease productivity, most people with MS continue working for years after they are diagnosed. A recent study shows that MS Fatigue is the most common symptom associated with the decision to leave work, reduce employment, or get retired early and can worsen other MS-related symptoms. Although MS greatly varies from person to person, there are tips to help MS patients manage their work-MS challenges: Make your job "MS-friendly" & know what to share: Make or ask for reasonable adjustments around your symptoms at work. Please keep in mind that you're not required by law to disclose your confidential information. However, sharing your special needs with your boss or coworkers could greatly improve your work productivity, decrease your stress, and help you manage your MS-related symptoms at work. You may also decide to talk to your HR or union and ask for necessary accommodations and arrangements (regarding medical leave, time off, work space, etc.) without the need to disclose your private health information to your boss or co-workers. Deciding what or how much information you want to share at work is very important and personal for most people living with MS. You should carefully consider the best strategy working best for you by considering your own needs, symptoms, preference, and other circumstances. Keep your stress level to a minimum: Control your emotions and reduce or get treated for your anxiety or depression if needed. Keeping a positive attitude, sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise, getting enough sleep and rest, and learning mind relaxation techniques (such as, breathing, listening to music if possible, avoiding overthinking, comfortable body position, etc.) could greatly help you keep your stress level to a minimum at work and increase your work productivity. Some MS patients decide to quit their jobs right after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. A study shows that about 40% of unemployed people with MS wish to return to work. This would be a great idea if you could give yourself some time and think carefully before making any big decision about quitting your job. Continuing your work could be more helpful than quitting it now and planning to find another job later. You may use your sick days or medical leave temporarily until you're physically and emotionally recovered. Investigate alternative career paths: Depending on your symptoms and other circumstances , you may decide to change your career path, job function, or work environment to manage your symptoms more efficiently, improve your life, and increase your work satisfaction. If your current line of work or job function is worsening your MS symptoms, considering a new career path or job function suiting your symptoms, abilities, and skills would be greatly beneficial. Although working or studying with MS could be challenging, with some flexibility and creativity in finding the best strategies for overcoming your challenges, the success you desire in your career is within your reach. - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your experience offers great value to others. Please don't hesitate to share it: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow TraXel: URL: https://www.mytraxel.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission

MS can have both direct and indirect impacts on oral health. A study by Spanish researchers shows that people with MS have higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease. MS-related medications and physical effects of MS (such as fatigue, pain, vision problems, etc.) may directly or indirectly increase the risk of dental disease in MS patients. Good oral and dental hygiene should be a priority for MS patients since it will avoid infections which may trigger MS and improve digestion and overall health. Although visible and invisible disabilities associated with MS could make dental care very difficult for some patients, poor dental hygiene can trigger and worsen MS. 1- It's very important to keep up your daily dental routine including proper brushing and flossing. 2- Schedule regular dental appointments and inform your dentist about your MS and medications. Let your dentist know about your MS-related oral symptoms. It's also a good idea to book appointments earlier in the day and with shorter duration (to manage your fatigue). 3- Avoid or relieve dry mouth (which is usually caused by MS medications) by: a) drinking more water b) limiting alcohol, smoking, and sugar c) chewing sugarless gum d) using alcohol-free mouthwash - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story offers great value to others. Share your stories & concerns: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission TraXel in Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel

Many conditions have symptoms similar to MS and can be confused with Multiple Sclerosis. MS symptoms are variable and different for every person. The most common symptoms, such as vision problems, dizziness, numbness, etc. are vague symptoms and don't necessarily indicate MS. There is no single diagnostic test to confirm the presence of MS and your medical history in addition to your symptoms and a series of diagnostic tests are necessary to properly diagnose your disease. Your doctor (preferably a neurologist) will perform several tests, including: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain and spine: MRI is one of the most powerful tools used for diagnosing MS as it captures images of lesions (damaged areas) in the brain and spinal cord. This technique detects signs of inflammation and demylination caused by MS and help your doctor monitor changes in your Central Nervous System (CNS). MRI is usually considered the most helpful tool in diagnosing MS. Spinal Tap (lumbar puncture) test: This test is used to check your Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) - a colorless fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. To perform this test, your doctor will insert a needle into your lower back and collect your CSF for testing. A high concentration of a certain type of proteins and other substances will indicate that your immune system is attacking itself - which is important for diagnosing MS. Spinal tap tests help doctors to rule out other conditions that may have symptoms similar to MS. Evoked Potentials (EP) tests: EP tests are used to diagnose MS or other conditions. EP tests can help your doctor/neurologist to test your brain's response and electrical activity when: 1- You watch a pattern on a screen (Visual Evoked Potentials or VEP) 2- You hear a series of clicks through a headphone (Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Potentials or BAEP) 3- You receive electrical pulses on your arms or legs (Somatosensory Evoked Potentials or SEP) Your doctor will use EP tests to identify abnormal responses of your brain to stimulation - which could be a sign of MS or other conditions Blood tests: Blood tests may reveal specific substances in your blood and help your doctor to rule out other conditions (such as cancer, HIV, etc.). Your doctor/neurologist may use some or all of the above-mentioned tests along with your symptoms, medical hist Learn more about MS' diagnostic tests in TraXel's podcast: - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story offers great value to others. Share your stories and let's learn from each other: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Follow TraXel and Stay Tuned: URL: https://www.myTraXel.com Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel - TraXel's Vision and Mission.

Vision problems are one of the most common symptoms and a potential early sign of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Symptoms may include: temporary vision loss or disturbance with the possibility of pain while moving eyes (Optic Neuritis); double vision (Diplopia), blurred vision, and uncontrolled rapid eye movements (Nystagmus). Learning how to cope with, live with, and manage your vision problems is very critical in managing your daily life and routines while early diagnosis and proper treatments can prevent or reduce long term visual damages and their severity. Several treatment options are available and may be prescribed by your doctor depending on the type of your visual problem and its severity, and your personal health and physical condition. Understanding the type of your vision problems will help you better cope with them and mitigate their occurrence frequencies: Optic Neuritis: Optic Neuritis is caused by the inflammation of the optic nerve and usually occurs in one eye only. This may lead to blurred vision, loss of color vision, and painful eye movements. Although Optic Neuritis may cause a loss of vision, vision is usually recovered and the symptoms will go away. There are several treatment options to help to speed up your recovery: 1- Consult with your doctor, identify and avoid triggers worsening your vision problems such as, fatigue, warm environments, lack of sleep, and extreme temperatures. 2- Your doctor may decide to speed up your recovery and delay a second demyelination occurrence by medications such as, steroids, Prednisone pills, or plasma exchange. 3- Rest your eyes and relax whenever possible! Diplopia: Diplopia or Double Vision is caused by the inflammation of the nerves controlling eye movements and leads to double vision and seeing two of everything. It's very important to consult with your doctor to find the best possible treatment options available to you: 1- Your doctors may prescribe you steroids or other medications. Although steroids are not considered long-term treatments, they may speed up your recovery. Several side effects could be associated with using steroids, including: increased heart rate, stomach issues, mood changes, increased appetite, insomnia, etc. These symptoms are usually mild and go away shortly after your treatment. Please contact with your doctor immediately if these symptoms are serious or won't disappear. 2- Although permanent patching of one eye is not recommended, patching one eye while reading, driving, etc. could l mitigate or stop your double vision. It's very important to ask your doctor about the necessity and the best instructions of patching your eye. 3- Your doctor may also prescribe you special eyeglasses with special prisms to help you minimize your double vision and reduce your dizziness. He/she may also consider Strabismus surgery as a treatment option. 4- Fatigue may increase your double vision while getting some rest could improve it. Nystagmus: Nystagmus is caused by the inflammation in the brainstem and damages to the brain structures controlling eye movements. It includes uncontrolled, rapid, and involuntary eye movements (usually painless). Although the person affected by Nystagmus is not usually aware of it, it could be troublesome and lead to dizziness, feeling unbalanced, and having serious vision problems. 1- Depending on the patterns of Nysragmus and your general health conditions, your doctor may prescribe you medications such as Clonazapam, Gabapentin , etc. 2- Eyeglasses with special prisms, Botox injection, and surgery may be prescribed by your doctor as other treatment options in severe case of Nystagmus. It's very important to discuss your vision problems and available treatment options with your neurologist, physician, or healthcare provider first and before taking any treatment option into consideration. - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your story offers great value to others. Please share your experience with the most authentic MS community founded by a group of patients, scientists, and neurologists. ------------------------------- Follow TraXel & Stay Tuned: Website: https://www.mytraxel.com/ MS Community: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://www.mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission

MS Fatigue is one of the most common invisible symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), which is usually not properly understood by others. It could be misunderstood as depression, laziness, not working hard enough, etc. MS fatigue is different from the feeling of being tired (that people without MS may experience) as it may include: a sudden loss of energy, both mental and physical fatigues at the same time, not being able to continue a task or activity, etc. MS fatigue is a side effect of nervous system damage occurring in ~80% of MS patients. Unfortunately, other MS-related symptoms (including cognitive symptoms) may also get worse during MS fatigue episodes. New studies show that MS fatigue is strongly associated with MS patients' decision to leave their jobs (learn more about MS & Work here). Below are some strategies for coping with MS fatigue: 1- Use your energy efficiently: Saving your energy will let you achieve more by doing activities that are more important to you. Try to keep your energy level up by doing things more efficiently, such as: a) Planning and balancing your daily activities ahead: Identify activities that consume significant energy and also activities which consume less energy and balance your activities throughout the day. Find a routine that best suits you and stick to it. b) Identifying your limits and never exceeding them: Consider making helpful changes at home or work environment to save more energy. c) Thinking about what other people might be able to help you with: Don't hesitate to ask your friends, colleagues, or family members for help (specially with physical activities). 2- Improve your sleep quality: Although having poor sleep quality is very common in MS patients, you could manage it by identifying what might be the cause of your poor sleep and finding strategies helping you improve the quality of your sleep, including: a) Having nighttime routines, such as taking a bath or going to bed at the same time every night. b) Avoiding overthinking and stressful conversations or emails before going to bed. c) Keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. d) Reducing your caffeine intake, especially in the afternoon. e) Avoiding eating or watching TV while in bed. 3- Manage your mood swings: Mood swings is another common invisible symptom of MS, which is often overlooked. MS-related mood swings may get worse by all MS triggers, such as temperature, humidity, depression, grief, stress, anxiety, frustration, etc. Mood swings might have significant impacts on lowering your energy level and MS fatigue. You could manage your mood swings by finding and following some strategies, such as keeping a mood diary, telling your friends and family about your issue(s), talking to a counselor, joining an MS support group, consulting with your neurologist, doing enjoyable things, and addressing other non-ms-related causes of anxiety or depression. 4- Relaxation: Learning how to relax is very important. Relaxation can help you manage your mood changes, stress, and poor sleep quality. In addition, it decreases tension in muscles. 5- Avoiding extreme temperatures: Changes in temperature, extreme temperatures, and humidity can make MS patients experience worsening of their symptoms, including MS fatigue. Avoiding extreme temperatures and exercising in hot or humid days could help you manage MS fatigue. 6- Exercise and Diet: Having a healthy diet and regular exercise routine have significant impacts on managing MS fatigue: a) Follow to a healthy diet which includes a well-balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and healthy foods with low fat, sugar, and salt. Healthy diets will help you maintain your energy level and overcome MS fatigue. b) Surprisingly, a lack of activity will increase MS fatigue. This happens since muscles become wakened and will consume more energy to do tasks. Having a regular exercise routine is very important to manage your MS fatigue. 7- Consult with your doctor about your Medications: Please consult with your doctor, neurologist, or other healthcare providers about your fatigue and other health issues. Your doctor may provide you with great information and recommendations on how to manage your MS fatigue. Some medications and treatments can make MS fatigue worse. Your doctor could review them to identify your problems and recommend the best solutions or medications. Medication adherence is also very important for controlling your MS symptoms and well-being. Please always make sure you're taking your medicine as prescribed (Learn more about medication adherence here). - Whether you are a patient, a healthcare provider, or a family member of someone with MS, your experience offers great value to others. Please don't hesitate to share it with the most authentic MS community, founded by a group of patients, neurologists, and scientists: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Follow TraXel: Website: https://www.mytraxel.com YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://www.mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission

Bladder issues are very common in MS patients. Studies show that ~70%-80% of MS patients may experience some degree of bladder problems over time. Symptoms include: Urinary Hesitancy (hesitancy in starting urination); Urinary Urgency (feeling pressure to urinate urgently and frequently); Urinary Incontinence (the loss of bladder control); Nocturia (needing to wake up at night in order to urinate); and Urinary Retention (inability to completely empty the bladder). Bladder dysfunction could significantly impact MS patients' overall health, sleep quality, independence, and confidence and should be taken very seriously. Hence, it's very important to consult with your healthcare provider about any bladder issue you experience. There are several very effective solutions your healthcare provider may recommend you , including: - Diet change: limit your caffeine, alcohol _ Adequate fluid intake before bedtime - Behavioral change: such as, creating routines for when you go to the restroom, using absorbent products, mechanical aids, etc. - Kegel exercises: it strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and help with bladder incontinence. Please consult with your doctor or a physical therapist for instructions. - Medications: Fortunately, there are several effective medications to address bladder issues in MS patients. Your doctor could prescribe an appropriate medication for your symptom. - Surgery: If none of the above-mentioned treatments works, your doctor may recommend you an operation. Having a healthy bladder is crucial to MS patients as it allows them to live their life to the fullest. Please always consult with your doctor and healthcare providers about your bladder issues and how to mitigate them. - Please don't hesitate to share your experiences and concerns below and get feedbacks from like-minded people. ------------------------------- Follow TraXel & Stay Tuned: Website: https://www.mytraxel.com/ MS Community: https://www.mytraxel.com/forum-1 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkR_U9M46Piu0rLi63vp5Kg Podcast: https://www.mytraxel.com/podcast-1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mytraxel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytraxel/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/traxel Learn more about TraXel's Vision and Mission