What is Multiple Sclerosis?

My basic explanation

It takes me a while to explain Multiple Sclerosis (MS), because it's so different for everyone, which is why it's commonly known as the "snowflake disease."

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Technically, MS is a neurodegenerative condition where your body attacks itself. This can produce different symptoms in different people.

Symptoms can be glaringly obvious, like mine. But for others, you would never know that some people have it just by looking at them. I used to be like this.

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Some of its symptoms include tingling, numbness, problems with vision, heat sensitivity, cold intolerance, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, cognitive disability, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, pain, spasticity, easily overstimulated, anxiety, depression, weakness, loss of balance, sleep issues, speech impairment, swallowing difficulties… the list goes on!

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Some people might have one or two of these issues and others might have all… or even more than this. Because of its many symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose. Not having answers is hard. Honestly, it makes you feel like you're going crazy. Doctors might even tell you that! If so, I'm sorry that happened! Tests that led to my diagnosis include: MRI, EEG, Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap), and Evoked Potentials.

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If you or someone you know might have it or has been diagnosed with MS, even though it might feel like it, it's not the end of the world! We might need to make adaptations, but that's why you're here! We know all about that and hope you can get some good ideas from following along with us on HandyCapable Homesteaders! 

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I like to say that life with MS is like a surprise party…. you never know what you're gonna get! I'm an open book, so please feel free to send us an email if you have any questions!