I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2019, less than two weeks after my husband was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I had so many questions and spent hours on numerous websites learning about his disease. I hope to provide some assistance to those newly diagnosed with MS or to family members or friends of MS victims. This page will guide you to the multiple sclerosis resources I have added thus far
Multiple Sclerosis Background Information
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease in which the insulating covers around nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a range of signs and symptoms.
Specific symptoms can include double vision, blindness in one eye, muscle weakness, trouble with sensation, or coordination. MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may disappear completely; however, permanent neurological problems often remain, especially with the advancement of the disease.
Common Symptoms of MS
There have been over 80 symptoms of MS identified. It can often go undiagnosed for years because so many of the symptoms point to other possible ailments.
Symptoms can often be a result of where the lesions occur in the brain or spinal cord. Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include dysgraphia, muscle spasms, bladder dysfunction, balance and coordination issues (which is why I need a cane), cognitive impairment, tingling, feelings of pins and needles, numbness, dysesthesia, optic neuritis, dysesthesia, dizziness, weakness, spasticity, heat intolerance, numbness, extreme fatigue, dysesthesia, itching, and bowel issues. I go into each of these in more detail here.
Traditional Treatment
There is currently not a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. MS treatment typically focuses on educing the progression of the disease, speeding recovery from attacks and managing MS symptoms.
Most doctors start their MS patients with a disease-modifying drug. These type of medicines slow down the advance of the disease and usually prevent flare-ups. They work by slowing down the immune systems attack on the myelin sheath that protects the nerves by surrounding them.
Recent Blog Articles Related to Multiple Sclerosis
14 Diseases that Mimic Multiple Sclerosis
Diagnosing neurological disorders, especially when symptoms mimic MS, can feel like solving a puzzle with missing pieces. The journey to a diagnosis is often difficult, and it becomes even more frustrating with diseases that look like MS, making it harder to find...
Living with MS Brain Lesions: My Experience and What Helps Me Cope
Some journeys in life aren’t chosen. They choose us. For me, multiple sclerosis (MS) brain lesions are one of those paths. While doctors can point to them on an MRI scan and explain the science, living with them day to day is a very different story. When I was first...
Multiple Sclerosis vs Primary Progressive Aphasia: What I’ve Learned About Speech Struggles
Navigating chronic illness can feel like walking through a maze—symptoms overlap, conditions mimic each other, and clarity often seems just out of reach. In this first part of our series on conditions often mistaken for multiple sclerosis (MS), I want to share what...
Can Creatine Help with Some Chronic Illnesses? What You Need to Know
Creatine, that often whispered-about miracle of the fitness world, is a humble yet powerful amino acid—one of the very building blocks of protein. It is crafted with care by the liver and kidneys, yet you can also find it in the foods that nourish us, particularly in...
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Articles Related to Multiple Sclerosis
- 14 Diseases that Mimic Multiple Sclerosis
- Living with MS Brain Lesions: My Experience and What Helps Me Cope
- Multiple Sclerosis vs Primary Progressive Aphasia: What I’ve Learned About Speech Struggles
- Can Creatine Help with Some Chronic Illnesses? What You Need to Know
- Living with MS Heat Sensitivity: Symptoms, Management, and Personal Experience
- Gain FREE Access to America’s National Parks For Those with Certain Disabilities
Meet Leisa Watkins
Founder of Cultivate an Exceptional Life, Leisa lives with multiple chronic illnesses. She has been diagnosed with, multiple sclerosis, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme disease, PTSD, and a connective tissue disorder. Her journey through personal and family health challenges has shaped a deep understanding of resilience, compassion, and the power of intentional living. Through this platform, she shares insights, tools, and inspiration to help others living with chronic illness cultivate strength, purpose, and joy—no matter what life brings.
About Cultivate an Exceptional Life
This site was created especially for those living with chronic illness—a space filled with encouragement, practical tools, and uplifting resources to help you navigate life with greater hope and intention.
Here, you’ll find inspiration to support your healing, nurture your spirit, and empower you to build a life that feels purposeful and beautifully your own—even in the midst of struggle.
Together, we’ll explore new paths, grow through what we face, and cultivate an exceptional life—one that honors your journey every step of the way.