Living with Multiple Sclerosis

People who have MS can lead a full and satisfying life. Every person’s experience is different with some having no limitations to others having significant limitations. For some people, these limitations can be a part of every-day life. At times, MS symptoms may interfere with work or social activities and may require making adjustments in daily routines. Individuals can experience difficulty with walking or driving, completing household tasks, managing finances, or completing work functions. Fortunately, treatments are available to help with symptom management and there are rehabilitation strategies to address these limitations. The VA has led the way in Rehabilitation Medicine and these services are available to Veterans with MS.

Articles

Music Therapy in MS
Jenny Asparro, Junior at St. Olaf College where she is studying music and neuroscience
Northfield, MN

Stay Well with MS
Jodie Haselkorn, MD, MPH - Seattle VA
Christina Hughes, MD - Seattle VA

Understanding How Multiple Sclerosis Can Affect Your Cognition
Rosalind Kalb, PhD
Nancy Holland, RN, EdD, MSCN
Barbara Giesser, MD

Caregiver Wellness
Susan K. Johnson, RN, BSN
Portland, Oregon

Getting the Most Out of Your Doctor’s Visit
Carolyn Clancy, MD - AHRQ  

Retired Captain, Army Aviation

Controlling Smoking and Alcohol Use to Decrease MS Symptoms

Aaron Turner, PhD – VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA

Understanding the Internet: MS and the Web
Reprinted with permission from Melissa Carter-Ozhan, Editorial Supervisor, BioScience Communications

Reaching Veterans with MS—Via Nurses and the John Dystel Program
Patricia Wadsley—NMSS Momentum magazine

Occupational Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation
Marcia Finlayson, PhD, OT (C), OTR/L

Mobility

Guide and Service Dogs
Department of Veterans Affairs

Janet M. Powell, PhD, OTR/L

Christine Heiner, Human Engineering Research Laboratories

Power Mobility: Is it Time for Wheels?
Jacqueline A. Hall, MS, OTR/L, MSCS

Transporting a Scooter or Power Wheelchair
Jacqueline A. Hall, MS, OTR/L, MSCS

Sports, Leisure and Exercise

Keep Cool: Multiple Sclerosis and Heat Tolerance 
Jacqueline A. Hall, MS, OTR/L, MSCS
James Hunziker, MSN, ARNP, CRRN
VA Puget Sound Health Care System - Seattle, Washington

Veterans with MS Participate in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games
Julie Adams, CTRS, Recreational Therapist

Planning Your Activities and Designing an Exercise Program
Cinda Hugos, MS, PT
Oregon Health and Science University
James Hunziker, ARNP, MSN
VA Puget Sound Health Care System—Seattle

Home, Work and Vehicle Modifications

Selecting the Appropriate Mattress for People with MS
Richard Buhrer, ARNP, MSCN

Easy and Common Tips for Good Sleep
Jason Malcom, MSW
Portland VA Medical Center, Oregon

Restoring Independence: VA Driver Rehabilitation Program
Chris Henson, VHA Program Specialist