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One of the best steps I took to get a handle on chronic MS fatigue & DGAF-ing every day — and it was a difficult step — was to get used to a CPAP.

When my neuro prescribed CPAP, I thought, "ANOTHER THING!" But it was totally worthwhile: After my first full night with the CPAP, my daily 20-minute nap disappeared, and I haven’t taken one since.

Many of us don't realize we have treatable sleep apnea because we deal with so many other problems that we assume are the cause for our poor sleep, says Dr. Abdulghani Sankari, pulmonologist at Detroit's DMC DRH Sleep Disorders Center.

“They have pain issues, they have urinary issues, they have cardiovascular issues … They’re tired and not able to sleep well because of all these factors,” he says, “so they don’t recognize that there are other reasons … [why] they feel tired during the day.” CPAP/BiPAP often addresses manifested symptoms like daytime listlessness, waking up unrefreshed from sleep, and unexplained chronic pain. CPAP/BiPAP also helps improve aspects of sleep-affected cognition: memory, forgetfulness, attention span and intellectual abilities like troubleshooting problems effectively.

Letting these problems linger can even cause our condition to worsen. “The frequent interruption of breathing at night leads to what we call chronic intermittent hypoxia, so the body is exposed to low levels of oxygen, and that produces byproducts of inflammation and waste that [aggravate] symptoms on the central nervous system,” Sankari says. Unchecked sleep apnea is also a risk factor for high blood pressure, heart problems and type 2 diabetes. CPAP is an effective treatment for sleep apnea. Got questions? Pls contact me.

Better Nights, Better Days: CPAP, BiPAP and Disability

#fatigue #MultipleSclerosis #MightyTogether #ChronicIllness #autoimmune #newlydiagnosed #Disability #Caregiving

Better Nights, Better Days: CPAP, BiPAP and Disability

For years, Jennifer Miller, 55, of Carleton, Michigan, was a problem sleeper, snoring and gasping through the night. Because she struggles with PTSD from the crash that gave her a T10 spinal cord…
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We are 3 million strong. We are diverse and worldwide. Every year, we have broader supports, better treatments, closer to a vaccine, closer to a cure.

If you are living with #MultipleSclerosis or are an MS #caregiver, family member, friend or ally, it would be great to hear from you here with your age(ish) and location(ish).

#multiplesclerosis #MightyTogether #ChronicIllness #autoimmune #newlydiagnosed #Disability #Caregiving

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Treatment works. Kick MS to the curb and take back control of your life.

Kesimpta is just one of the disease-modifying treatments that the MS Society recommends we consider and use as early as possible to control #MultipleSclerosis.

Find the MS specialist you trust, put your heads together and get back in the driver's seat where you belong — 'cause nobody's the boss of me! ;)

multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/news-posts/2023/04/28/aan-202...

#multiplesclerosis #MightyTogether #ChronicIllness #autoimmune #newlydiagnosed #Disability #Caregiving

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Jump into aquatic therapy — the water's fine.

When I swam with MS, I got so much energy! Plus muscle relief, slept like a log, and felt so much freedom in the water. (Then there was my poor scooter parked poolside, looking all forlorn with separation anxiety.)

The MSAA's Swim for MS website has all kinds of info on the ways swimming can benefit you. aquatics.mymsaa.org

#AquaticTherapy #MultipleSclerosis #ChronicIllness #newlydiagnosed #Disability #Caregiving #MightyTogether

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Swim for MS Aquatic Center – MSAA: Swim for MS Aquatic Center

As part of MSAA’s Swim for MS initiative, the MS Aquatic Center facilitates awareness, understanding and availability of water-based exercise programs.
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Being ill but worried about your loved ones

I'm ill. Mentally. (I'm struggling to see a psychiatrist right now but I know that I have at least severe anxiety, from previous diagnosis). But what pains me the most is seeing my parents in pain, because they love me. When I cry, they cry. When I suffer, they suffer. But I can't get better and also carry that guilt with me. They are also quite vocal about how painful this is for them, and good ! They are valid and they should express themselves. But I'm 18. And I can't be responsible of their pain. I know this might be selfish, but sometimes I wish my pain was the main subject of my own illness.

On another note, I hope you're having a good day and be kind to yourself. You're worth it. (Yeah I just wanted to vent a little.)

#Anxiety #Depression #FamilyAndFriends #Caregiving #MentalHealth

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Thinking of you all..

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Moms, pet moms, Grand moms, Aunts, Moms in heaven ✨️and all others today! Hope you're enjoying your day. Know how very special you are ⚘️
#MentalHealth
#Anxiety
#PTSD
#Caregiving
#ChronicFatigue
#ChronicPain
#Depression
#Arthritis
#Migraine

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