Hello friends --Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas week!  It's getting exciting around her.  My youngest daughter Reagan is here from JMU and Maggie Mae will be arriving this evening.  We finished wrapping all the gifts last night while we listened to Christmas music.  When Maggie gets here - the Christmas movie marathon will begin!!  Oh - and the baking of the cookies.  I LOVE this time of year.  How about you?? What are some traditions you look forward to?  Hit "reply" and let me know. I LOVE hearing from you. xxoOK - let's climb out of this Hallmark Channel overload and see what's going on in the world of MS:1. We don't know the exact cause of MS YET (we're getting closer - I'm looking at you Epstein Barr Virus 😉) I've always thought of the mystery of MS as a multi-tumbler door lock - where all tumblers have to line up to lock  - or unlock - the door and it all has to happen in tandem. So - we now know EBV is a cause. Environmental factors most certainly play a role. And it seems to me (and to a lot of smart, thinky-scientists) that genetics is another component - or tumbler- in this mystery.  Having said all that - here's some good news: Combined Genetic and Protein Analysis Reveals New Risk Genes2. Surely this will surprise no one here: Gut microbiome changes could contribute to disease development.  This is regarding MS specifically but it seems that the gut may well be a determining factor in all disease.  Take good care of your gut people!!  Bowel and bladder issues in MS are pervasive.  Which reminds me, check out this little ditty my bestie and I put together:  Bowel and Bladder Issue in Multiple Sclerosis by Two Pee Brains with Potty Mouths Talking Shit About MS!!  Then - check out this article: Lcn-2 Protein Marks Intestinal Inflammation in MS, Study Shows3.  We've all been scared by the mention of PML - amiright?  The dreaded  progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a serious brain infection associated with certain treatments for Multiple Sclerosis strikes fear in the hearts of those of us given that warning with our DMTs. Good news: there may soon be a simple, low-cost (what? that never happens in MS) test for four specific genetic variant could help to predict the risk of this infection and select adequate treatment options for patients most at risk of PML.  Yes, please!  Here's more info: Testing for 4 Gene Variations May Predict Risk of PML Brain Infection4.  This may be a good article to forward to your family members before the holiday gatherings this year: How to help loved ones with disabilities during the holidays, from a TV host whose family struggled with aunt’s MS diagnosis5.  Are you pregnant or considering getting pregnant?  This is an interesting panel discussion about MS treatment during pregnancy (and my own doc - Dr. Heidi Crayton of the MS Center of Greater Washington is one of the panelists!): Discontinuation of Treatment for Pregnancy in Multiple Sclerosis6.  I have a number of friends with MS who swear by equine therapy - aka, riding horses!  Those beautiful creatures are both intuitive and empathetic (we need more of that in the world) and can respond to our MS-laden bodies - and that can really aid in healing - mind, body and spirit.  Learn more here: Horseback Riding May Be The Ultimate Exercise For Those With Multiple SclerosisSo - that's all folks.  I hope you learned something interesting and helpful - and felt the love with which I write this newsletter for you weekly.  Happy everything everyone!!Warmly -- Kathy#FUMSP.S. We're running a 7-day FREE TRIAL (no credit card required) of the Patients Getting Paid membership community right now!  This is where people with chronic illness learn how to find and create work that both accommodates their health and generates an income!  Work from anywhere and take care of yourself. We have accountability posts twice each week, a TON of condition-specific paying gigs posted each week, workshops and trainings, live coaching calls, coworkings and the most amazingly supportive, loving community I've ever been a part of.  It's like a Christmas or a Hanukkah gift - you need to try it on to see if it fits!  Here's where to learn more and sign up:  PGP for FREE 

Sometimes it helps the stress, just to say "F-U-M-S"