February 21, 2024

Hey - How's every little thing in your life? I'm doing quite well, thanks for asking! In fact, I recently had an updated Octave Bioscience blood test done and I'm now classified as a 1 (low disease activity - YAY 🥳). Has your doctor ordered this test for you??  It's really cool. The test measures 18 proteins, also known as biomarkers, to provide an overall MS disease activity score that you can monitor over time. I started at a 3 and am now at a 1 meaning the lowest disease activity score for this test. YIPPEE!!  Cheers.🍻  Let me know if you've had this test done and how you and your doctor are using the results. This is progress folks. 

Let's get to it:1.  ANNOUNCING a new feature of the FUMS 6-Pack: The CODE ORANGE.  I'll "deploy" this special update for any big news, events, breakthroughs or special happenings in the world of MS.  I'm working on one right now,  so - stay tuned . . . 2.  Spasticity is one of my most pronounced and debilitating symptoms - how about you??  I've taken Baclofen many times but it only works marginally well and it usually makes me goofy (or goffier 🤪) so I use it as a last resort.  Now comes this piece of good news: Nabiximols, a cannabis-based oral spray sold as Sativex, was reported to considerably ease spasticity — unusual muscle tightness or stiffness — in about two-thirds of the MS patients using it for three months in a real-world study in Germany. Don't bogart that Sativex, friends. 😉  If spasticity is something you deal with, you may want to share this article with your neuro: Cheech & Chong & Snoop Were Right3.  And the good news keeps coming. From Cannabis to Coffee!! Taking caffeine tablets — the equivalent to about two cups of coffee a day — may help people with MS keep their balance and move more easily, which could aid their quality of life, a small study suggests. I'll just stick with a hot cup o'joe (in my FUMS coffee mug of course!).  ☕️ So - grab a cup and read this article: People who drink coffee or beverages with caffeine have a lower risk of MS4.  I have a lot to say on this subject. If you've been a long-time subscriber you may remember me talking about the wonderful effects I was enjoying while Intermittent Fasting.  It just so happens that I have returned to that practice today!! And then I came across this interesting review of the (too few) studies on this subject.  Here's what I'll tell you: my cog fog, fatigue, pain and sleep issues are MUCH improved when I'm practicing IF.  Here's the review - for YOUR review: Researchers analyzed studies involving 3 different kinds of fasting regimens  AND - bonus - I'll share an interview I did on the FUMS Podcast Show with an expert in IF for a bit more context. Listen here: FUMS 110 – Using Intermittent Fasting to Manage Your MS with Cynthia Thurlow5.  Treatment options for progressive types of MS have expanded dramatically over the past decade, and several promising experimental therapies are in late stages of clinical development. As I read this article, Lizzo's song "About Damn Time" played in my noggin:  Several promising experimental therapies in late stages of clinical development6.  More women with MS got pregnant in recent years, probably linked to a significantly higher use of DMTs during pregnancy, according to a nationwide study in France. Jeez - that's not how my mom told me it happens! 🤪  Anybody else feel A-MAZ-ING whilst preggers??  If it didn't result in another child - I'd be pregnant from here on out! My MS was super quiet while I was pregnant. I felt SOOOO good - until those pregnancy hormones declined and then 😳  Use of DMTs in pregnancy on big upswing recentlyThat's all folks. Let me know if you have any questions or if I can help you in any way. Otherwise, just keep saying FUMS!! 🧡Cheers -- KathyKathy Reagan YoungFounderFUMSP.S. Are you going to the ACTRIMS conference next week??  Just hit reply to this email and let me know when you'll be there and what presentations you're most interested in. Thanks.P.S.S. If you enjoy the humor, information, inspiration and motivation in this newsletter, you can help support it by donating here:  I 🧡 FUMS

*Thanks for your support*Sometimes it helps the stress, just to say F-U-M-SPLEASE share this newsletter 👇🏻

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