Hello friends --Welcome to 2024! 💥🥳  How's it feeling so far? For me - it's exciting! I'm working on so many projects for FUMS I can't wait to share them with you. First up - I heard you. I'm adding a ton of new FUMS merch to the FUMS shop. I'm hoping to have it all uploaded soon. I'll keep you updated but let me know if there is some product in particular you'd like emblazoned with FUMS and I'll see if I can make it happen. Right now - we're looking at tee shirts, sweatshirts, hats, phone cases, yoga mats, coffee mugs, face masks, etc. And we're expanding to offer other FUMS tag lines and funny sayings (i.e., Swear at the Flare - FUMS)! Additionally - I'm working on writing several ebooks on MS symptoms and I'm scripting multiple guided imagery recordings specific to MS. AND - I have waited out my non-compete clause and am free to bring the FUMS Podcast back!! HOWEVER - I have determined that I will no longer pay for that out of my own pocket. I'll be approaching various companies to sponsor the pod. If you have ideas of companies that might be interested - or if you ARE one of those companies - please - hit reply to this email and share your thoughts. I welcome the help. Thanks.OK - enough housekeeping. Let's get after it:1.   Tracking changes in brain volume and lesions in the early days of treatment may help predict the risk of disability and disease progression. This seems like a no-brainer to me. Am I wrong? I just assumed that the annual (or, in some cases semi-annual MRIs) were being used in this way already. Sometimes I think some forms of research are simply confirmatory of what we suspect to be true - or find "common sense," amiright?? Tracking brain changes in early MS can predict odds of progression2.  How would you react to a text about your MS??  I kind of dig this idea.  Sending text messages to people with MS — with tips for fatigue self-management and to regularly check in on them — may be a feasible, acceptable, and engaging tool to help these patients manage disease-related fatigue, according to a pilot study.  SMS text messages may help MS patients self-manage fatigue: Study3.  Constipation, depression and UTIs - OH MY!!! 👠👠 (red slippers - get it??)  Could these symptoms be early warning signs of MS?? Maybe. Read on, friends: Constipation, depression, UTIs may be red flags for surprising autoimmune disease4.  How many of you are finding relief with a little help from your friend Mary Jane?  You know - someone to help you WEED your garden, mow the GRASS or help with your POTted plants?? Well - this one's for you: Ask Dr. Leigh: can cannabis help ease MS?5.  I'm truly surprised and disappointed that my contribution to this study was not acknowledged. Of course, they had no idea that I have been conducting ongoing research in this area, but I'm thinking of reaching out to them as a confirmatory source.  Wine May Help Ease Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms6.  Does AI (artificial intelligence) scare you? Not me - I'm psyched about the possibilities of it. Including the medical possibilities. In fact, I'm going to be watching a video about AI's diagnostic abilities in terms of MS and then I'll be interviewed about my impressions, later this week. I'll let you know where you can see it when I know. Meantime - check this out: The AI Doctor Is In. Here's How ChatGPT May Pave a New Era of Self-DiagnosisWell, that's all folks. I hope this weekly newsletter o'mine is a valued resource in your MS arsenal! And - I hope my smart-ass shenanigans make you giggle as well!  Laughter is great medicine! Happy New Year. 🥳Cheers -- Kathy#FUMSP.S. If you enjoy the humor and information in the FUMS 6-Pack newsletter every week, now you can show your appreciation and support by donating to help defray the costs of creating this weekly resource. Here's where to go: Thanks, FUMS - keep it coming! **Thanks for your support

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