Hello friends --Happy Novemburrrrr!!  I went from sweltering to shivering in a couple days! I typically prefer the cooler weather - and Fall is my favorite time of year. However - I'm in the midst of a fat flare AND I just started a new infusion medication (Briumvi). It's all a lot to take in. The cog fog, pain, fatigue - Oh what fun! I hope you're doing MUCH better than I am. 🤞🏻So what's happening in the world of MS??1.  People with a higher genetic risk for multiple sclerosis (MS) were seen to have detectable differences in their gut bacteria in a small study.  Gut bacteria can differ among MS patients by genetic disease risk2.  I hate MS. Not really a revelation. But POMS - Pediatric Onset MS breaks my heart. #leavethekidsalone  In children with POMS, poor sleep quality is linked to fatigue, depression, and worse quality of life, a study has found. Better sleep linked to quality of life, mental health in children with MS3. A common microbe found in sewage, marine sediment, soil, and the GI tracts of pets and farm animals may play a defining role in multiple sclerosis, according to a new study. The findings, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, suggest that a toxin produced by certain C. perfringens bacteria may be the long sought-after trigger that degrades the blood-brain barrier and kicks off the relentless inflammation and brain cell degradation characteristic of MS.  The bacteria that may trigger multiple sclerosis4.  Depression is among the most common symptoms of MS - and it can literally be life-threatening. In this study - improvement was seen using a supplement and exercise. Lots of studies finding that exercise makes such a HUGE difference in MS. Do what you can, everyday.  Saffron supplement, exercise combo may ease depression in MS women5.  Have you considered going off DMTs (if you're on them)? I did - for 4 years - until I had a FAT FLARE. I got back on them and have done very well, been very stable since. So much so, in fact, that my neurologist and I were talking about me going off meds altogether. I am a woman of a certain age (ahem) and I've been stable for ages. Why not? My doc scheduled me for my annual MRI and low and behold - I have a brand-spanking-new lesion and 2 old ones have grown significantly. And now - I'm in a FAT FLARE again.  😡  Just when you think you have the bastard figured out. This study is further evidence of that premise. MS Treatment-Discontinuation Study Terminated After Disease Activity Returns6.  More activity among certain immune cells, as well as differences in immune signaling molecules, iron regulation, and fat metabolism, may explain why MS progresses more over time in some people than in others, researchers report.These findings may help to better understand the molecular mechanisms leading to disease progression, and to identify new targets that prevent such progression from happening. Immune cell, fat metabolism changes may help explain MS progressionWell - that's all folks. Do you find value in this newsletter o'mine? If so - please share it - forward it to someone who will find it interesting, post a review about it on an MS group page - and share the link for people to sign up themselves: www.FUMSnow.com/6pack.  Thanks for the help.Warmly -- Kathy#FUMSP.S.  I have been sharing videos about my FAT FLARE and will be talking all things MS over on my newly minted TikTok page (I said I'd never do it - but I did!). Please - check it out, like the videos and SUBSCRIBE - and share it with people who could benefit as well.  Here's where to go: https://www.tiktok.com/@fums01  

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