Hello friends --Mid-December. Feeling the stress, pressure and crushing anxiety of the holidays yet?? Hope not. I have learned over time to parse out my "holiday duties" over time. AND - as I get older - I don't care as much! That's the truth. There are some down sides to aging (hello knees and back!! 😖) But - one of the very best is that I just don't care about the small stuff anymore. I have adopted the "we'll figure it out when we get there" and the "everything is figureoutable" attitude and it is FANFARKINGTASTIC!! I hope you can get to that point too. Ahhhh - I'm breathing now . . .Alrighty - enough of that. Let's see what's been going on in the world of MS:1.  Did you experience symptoms before your diagnosis? I did. Actually for about 15 years before my dx!! Kind of crazy. I lost the feeling in my thigh - totally - completely. And I had that intense, deep itch that I now know is nerves, and my feet went numb. I was in my early 20's so I had an excuse for each of these "symptoms." I'd LOVE to hear about YOUR "prodromal" days. What did you experience, how long before dx, and what excuse did you make for it??? Hit reply to this email and let me know!  This study made me think of this: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to experience depression, sexual dysfunction, constipation, inflammation of the bladder, and urinary tract infection in the five years leading up to their diagnosis than those without the disease, a study found.  5 conditions MS patients may have years before diagnosis ID’d: Study2.  In the WHOA category: "The drug not only reduced MS-like symptoms but also showed potential in repairing damaged myelin in two animal models. This innovative approach is a significant leap toward clinical trials, offering new hope for MS patients."  Novel Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Shows Promise3.  Are you on a specific diet to address your MS??  I've just tried to eat more veggies, drink more water, avoid sugar (I fail at this one), and I'm thinking of going Gluten Free. One diet that keeps coming up again and again in all kinds of recommendations for chronic health (you read that right) is the Mediterranean Diet. Hmmmm. “This study has provided evidence that adopting [a Mediterranean diet] at higher levels was associated with lower prevalence of disability and symptom severity, depression, anxiety, perceived stress, inadequate sleep quality, cognitive impairment, and physical inactivity in older adults with MS.”  Mediterranean diet linked to better mental health in older MS patients4.  For decades, scientists have noted an intriguing similarity between a deficiency in vitamin B12 - an essential nutrient that supports healthy development and functioning of the central nervous system  – and MS. In a new study - researchers suggest new ways to improve the treatment of MS through B12 supplementation. Interesting stuff. When I was first dx'ed, I was "prescribed" a self-injection of B12 monthly. And it really made a difference in my energy level - at least for a time.  They may be onto something. Similarity between vitamin B12 loss and multiple sclerosis revealed5.  Cheerio to the researchers across the pond: The European Union (EU) is providing 7.1 million euros (about $7.6 million) over five years to a global interdisciplinary consortium that seeks to identify the causes of MS — with a particular focus on viruses — and find new treatments for the disease.  *Find a cause - find a cure. YES PLEASE!!  EU funds research consortium seeking causes of MS, treatments6.  Higher blood levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a molecule involved in inflammation, may predict a faster rate of brain shrinkage, or atrophy, in people with PPMS. The more information the better, right?? Blood levels of MIF protein may predict brain atrophy with PPMSThat's all folks. Hope you found something of value in this newsletter today. If so - please share it with others and encourage them to sign up for their own damned FUMS 6-Pack at www.FUMSnow.com/6pack!! Warmly -- Kathy#FUMSP.S. Don't forget to check out the ever-evolving product recommendation over that FUMS Amazon storefront:  FUMS Amazon ShopP.S.S. AND don't forget about the FUMS Merchandise shop (with NEW merch coming on board very soon): FUMS Merch Shop   

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