Check out last week’s poll results at the bottom of the 6-Pack ⤵️

Hey there,

How are YOU doing?? There is SO much illness going around right now - I just want to check in and see how YOU are. My husband and I set off to see our youngest daughter Reagan at James Madison University this past weekend. Reagan called us on our way and said “I just tested positive for COVID” to which we said “hope you feel better soon - we’re not coming!!” 🙃 Instead of going west, we headed north and stayed with our oldest daughter Maggie Mae in Arlington, VA. It was a lovely 28 hours seeing her and visiting with old friends - and avoiding illness! Be careful. Mask up! Wash your hands. Stay home. Drink wine to kill germs. Well - that last one is unproven but - I’m a believer!! 🍷

Let's see what's up in the world of MS, shall we??

1. I’m both excited and pissed off by this news. Our drugs cost, in some cases, double and triple here in the U.S., what they cost in Canada. WHAT?!?! 😳 Many of them are made here in the States. 😡 Legislation has been proposed to allow us to get drugs from Canada. This really feels like going around your ass to get to your elbow but - whatever works!! Welch joins legislation to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada

2. Over the last several years, the gut microbiome has emerged as a major player in disease. I’m glad to see the research ramping up in MS. “Interactions between the body’s immune system and bacteria that live in the digestive tract — essentially, a person’s gut — become disrupted in MS, a new study by U.S. researchers found.” Immune system-gut bacteria interactions altered in MS: Study

3. I L🧡VE to see more research in PPMS. For years, I had very little to write about in that area. “Using an implantable scaffold to collect immune cells in mice, researchers have gained insights into the immunological mechanisms driving PPMS. Based on the findings, the scientists developed a treatment strategy to block specific inflammatory molecules, which eased MS severity in the mouse model.” Let’s go!! Implantable scaffold aids insights into PPMS, treatment strategies

Hot Ticket MS Events

Catch Dr. Aaron Boster’s upcoming monthly livestream THIS Saturday (March 1), starting at 10:30 am EST. Engage with Dr. Boster about YOUR 🫵🏻 MS treatment, care, and questions. The livestream will open at 10:30 am, and Dr. Boster will speak from 11 am - 12 pm. Here’s where to go: Dr. Aaron Boster on YouTube

Here’s your chance to see a “behind-the-scenes” look at what this innovative program has to offer! They’re hosting a 30 minute "Behind The Scenes" Zoom call this Thursday at 11am EST where you’ll see:

1. An inside look into The MSing Link so you can see the type of exercise classes & trainings you'll learn: hint -- lots of neuroplasticity exercises & education from MS experts including neurologists, nutritionists, and therapists. Not to mention live classes & a community that feels like you’re getting a warm hug.
   

2. Your questions about the program answered – so you can see if it's a good fit for you & your goals.
   

3. How to get started so you're set up for success and seeing progress towards your goals of improved mobility as soon as possible!

Here’s where to register for the FREE call: The MS’ing Link Behind the Scenes

4. “No statistically significant increase in cancer risk was observed when comparing patients exposed to DMTs with those who were not. These results provide reassurance that DMTs do not independently contribute to elevated cancer risk among patients with MS.” I’ve got no sassy, smart-assy comment to add to this. Just happy to see it! 🥳 Disease-Modifying Therapies Do Not Increase Cancer Risk in Multiple Sclerosis

5. Exciting and timely post (I live for these): “Growing research shows why popular GLP-1 weight loss medications might be beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis, but the jury’s still out. Should You Take Ozempic if You Have MS?

6. This is one of those topics that I get questions about at least once a week. “If I’m stable and over 60, can I discontinue DMTs? It’s so expensive. They have side effects, etc.” In fact, last year I was discussing stopping my meds with my neurologist. I had been stable for years and I was approaching 60. Then I had my annual MRI and guess what?? One new lesion and a couple of old ones that were acting up! 😡 I switched DMTs, but I’m staying on them. Here’s a study that supports that decision: Discontinuation of DMTs for MS: Stable Patients at Higher Risk for Recurrence

Fun Finds & Recommendations

I’m sharing a beautiful 15-minute guided meditation for healing and recovery. I have used guided meditation to help with my chronic pain, anxiety, fatigue, numbness, etc. I just LOVE it. I’ve found it very helpful. Give yourself the gift of 15 minutes to breathe, relax, and feel the heal! Here’s where to find the meditation: 15 Minutes of Ahhhhh

**I am recording guided meditations specifically for people with MS. I’ll keep you updated when I release them. 🧘🏼‍♀️

Last week’s poll results:

**You ALWAYS have a choice. It’s YOUR BODY. It’s YOUR CHOICE. Talk to you doctor about what YOU WANT.

That'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 -- 

Kathy

Kathy Reagan Young
Founder
FUMS


 

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

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