The FUMS 6-Pack | 02/12/25

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

Hey there,

Soooo - did your team win?? I went to a Super Bowl party and enjoyed seeing my friends and eating (too much) delicious food and watching the commercials and the halftime show. None of my teams were in it so - I just enjoyed the spectacle. But - I do feel bad for the Chiefs and their fans. That was an ole’ fashioned ass whooping!

Speaking of getting your ass whooped - how does your MS react to other health challenges - like surgery or a cold? Mine gets ANGRY 😡. I had a minor surgery (well - turned into 20 stitches so maybe a bit more than minor in the end) and my MS is PISSED. The zingers, the spasticity is off the charts, my vision is wonky, pieces parts are going numb, then coming back online. You know - the MS dance. Just wondering if yours is a jealous asshole like mine is?? The MonSter wants ALL my attention!! Hit reply to this email and let me know what you’re experience has been. 😉

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

1. Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation. So - we need to strive to maintain a healthy weight for soooo many reasons - not the least of which is - inflammation and MS are lovers! 🥰. We need to break them up! This is even true in pediatric MS where a new study found “severe obesity during childhood and adolescence more than triples the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), and losing weight through early lifestyle changes did not decrease the likelihood of MS.” Severe obesity in childhood linked to higher risk of MS later in life

2. Again with the obesity. This study shows obesity (and smoking) are associated with a faster rate of progression in MS - each as an individual risk factor. But -”when both risk factors are present together, a synergistic effect results in faster disease progression than can be explained by either alone.” Smoking, obesity interact to drive faster MS progression, study finds

3. ORANGE ALERT: Study currently recruiting - A Phase 2 clinical trial is currently recruiting adults with relapsing types of MS to investigate Zenas Biopharma’s experimental therapy obexelimab as a weekly subcutaneous, or under-the-skin, injection. Here’s where to learn more: Phase 2 trial of obexelimab recruiting adults with relapsing MS

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4. You’ve got to be kidding me. Not only are girls having to figure out their changing bodies and how to handle fun things like menstruation,🙃 but now, a study finds those changes in hormones can trigger increased disease activity in POMS girls (Pediatric Onset MS)?? Seriously? Who do I need to talk to? Who’s in charge of this BS? Hold my beer. 🍺. Pediatric-onset MS relapse rates rise with start of menstruation

5. It’s time to GYST - right? What does GYST mean? Get Your Shit Together - and it is, indeed, time.⏰ What does that look like - well - wills, durable powers of attorney, HIPPA forms, financial planning. All the things that are oh so necessary and so many people find oh so uncomfortable to talk about/deal with so - they just don’t. I’m here to shake you and wake you. This stuff is muy importante. Not just because we have MS. This is imperative for EVERYONE. MS is just life magnified. We talk a lot in this community about not wanting to burden our loved ones. Here’s a super concrete way to make sure we don’t: plan for the inevitable. We ALL have the same shitty prognosis. Nobody’s getting out of this alive so - take some time to make some plans and put things into place. It truly is the last gift you can give to your loved ones. *Crawling off my soap box now. Good article to help you GYST: Getting Our Affairs in Order With MS. I did a two part series on the FUMS Podcast about this subject if you want to listen in - FUMS 101 – GYST: Estate Planning with MS part 1 and FUMS 102 – GYST: Estate Planning with MS part 2

6. Spasticity. I HATE it. If you deal with it as I do - you HATE it too. I find yoga and pool workouts help. And Baclofen. Lots of Baclofen. This article does a great job explaining what spasticity is along with some suggestions on management. MS Muscle Spasticity: What It Is, and What to Do About It

Fun Finds & Recommendations Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my links, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU

Punxsutawney Phil says we still have more winter to look forward to. So - share your FUMS attitude while staying cozy in this cute, sassy, embroidered beanie.

Beanies not really your thang? There’s lots of other sassy, smart-assy FUMS merch to choose from. Find something that fits your attitude here: FUMS Merch Shop

Last week’s poll results:

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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