Category Archives: Caregiving

OMG! Dan really does have MS!

We often say that together we show how Multiple Sclerosis affects everyone differently. While it’s easy to see that MS impacts Jennifer’s ability to walk (hint: she sits in it every day and it’s the key to her independence), most times you never could tell Dan is living with this chronic progressive disease of the central nervous system.

But a few recent shoppers at Kohl’s saw firsthand (and Dan was so rudely reminded) that he isn’t always above the realities of MS.

Want to hear what led Dan to literally sit on Jennifer’s lap in middle of the checkout line? Listen to the current episode of A Couple Takes on MS to hear what pushed Dan’s “invisible” disease to the forefront and what we all can to keep some of MS symptoms under control.

When the MS caregiver gets sick

One of the biggest things Jennifer and I fear with us both living with Multiple Sclerosis was recently realized. I got out of bed and couldn’t stand up to walk. Me, Jennifer’s primary caregiver who is the physical force behind her every transfer in and out of her power wheelchair, lost control of my legs,…Continue Reading

Join us for a live MS caregiving chat tonight!

Multiple Sclerosis can be a very isolating disease, but there are so many ways to keep us all connected. We have worked to maintain these connections through our blogging and speaking and using technology like Healthline’s MS Buddy app. Through this free app, we have a virtual self-help group at our fingertips. Whether you, or…Continue Reading

Take time to give thanks for Caregivers

Our kitchen counter is filled with foundations for two Thanksgiving side dish staples: green bean casserole and scalloped corn. Don’t get us wrong, turkey is the main attraction, but in our minds the sides always have the starring role in this annual tradition. Come Thanksgiving morning, we’ll wake up early and prepare three pans of…Continue Reading

Virginia is for … conquering MS fears

It seems like we just got back from our epic trip to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia to present at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Brian Mason Weekend Escape. Guess when you successfully tackle one of your biggest flying fears, the adrenaline rush takes its time leaving your system. Sure, we’ve taken direct flights countless…Continue Reading

Picture our MS caregiving life

If we told you this essay about caregiving and Multiple Sclerosis was 21,000 words, would you read it? Are you scared by the number of words it takes to describe our day’s worth of events? Fear not. You can power through this one in less than seven minutes. We promise. It has been said that…Continue Reading

ADA family restrooms? Be like Detroit Metro Airport

Dan and I thought we had it made in Nashville. Flying home from our recent trip, there was a family restroom at the Nashville International Airport. And it even was marked as being handicapped accessible. We quickly learned that not all family restrooms are created equal. I mean, we appreciated the efforts of the Nashville…Continue Reading

Yes I should

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: “I should…” Perhaps you’ve said it yourself. You know, things like, “I should lose some weight.” “I should watch my diet.” “I should exercise more.” Honestly, does any of that sound familiar? I wonder if I inadvertently am sending a negative daily message that I’m not good…Continue Reading

Embrace your caregiving strength

I never feel inferior when I overhear friends talking about their shared challenges and triumphs lifting weights at the gym. Oh, I should be jealous of their work ethic and marvel in their hard-earned masculinity. But I’m not. I truly have nothing but respect for what they accomplish through their squats, curls, presses, deadlifts and…Continue Reading