Itching the night away

In spite of our shared battles with Multiple Sclerosis, Dan and I have been happily married for the past 13 years.

Strangely, the disease has brought us together. That closeness has sometimes even let us communicate without talking. No words needed.

We have our regular rituals like sharing a quick kiss as soon as an empty elevator’s door closes. Or grasping the other’s hand as we say the Lord’s prayer at church. We toast utensils at the beginning of every meal.

And as the day winds down—usually around 10 p.m.—I bow my head down to Dan, and he knows exactly what I need. Without hesitation he furiously and vigorously scratches my scalp.

No, I do not have bugs.

Or a severe case of dandruff.

And the itching cannot be attributed to my regular hair appointments either. My stylist, Rachelle, at Salon 3Twelve diligently washes and rinses any trace of hair color solution from my scalp. So, getting rid of my grays isn’t the culprit.

So what gives? This itching is maddening!!

Recently as Dan was checking his email (or, more likely, his fantasy football lineup), he came across this informative video he knew I needed to see.

Alas, there IS a reason for my itching. I’m NOT imagining this incessant evening irritation!

What makes this video even more comforting and credible for me is that it comes from Dr. Aaron Boster. Not only is he a highly respected board-certified clinical neuroimmunologist specializing in MS at OhioHealth, I was one of his patients when he completed his internship and neurology residency at the University of Michigan. I can attest that he is very passionate and very thorough in taking care of his patients.

In these videos, you’ll see how Dr. Boster is providing so much help and comfort for countless others, like Dan and me, who are living with the daily challenges of MS.

Turns out this itching is a real MS symptom.

Real, but rare.

How’d I get so lucky?