Information and opinions on Multiple Sclerosis from Denise Coleman at MultipleSclerosisCentral.com. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. (www.HealthCentral.com) is one of the top health destinations on the Web, with more than 35 condition-specific, wellness and general health Web properties. http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653 http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/rss self application/xml en-us 15 120 19 http://www.healthcentral.com/images/hc_logo_sm.gif http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653 http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/91358/fiction Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:00:29 -0400 Denise Coleman Most of us go through life with a very definite idea of who we are, what we stand for, what we believe and sometimes what we believe other people think of us.  Until ten years ago I certainly had all those concepts firmly planted in my mind and went on happily believing that I was a fairly good looking, intelligent woman who had overcome various challenges on my path to being a successful professional with a career in academia, a single... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/91358/fiction http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/89368/coping Sun, 04 Oct 2009 15:43:43 -0400 Denise Coleman The National Center for Health Statistics reports that over 76 million people live with pain. I was reminded recently that we must not just think of this huge number but of the individuals that comprise it. I met a woman who is living with disabling pain, trying to cope and support herself, even though the Social Security Administration has informed her that she does not qualify for disability insurance; she isn’t in enough pain. We spoke... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/89368/coping http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/87296/impact Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:54:54 -0400 Denise Coleman I know that MS is often referred to as not involving pain, although everyone I know with MS experiences a certain amount of pain, often nerve pain, which is difficult to treat.  As I have mentioned in previous Share Posts, I am a volunteer for the Power Over Pain Awareness Network and as such am doing some work for September is Pain Awareness Month.  I have decided the best way I can help spread awareness is to highlight some of the... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/87296/impact http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/85961/peeve-2 Tue, 08 Sep 2009 14:53:56 -0400 Denise Coleman My last Post was about the lack of curb cuts in Manhattan and the inconvenience that can cause a person who relies on a motorized scooter or wheelchair to get around the city.  I hope you found it interesting, and perhaps even a little enjoyable.  Today I want to pick up where I left off and tell you what happened when I got to my destination, the brand new New York Times building.  I was meeting a friend for lunch in a lovely... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/85961/peeve-2 http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/85812/peeve Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:43:07 -0400 Denise Coleman I have a new pet peeve!  Don’t go running, I think you may find this interesting. Those of you who have read my previous emails know that I travel around Manhattan using a motorized scooter and am thrilled that I can maintain a good deal of my independence by doing this.  I moved to Manhattan 11 years ago when I could no longer drive because of my deteriorating eyesight and seizure activity; I couldn’t picture living in... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/85812/peeve http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/84060/life Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:02:30 -0400 Denise Coleman Imagine overcoming many challenges in life to obtain your college degree and begin and build your career to a level of success, only to have to give it all up at an early age because your body won’t work.  Many of you reading this have done just this, as have I.  And the changes in my life that followed have been difficult and at times depressing, but as with everything, we find a way to keep on going and when possible continue... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/84060/life http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/82950/strike Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:08:29 -0400 Denise Coleman I’ve decided I need a break. I’m going on strike.  I can only take so much and then I need to have some space and time of my own. I am tired of going from one appointment to another, draining the last bit of energy I have left in me.  I used to love having busy days at work and dashing from one interesting meeting to another, and I probably would still love that.  What I am talking about, however, is something very... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/82950/strike http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/81448/chronic Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:56:35 -0400 Denise Coleman   I never had asthma, serious respiratory problems, or high blood pressure until 1994; before that my blood pressure was actually on the low side.  As I got older, and heavier, my blood pressure increased and I was able to manage that with medicine.  In 2006, however, I began to have intermittent coughing fits that would last a few days and over time, last for weeks.  I go for hours or days with no coughing and then, POW,... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/81448/chronic http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/80338/forward Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:37:26 -0400 Denise Coleman One step forward and two steps back… That’s how I feel every time I go to a doctor lately.  And I see a lot of doctors; primary care doctor, neurologist, pain specialist, urologist, pulmonologist, neuro-opthamologist, cardiologist, and every few months a podiatrist.  All of these specialists are necessary because of the multiple chronic conditions I live with.  Some, like Multiple Sclerosis, include a variety of... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/80338/forward http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/77244/summit Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:32:58 -0400 Denise Coleman I haven’t been doing much writing lately because I haven’t been feeling too well. I have, however, read and enjoyed many of the other interesting Share Posts during this time. Thank to all of you who continue to write such stimulating and in formative Posts.    It is difficult to have to accept that there are times when I just cannot meet all my commitments, especially when my life is so pared down from what it was like... http://www.healthcentral.com/multiple-sclerosis/c/39653/77244/summit