15 Words That Mean Something Else To Someone With Relapsing MS

Tired = not an excuse to get out of plans.

1. Tired

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What it usually means: Run-down, out of energy.

What it means to someone with MS: When your body and/or mind has had its fill and demands a break — not just an excuse. See also: fatigue, lethargy, lassitude.

2. Sensitive

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What it usually means: To be easily affected.

What it means to someone with MS: How you usually feel, especially when temperature, stress, and other people who lack empathy are involved.

3. Temperature

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What it usually means: A measure of warmth or the lack thereof.

What it means to someone with MS: What you might consider your worst enemy, especially during winter or summer.

4. Fog

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What it usually means: A weather condition in which water particles hang in the air low to the ground.

What it means to someone with MS: A lapse in memory; to have something on the tip of your tongue; an all-too-often and frustrating occurrence also known as "cog fog."

5. Off

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What it usually means: Not on.

What it means to someone with MS: Something you can never take when living with MS.

6. Pity

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What it usually means: To feel sorry for someone else.

What it means to someone with MS: A perfectly reasonable party you sometimes throw for yourself.

7. Trigger

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What it usually means: Something that causes something else to happen.

What it means to someone with MS: Something that prompts a relapse of a symptom or symptoms. Heat and stress are two common examples.

8. Pain

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What it usually means: Occasional discomfort.

What it means to someone with MS: Discomfort that exhibits itself physically and/or emotionally. Intensity and duration may vary.

9. Invisible

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What it usually means: Unable to be seen.

What it means to someone with MS: The state of many of your symptoms.

10. Symptom

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What it usually means: A sign or indication of something.

What it means to someone with MS: Unfair, unpredictable, and seemingly endless.

11. Flare

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What it usually means: A flame or flash of light usually used as a signal.

What it means to someone with MS: With "-up," a serious part of MS that can stop you in your tracks but that may be made less frequent with the right treatment.

12. Persistence

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What it usually means: Continuing without end.

What it means to someone with MS: Following your treatment plan as instructed by your doctor and never giving up advocating for yourself.

13. Balance

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What it usually means: Holding steady; physical stability.

What it means to someone with MS: Some days it's a struggle, but you make it through!

14. Support

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What it usually means: Help or assistance.

What it means to someone with MS: Everything. The more, the better.

15. Cheerleader

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What it usually means: A member of an organized athletic team or squad who encourages teams and individuals.

What it means to someone with MS: Your care partner, friends, and family — aka the people who understand when you're feeling sick and celebrate when you're feeling better.

When you're living with multiple sclerosis, words take on a new meaning.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS), talk to your doctor to find out how treatment may help.

Brought to you by MS LifeLines sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc.
This information is intended only for residents of the United States.
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