**Originally posted by Matt Cavallo on MSAA Conversations on 10-10-2014** I had one goal for after my anterior cervical fusion surgery: work as hard as I could to return to normal so I could the dad I always wanted to be. This was not going to be easy. I had a serious neck injury with … Read more
Many of us out there are living with a chronic illness. The challenges that we face with that illness can be overwhelming. What are you doing to stay inspired despite the cards that you were dealt? For me, inspiration came in the form of a dog, my Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, Ted. When I couldn’t walk or … Read more
Normally, I am a very careful person. Living with multiple sclerosis and going through neck surgery have made me that way. I don’t take unnecessary risks. For example, I would never jump out of a perfectly good airplane or bridge, even if I had a parachute or bungee attached. I don’t play contact sports with … Read more
I was recently asked to appear on the Jennings Wire podcast to talk about my life with MS and my books. The following is a link to my podcast interview. It is about nine minutes long and according to the host and all the social media comments, very inspiring. It is also free of charge, … Read more
In the past nine years living with multiple sclerosis, I have had to overcome many challenges. I have lost the use of my legs, sight in my eye and cognitive abilities. To see me today, you would never guess that I am living with MS. Because of that many people ask me what I do … Read more
When you are living with multiple sclerosis sometimes you don’t feel like celebrating. Especially, if you live near Phoenix and high temperature on the day of your celebration was 111 degrees. I was feeling fatigued, overheated and wanted to stay in bed all day. I was considering cancelling the dinner, but there was one party … Read more
The Vacation Remix In part one of this blog, Chronic Illness Vacation Risk Factors, I identified chronic illness vacation risk factors as being travel stress, overdoing it, overheating, time zone and diet changes. These factors can all lead to mini-flare ups or pseudo exacerbations of your condition. These pseudo exacerbations tend to last a short … Read more
Imagine that you are a senior in college and a semester away from graduating. You are going for an afternoon jog. The sun is shining as you run along the California coastline. You stop at an intersection and wait for the walk signal. The signal changes and you start jogging across the crosswalk. Then, … Read more
Tomorrow, Monday, June 23, 2014, I will be tuning in to see Jason DaSilva’s documentary, When I Walk. Much like the initial onset of my experience with multiple sclerosis, Jason lost the ability to walk. While I responded well to therapy and treatment, Jason was not as lucky. Throughout the film making process, Jason’s disability … Read more
Summer vacations with the family are fun. This time of year is all about getting outdoors and creating memories to last a life time. Even if you have a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, you can still enjoy these summer vacations. You just have to understand the risk factors: Chronic Illness Vacation Risk Factors Travel … Read more