The Beginner's Guide to Walking - a Column by Jennifer van Amerom

Why maintaining good vein health helps me better manage NMOSD

Throughout my journey with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), I’ve often overlooked the importance of maintaining good vein health. Because of that, I’ve paid the price by having far too many difficult days. While we might not think about our veins until there’s an issue, they perform essential functions…

How I handled my first 2 doses of Uplizna to treat my NMOSD

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon). Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. I had a rough summer. After enduring three major attacks from my neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD),…

The economics of time when living with NMOSD

There are 168 hours in a week. That’s quite a bit of time to accomplish life. But what if many of those hours are robbed from you? Let’s examine my schedule, for instance. I’ve worked since I was 14 years old. My first job was at McDonald’s, where I loved…

NMOSD pain treatments vary, but so do the responses

Note: This column describes the author’s own perspectives on several potential treatments for pain. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it a thousand times more: Living with pain is the worst.

I’m facing tough emotions as I prepare for Uplizna treatment

As I write this, it’s the evening before I start receiving Uplizna (inebilizumab-cdon) infusions, a preventive treatment for my neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). I’ll admit, I’m feeling anxious. Here’s how Uplizna works: Astrocytes are a type of cell that helps nerves work properly. On the surface of…

Taking a leap of faith as I switch to another NMOSD treatment

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with preventive NMOSD medications. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy. I’ve always been afraid of heights. When I’m looking over an edge, my palms get sweaty, my heart starts to race,…