quality of life

More than half of women with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have never discussed pregnancy with their neurologist, and over 40% report that their pregnancies were unplanned, according to data from a survey-based study in Argentina. This lack of communication means that many women with NMOSD may enter pregnancy…

The moment I slip into a pair of high heels, something shifts. Not only do heels lengthen my legs, but they also boost my confidence, improve my posture, and give me a sense of power. It’s not just about fashion, but also what I associate with high heels: the ability…

More than one-third of people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have involuntary muscle contractions or movements, while about one-quarter develop a lack of motor coordination. That’s according to a systematic review of nearly 100 published studies, which found that individuals with NMOSD may experience a wide range of…

I always know when it’s been a busy week because my body tells me so. My muscles ache, I feel weak, and a burning sensation finds new areas of my body to light up. I can’t just power through my weekend like others might, enjoying fun activities after the mundane…

A couple of years ago, I took on boxing as a form of exercise. I’d never step into the ring, but I loved working on proper form, building strength, and seeing how much conditioning I could handle. I was proud of the progress I made. Then, as often happens with…

My friend Liz flew in from Texas for a long weekend here in Toronto, and together we crossed something special off our lists: seeing one of our favorite bands live in concert. It wasn’t just a reunion, but a reminder of how music, friendship, and shared experiences can bring light…

I had waited 16 years to hear one of my favorite bands of all time perform, as their catalog of music was the soundtrack to my youth. That’s how long Oasis, one of the most iconic bands of the 1990s and early 2000s, had been absent from North America —…

A six-week psychotherapy program, tailored specifically for people with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and delivered via telehealth, helped to ease anxiety and depression in adults with these conditions — with benefits lasting up to three months after treatment. These are the findings of a U.S. pilot clinical trial…

After ordering my double-double coffee, I wait patiently in the second line for my order to be called. (If you’ve been to Canada, you know my double-double reference could only mean I’m at Tim Hortons.) Two patrons later, a woman places her order. I expect her to join the…

As wildfires rage across Ontario, Canada, and neighboring provinces, the skies over Toronto have turned hazy and the air has become a silent threat. For most, this means itchy eyes and a scratchy throat. But for those of us living with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), the…