symptoms

I have this recurring dream where I’m trapped in a room. I can hear voices on the other side of the door, so I call out, except my voice feels heavy. The words are caught in my mouth, so no one can hear me. I try to get up. I’m…

Everyone knows that how we treat our bodies affects our health. Our habits, behaviors, and self-care — which include sleep, stress management, a healthy diet, and exercise — all play a role. Yet, somehow we often tend to overlook our skin. Particularly as patients with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), why…

One of the most important jobs new parents have is to protect their children from pain. I am a mother of three, and every time one of my kids gets hurt, I want to take on the pain myself. When my youngest daughter, Bella, was hospitalized with neuromyelitis…

In my early 20s, I decided to drop everything and travel across Europe with my close friend Phil. Our trip was memorable for many reasons, including the fact that it was in Italy when I first felt unwell. It was a hot summer, and 14 years ago, most of Europe…

Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. The days are longer, the adventures seem endless, and the smell of barbecue, flowers, and freshly cut grass fill the air. However, high temperatures during the summer, especially in tropical climates, can pose a challenge for those with neuromyelitis…

I love beach vacations. I put my phone and laptop away, grab a good book, and head out into the sun. But the sun is not to be messed with, especially for an immune-suppressed patient. Many medications can cause sun sensitivity, among other challenges. According to the U.S. Department…

For nearly two and a half years, I avoided catching the COVID-19 virus. When I finally ventured away from my home, I was infected. Weeks later, I’m still feeling the effects. My daughter, Sophie, was recently given an opportunity to represent Canada at a global dance competition in Portugal.

Trying something new will always intimidate me. While my head might feel prepared, my body doesn’t always cooperate. This year my husband and I agreed to take in a homestay teenager who is studying dance at the same studio as our young daughter, Sophie. Sydney, our 15-year-old homestay daughter, is…

Let’s talk about sleep. Sleep is essential for everyone, as it allows our bodies to rest and recharge, especially after a long day. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night, while the recommended amount of sleep for teenagers like my 14-year-old…

It didn’t start as a windy day. The sun beaming down on my face felt oh so good. Spending time on the water with my family was one of my favorite activities. At first, I thought Dad’s 28-foot boat purchase felt excessive, but when we piled our entire family onto…