Chat Login top	PeopleWithMS.com Newsletter ~ 82,000 Chatters Served ~ April 19th, 2008	Healthy Eating Monday
Chat Schedule		Tuesday Night Trivia
ChatStar		Women's/Men's Wednesday
Stories and Pictures		Thursday Game Night
Recipes & Healthy Eating		Friday Night Singles
HeadsUp !		Saturday Prayer Chat
Famous People/Birthdays		Poems
Rod's Music Shoppe		Newsletter Archive

PeopleWithMS - Intro

MS_Kitty70 is consolidating her Klearview to MS site within PeopleWithMS.

Please check out this excellent addition to PeopleWithMS

Chat

PeopleWithMS Newsletter 08-19-07 PWMS Chat Update:

Chat continues to grow at over 1,000 visitors a week! If you are newly arriving, or a returning friend from MS Watch, MS World, Jooly's Joint, or another chat, let folks know. It's great to catch up on what old friends have been up to. At the same time, we have seen that the room become more in touch with helping the newbie to feel welcome. We're getting new chatters weekly and it's very rewarding to see everyone helping out the newcomers to chat.

Recent events dictate a restatement of certain facts of life about the PeopleWithMS Chat.

Our primary focus is Multiple Sclerosis and our objective is support. Not just boring clinical information - support is under a big tent, with broad expanse of fabric. So we have many rooms to cover the many topics and personal perspectives.

Remember -This is your house as well as ours. We donate the chatroom, and solicit no outside sponsors: We rely on our chatters to volunteer their time and effort to make this the best it can be. We keep a very open mind about our chat rooms, recognizing that we are catering to a wide audience. We really don't want to make rules about what you think is relevant help. But we do expect some display of common sense and respect.

The Lobby is the Town Common, where people have the least in common. So exercise restraint and patience!
The Rooms List covers some common general interests or attitudes, and special purpose rooms, so if that is what you and other chatters are into, go there, and others may follow.
Private Messages are for quick exchange of private or side-conversation information, like an e-mail address, interesting web site address, or company phone number.
Private Discussion of personal, perhaps embarrassing physical or other issues can be taken to a special-purpose room such as the WomenOnly, MenOnly, or OffTopic Room
Other Topics simply belong outside this chat. Dubious personal topics, commercial activities, and proclivities such as media piracy & warez, cybersex, snakeoil miracle cures, etc. have no place in any public or private room on PeopleWithMS. Please take it out of PeopleWithMS onto an instant messanger.

Transcripts are maintained for the safety and security of our chatters, just like any other major chat site. They allow us to identify the IP address and location of problem chatters, who don't might not belong. When someone reports misbehavior in chat, transcripts allow investigation and substantiation of the accusation. We don't want to throw anybody out. However, we also don't want creeps harrassing chatters.

The Rooms List

PWMS *Main Chat Room* *aka " The Lobby* "**	This a main chat room for all chatters. The best place to start at any time of the day or night. Some stay in here always. *But now you can head off to another room, the choices are below.*
*CoffeeHouse* *( rated PG )*	Grab some friends, have a latte! Or kick back with a Cappuccino.
*Lounge* *( rated R )*	Bring your friends in here when the off-color jokes, rowdy discussions, or other topics start offending delicate sensibilities in other rooms. ! If discussion goes XXX, get out of chat and onto IM, or book a hotel.
*No Graphics*	This is the place to hang out if your eyes just can't deal with fast-moving chat text and flashing graphics. Please turn off Avatars and Emoticons to eliminate flashing and conserve display space.
Special Rooms	Special Rooms
*Newly Diagnosed*	RA's, Hosts, or any concerned chatter should suggest newly diagnosed chatters head into this quieter, special purpose room. There should be no casual or off topic discussions here => the focus is on the questions, concerns, and fears of that new person.
*Trivia & Games*	Organized Triva and Games are held 2 nights a week. However, you can organize games anytime you want. Or leave a trivia question and play tag.
*Women Only*	This room is only for Women! It can be used anytime at all. We do have Women's Night Wednesday 8PM EST
*Men's Only*	This room is only for Men! It can be used anytime at all. We do have Men's Night Wednesday 8PM EST
*Singles Only*	A Special Room for Friday Night Singles Fun & Flirting 8PM EST
*Off-Topic*	The room for discussions of limited interest subjects. Computer repair. Pasta farming. Furniture Refinishing Techniques.
*BikerBar*	HarleyVickie had the idea, and we made it a reality. Now it's up to you to keep the room filled with lively discussions of whatever seems appropriate.
*PetShop*	Join PetsRUs6 in the PetShop on Saturdays nights for discussion about all things pet. All Animals, Anytime !
Prayer Chat	BobbyGene and JolyRox have offered to host a Saturday Night Chat focussed on Prayer and Support.
*Connections*	No one in chat, or the room you are interested in chatting in ? Leave a message. They will catch you later.
*Staff Lounge*	A closed room for occasional staff meetings.

Who's Chatting Where? Plus Signs to the left of room names click-expand to show who's in there !

Who's logging in and out ? Regular users should only see those logging into and out of a particular room. RAs see all entry-exit so they can greet newcomers.

Chat Star

Deena

Hi guys, my nickname is Deena, given to me by my oldest sister when I was brought home from the hospital from birth, It seems to fit me better then real name Bernadine. I have primary progressive ms for about 13 years, but I remember a few problems way before that (like falling on level ground) thought it was me and my walking. I was dx 4-13-01 with PPMS after 7 yrs of not knowing what was wrong, went to lots of drs they saw damage in brain but none thought ms, finally went to a DR who wanted spinal tap done and proved ms, PPMS from start. I have all the symptoms like the rest of you guys but mine is always with me (some days better then others). (more )

Coordinator of Room Administrators

JolyRox is coordinating all Room Administrators Please contact her with any problems. She may make some suggestions about how to be a more effective Room Administrator. Work with her she has some very good ideas. We need Team work! She will help with anything she can when it comes to helping others in chat.

Or contact us at PWMS@PeopleWithMS.com

Chat Coordinator!

Norma is coordinating all chats. Please contact her for any changes. All you have to do is look at the schedule for and find a place that fits when hosting is good for you. If somebody is already hosting then, pop in to support them, and let them know you'll back-up, or buddy host with them. Just let her know what you choose! Norma's email is NORMAJJOHNSTON@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Chat Hosting Schedule

The Chat Schedule breaks things down by day, and show the equivalent times in different time zones. Hopefully this will make it a bit clearer how an Eastern Standard Time relates to your personal timezone or country.

Reading the schedule is easy: Just click on the day of the week to jump down. and then look down from your local time zone on top to the time you are interested in => bold times are when hosts have volunteered to be present.

Knowing someone is available to provide support at dependable, specific local times makes a chat more successful.

Please, if you go in chat and a host does not answer you right away, please wait, Our hosts do a 2 hours stretch and need bathroom time and coffee time. So if they're away right at the sec you arrive, be patient, they will come back.

Click Here to jump to the full Chat Schedule Page

It is always the final word on who's hosting, when !

Click Here

to enter

our new chat

Click Here

to enter

our new chat

Stories

PeopleWithMS - Stories and Pictures

*Aileen*	My name is Aileen My story will be revealed shortly . . .
Karen1	Easter sunday 2003 Junior and I went for a walk around the lake. I didn't know about the rocks in the area cause we were new here. I stepped on the wrong rock, leave it to me, lol. It crumbled under me and I went down the embankment . The rest of the rock stayed in the ground. When I went down I hit my back on it. When I woke up 2 days later my legs were tingly half way down. The next day the tingling was further down and felt like I was wearing tight, too tight panties. lol. So I went to the chiropractor. He adjusted me and I felt great for a few hours, then the tingling was worse and now in my left arm. So I went to the ER. They gave me pain killers and muscle relaxers, Didn't help but I was feeling no pain, lol. A few weeks later I went back, they set me up with a local doc. He sent me for an MRI. Results in he said I see no problem so I am sending you to a neuro, that is where my trouble started. He was not a good doc. No bed side manner. I have learned the hard way if you don't have good feelings about a doc, do not go back to them. Anyway, so he sent me for another MRI with contrast this time. Went back to see him on my 2 year wedding anniversary. The test came back positive. He put me on Rebif and told me nothing. I didn't even know I would walk again, when I left his office. 1 1/2 years later the doc disappeared with no word and never treated the first attack. Only told me to not let anybody put me on prednisone or I would wind up in the mental ward. Only saw him a total of 4 times then went 2 years with no doc. I started having alot of attacks again so I figured it was time to see a new one. now I have to drive 2 and a half hours to see him, Oh boy, he must be good. lol, he is and he is a keeper, cute too and from Ireland, lol. (more)
	What's She Thinking About ? . . . .

This could be you*

Just send your name, story, and photo along to: PWMS@PeopleWithMS.com

People like to read other stories about MS and dealing with the everyday life with MS. Everyone's M.S. is different and everyone's story is different. Get to know the chatters we chat with.

Stories and Picture's

PWMS Welcomes!

Please, we have issued an All Points Bulletin for any new chatters ! Come in, ask them to send us their e-mail addresses at PWMS@PeopleWithMS.com ; it is the only way we can send them out our weekly newsletter. Also, let them know about your stories and pictures, and perhaps ask if they'd like to submit one.! A great way to get instant recognition, by appearing in the newsletter. Most of us love to know more about each other and see who we chat with. When no one is here and a new MSER comes in and reads our stories and poems it helps to read and see how MSers deal with life.

Anyone who wants to add Pictures or update their story, please do so.

HeadsUp !

PeopleWithMS - Heads Up ! ! !

Norma's

Walk

The National MS Society is kicking off our annual MS Walk. I am planning to be a part of that event and I am asking you to join me in the fight against MS by making a contribution to support my effort.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. They simultaneously fund research for a cure while also helping people who currently live with MS lead more fulfilling lives. I believe in the work they do, and I invite you to see for yourself all the good they've done for the MS community. More than 400,000 Americans live with MS, and your support can and will make changes in their lives.

Please help by making a donation - large or small - to fight MS. Or, why not join me on the day of the event? Become a participant and side by side, as teammates, we can work together to raise the funds to make a difference.

Click here to learn more about supporting Norma's Walk

Cooling Equipment Distribution

MSAA provides cooling vests (such as the one pictured above) to individuals with MS who qualify for the program.

Many people with multiple sclerosis are heat sensitive. MS research has proven that heat and humidity often aggravate common MS symptoms. MS research has also proven that cooling the body can help lessen the negative effects of heat and humidity on a person with MS.

MSAA's Cooling Equipment Distribution Program is a highly successful branch of the Equipment Distribution Program. In association with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), MSAA has conducted extensive research into the effects of moderate, controlled cooling on individuals with heat-sensitive MS. Along with other research studies, results have repeatedly shown that many individuals with heat-sensitive MS find temporary relief of certain symptoms by wearing active cooling garments. Among others, symptom relief may include improvements in energy level, cognitive processing, and motor function through the use of such cooling devices.

The Cooling Equipment Distribution Program provides special cooling apparel at no charge to individuals with MS. "Active Suits" have a separate cooling unit that circulates cool liquid through a vest and cap worn by the user. "Passive" cooling apparel includes vests, collars, bandanas, and wristbands that either hold cool inserts or contain special material that remains cool for up to two hours.

Cooling Collars help regulate body temperature

Active cooling is considered a therapy and requires both a doctor's prescription and supervision for usage. Heat is extracted from the system by re-circulating the fluid through ice. Clinical research has shown that active cooling systems can significantly reduce the temperature in certain areas of the body. When areas of the central nervous system that have been demyelinated are cooled, the conductivity across the damaged area is greatly enhanced. This increased conductivity allows more effective transmission of signals, which can reduce some symptoms.

Passive cooling systems help maintain a cooler body temperature. These can be used outdoors in hot weather or during exercise regimens. These passive systems do not reduce body temperature, and are not considered a therapy. They do provide relief from heat for short periods of time.

To Apply for This Program

Step 1: Click here to view the Cooling Catalog
Step 2: Download the Program Application.
Submit just one application form to cover your selections.
Step 3: Please complete the forms online, print, and sign the forms.
Step 4: Mail the completed forms and any necessary additional documentation (see the Program Application) to:

MSAA
Attn: Program Coordinator - Cooling Equipment Distribution
706 Haddonfield Rd.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Montel Williams is promoting the new prescription program

" Partnership for Prescription Assistance " :

https://www.pparx.org/

call 1-888-477-2669 / 1-888-4PPA-NOW

There are over 150 different programs that can help you get your meds for free, or at a low cost. Check it out ! ! !

We also have some links up on our web site that may help. Check it outPatient Assistance Programs

Norma alerted us to this important National Multiple Sclerosis Society Program; Direct Assistance. This provides durable medical equipment and other financial aid to those with demonstrated need . Program details vary by chapter. However, the following will give you an idea of what might be available. Check with your local chapter ( Find Your Chapter ) if you think you might be eligible. A number of our chatters have had luck with this program.

Direct Assistance Now Available

The National MS Society, Michigan Chapter is offering new financial services to address the needs of individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families.

The goal of Direct Assistance is to provide financial assistance to enhance the quality of life and help individuals with MS achieve their highest level of independence.

This program helps chapter members with MS obtain financial assistance in the areas of:

Transportation - to and from medical appointments ONLY
Home Care - short-term personal care and homemaker/chore services. This service offers assistance in the home with tasks that individuals living with MS are having difficulty completing (meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, bathing, and dressing).
Respite Care - care when the usual caregiver is temporarily unavailable because of travel, illness or other demands.
Short-term counseling - counseling for those facing unexpected challenges as a result of their MS. Limited counseling services are available through in-person and telephone sessions.
Medical equipment - the purchase or repair of a variety of equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and bath equipment.
Equipment Loan Closet - for people with MS to borrow, free of charge, equipment that they need for a short period of time.
Home & auto modifications - such as lifts, ramps or hand controls.
Window air conditioners - limited to no more than one window unit per year with a minimum of five years between requests. This service is offered from April 1st - September 30th of each year.
Cooling vest - limited to no more thatn one cooling vest per year with a minimum of five years between requests. This service is offered from April 1st - September 30th of each year.
Emergency response systems - ensures that adults living at home get quick assistance whenever needed - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

All assistance is based on financial need and provided according to a sliding fee scale. To obtain assistance, the Chapter requires:

A verification of diagnosis.
Completion of a confidential financial assistance application
Some items/services also require a physician's prescription

For more information or to apply for financial assistance call 800-344-4867.

Services provided depending on available resources. Advance notice required for all services.

Partial support underwritten by the R.M. Gerstacker Foundation.

Summer Cooling Ice Vest Info

"I Dropped My Chicken Soup:

Stories about Multiple Sclerosis"

So I want to apologize. I haven't been keeping up on on book updates. I've been to preoccupied with my own health, which has been having a few issues and that really hasn't been fair of me. And once again I do want to thank everyone for the Anyways I'm ready to concentrate on book updates

Now on to the book update. The book is going over fairly well. (But don't worry if you haven't purchased your book yet, or you want another copy there are still books for sale. Just go to my websitewww.msstories.zoomshare.com for ordering infomation.)

I've had some really positive reviews which I've posted on my website www.msstories.zoomshare.com. I've also had a lot of people tell me the book hit very close to home, which is what I wanted. I want everyone to know that they are not alone!!! But I am sorry if it was hard for anyone to read. I hope that you also found it informative!!!

Since October I've also had a number of book signings, 1 radio interview and a couple of articles in the news paper. Although I haven't posted copies of the newspaper articles. There are pictures from my book signings and the radio interview. And I will get the newspaper articles on there shortly!!

I love feedback on the book both positive and constructive negative comments.

I hope everyone is happy and holding steady in their health!!!

Take care!!!

Rebeka
www.myspace.com/msstories

It is also available at www.amazon.com OR www.target.com OR www.totallywell.com OR
www.wellnessbooks.com OR www.target.com OR www.bordersstores.com

Tuesday Night Trivia

PeopleWithMS - Trivia Night

Trivia Night in the PeopleWithMS Chat

Tuesday

7pm CST

8pm EST

5 pm PST

LFShaw hosts our Tuesday Night Trivia!

Trivia Tuesday, where the host ask the questions.

Sit back, relax. It's Tuesday night. Enjoy!

Our Trivia will start Tuesday!
Despite her late arrival, LFShaw managed to come up with all the correct answers, to remain our Mistress of Trivia for another week.

Sumo58 came through with another Trivia Victory to put another notch in that crown !

And newcomer Gerbarso was able to squeek out the ultimate defeat, overcoming the valiant efforts of Boomergirl and MrRed.

Womens & Mens Wednesday Nights

PeopleWithMS - Women's & Men's Chat Night

Please welcome our woman's night host's

Woman's night & Men's night!

Wednesday's we have Woman's chat in our WOMAN'S ROOM

We'll have a Men's chat at same time when there is a subject of interest.

We do this for one hour from 8PM till 9PM EST. If anyone wants to stay in the woman's room for longer, feel free to stay. We have had such a great time it seems for some it's not long enough. Then we rejoin in the main chat room as always.

Please welcome our woman's night host's Norma & Aileen!

And remember: Any one can use these rooms at anytime.

Thursday Game Night

PeopleWithMS -Games

Thursdays

8 pm EST

7pm CST

5 pm PST

_ChiChi & ^{Mr Red} host _Fact or ^Crap!?

our Thursday Game Night

Poor ChiChi is having some MS troubles, and again was unable to host Thursday Night Fact or Crap ? Alternate host volunteers would be welcomed. Contact MrRed

All you need to bring is a sharp mind and a loaded index finger.

We need your Game Night ideas !
Talk to MrRED or send e-mail to:
PWMS@PeopleWithMS.com

Friday Night Singles

PeopleWithMS - Women's & Men's Chat Night

" Live from Las Vegas . . . "

Friday Night Singles !

with Linda-NV

By popular demand, we are starting a . . . . .

Friday Night Singles Chat Room at 8pm EST

Casual attire - shoes required on the dance floor. . . .

Only the finest imported and domestic wines served from our virtual vinyards

Saturday Prayer Chat

PeopleWithMS -ChurchChat

Prayer & Support Chat

Saturday 8 pm EST - 7pm CST - 5 pm PST

Please join BobbyGene and JolyRox on Saturday Nights

BobbyGene has pastoral training with the Assembly of God and has offered to host a chat broadly oriented towards prayer as a support method. As he has stated, "In my training I've had to learn the in's and outs of many various religions and I believe we could keep the focus on support and prayer when needed."

We are providing a special interest room for those interested in prayer of whatever fashion, and focussed discussion of prayer as a support mechanism by those so inclined.

Please seek other forums for spirited theological debates.

. .

Recipes

PeopleWithMS - Recipes

Click here

for Recipes

Check out all of the recipes on our web site that chatters have shared with us

Click here for

Healthy Eating

Recipes

Please Email us with any recipes you would like to share with us PWMS@peoplewithms.com

Toasted-Rolled Veggie Quesadillas Recipe

This recipe makes: 6 quesadillas
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 green peppers, thinly sliced
4 scallions, thinly sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup grated reduced fat Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup cooked corn kernels
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
6 whole wheat flour tortillas
1/4 cup prepared salsa, or more to taste, drained of excess moisture

Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the peppers and scallions and season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool.
3. Mix the pepper and scallion mixture with the remaining ingredients, except the salsa and tortillas. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
4. Lay the tortillas out on a counter. Spread 1/6 of the mixture down the middle of each of the tortillas leaving a 2-inch border at the bottom edge. Spread a spoonful of salsa on top. Roll up the tortillas halfway, fold in the ends and then continue rolling until they form a thick cylinder.
5. Set the quesadillas, seam side down on a baking sheet. Bake 5 minutes, flip the quesadillas, and cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 quesadilla

Calories 302
Total Fat 13 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Protein 10 g
Total Carbohydrate 37 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sodium 446 mg
Percent Calories from Fat 39%
Percent Calories from Protein 13%
Percent Calories from Carbohydrate 48%

Thank You Nellie!

Healthy Eating

PeopleWithMS - Healthy Eating

Monday

7pm CST

8pm EST

5 pm PST

Healthy Eating

'support group'

Healthy Eating support group has started. We added 3 pages to our web site. You can find a print out journal, recipes, and check out the exercise page. Please join Shelly and Norma in there weekly. Everyone needs extra support . Bring idea's! Join us in getting back on a positive way of eating.

Submit recipes that will be posted

Please email them to deb@durgin.net

click here

Rod's Music Shoppe

PeopleWithMS - Rod's Music Shoppe

Rockin' Rod's

Music

Shoppe

Some of you have met Rod, one of our Florida chatters. He has been also been known as our DJ ! He has a very large collection of music. Rod has offered to do his best to find any song you're looking for, and email it to you. He needs the obvious: Name of singer ! Name of song ! He's not a mind reader LOL ! You can email him your requests at: LINGRAM1@TAMPABAY.RR.COM

Crafts

PeopleWithMS - Crafts

CRAFTERS

Everyone will have a place to post there crafts so others can see them. This link will stay on our web site and also can be found on our links page. Click yarn ball for fall music, crafts, and more!

Click here for our chatters Craft's and more

Judy is selling her dish cloths. They are made of cotton and she's selling them for $2.00 per towel plus shipping. It's a great deal! They last a real long time and make great gifts!!

Email Judy for orders or questions judydionne@verizon.net

Busy Bees Nursery...Where Dreams Come True

Hello. My name is Audrey and I am the artist here at Busy Bees Nursery. I have been creating these precious reborn babies for about 2 years, and I truly have a love for what I do. It is very rewarding, and I enjoy making people happy with my Reborn Babies! It is such a joy to create and reborn each baby, as they seem to develop their very own personalities and characteristics.

I am proud to say I am a Award

Winner in RebornArtistry.com CONTACT ME: Audbug2410@aol.com.

BusyBeesNursery...Where Dreams Come True:

To post crafts EMAIL deb@durgin.net

Famous People

PeopleWithMS - Famous People

FAMOUS PEOPLE WITH MS PAGE

We're making up a new Famous People Page and we need your input . . . .

So far, we have some semi-famous people. Not really a lot, and not really terrifically famous. Kind of a sad excuse for a list. You're sure to know the name of one or more people that are way more famous. Send us the name of any well known person with MS, and perhaps a one liner about them: PWMS@PeopleWithMS.com

CLICK HEREFAMOUS

Birthdays

PeopleWithMS - Birthdays

Linda's Birthday list!

CLICK HERE CLICK HERE

If anyone wants to host a chat Birthday Party, we provide the room, we clean up! We all have birthdays, some have Anniversary's. Help make a friend feel very important. We are all important in chat! Throw a surprise party for a chat buddy. Thank your best friend for being there for you! He or she deserves a party!

If your birthday is not on our list please tell Linda when in chat! Linda has been really helping with getting this all organized.

We will post 2 months at a time below!

FancyStuff	April 19th
Shelley	April 19th
RonB	April 20th
Barry	April 27th
ROD	May 11th
JAMES62	May 11th
Kathie	May 30th

Thank you Linda!

Poems

PeopleWithMS - Poems

Check it out on our inspirational Poetry Pages

Please Email us with any poems you would like to share with us PWMS@peoplewithms.com

" How could we forget those ancient myths that stand at the beginning of all races, the myths about dragons that at the last moment are transformed into princesses? Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love. So you mustn't be frightened...... if a sadness rises in front of you, larger than any you have ever seen; if an anxiety, like light and cloud-shadows, moves over your hands and over everything you do. You must realize that something is happening to you, that life has not forgotten you, that it holds you in its hand and will not let you fall."

-Rainer Maria Rilke

And if there is one more thing that I must say to you, it is this: Don't think that the person who is trying to comfort you now lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes give you much pleasure. His life has much trouble and sadness, and remains far behind yours. If it were otherwise, he would never have been able to find those words.

-Rainer Maria Rilke

General Information

PeopleWithMS Newsletter 08-19-07

OUR MISSION

Our objective is to provide an informal, supportive site for people seeking on-line information about Multiple Sclerosis. We aren't doctors, we aren't experts. We just live it everyday. We formed this site to share what we have learned, provide a focal point for exchange of information, and give back to the community.

Support is a very big word when it comes to MS. Doctors can only tell you so much during an office visit. Leaving unanswered questions, concerns and issues. People with any disease can often learn best from each other. To this end we provide a chat forum to share information and suggestions, posting of the latest news, and links to authoritative sources of information.

There are many informative sites out there. Visit them all! You can never have enough information. We do not intend to compete with any other sites. Like coffee shops, each has it's own unique atmosphere and clientele. There can never be enough of them.

Our chat is open for anything that has to do with MS. Some topics are not pleasant. But need to be talked about. If you have a problem, no matter what it is, chances are there is someone in chat that can help you. The one thing that PWMS will not accept is being laughed at for any MS problem. We expect all chatters to be considerate of others.

We have appointed JolyRox Coordinator of RAs. Our current list of room administrators is: Norma, LFShaw, Debby, Linda-NV, MS_Kitty70, JackIL, Aileen, Soporific, Pixie_Dust, Barry, and RubySlipperedOne, Sumo58! . All host at scheduled times and frequently chat off-hosting hours as well. They can help you if you need help.

Chat Etiquette Reminder

Please make a point to welcome any new chatter that comes in our room. Introduce yourself. Ask if there is anything special they want to ask about, know about. Don't ignore the new chatter. Offer them coffee and a muffin. Make them feel at home. Don't keep chattering about peripheral MS stuff with others, or off-topic stuff.

Just keep in mind the one rule we have: nobody gets to play Doctor in chat. What we mean by that is; don't go diagnosing chatters ailments or recommending medications. Share your experiences, and what any of the drugs have done for you. Don't encourage the idea that any medication is a miracle cure. Or dismiss any, or all, medicines as doing nothing. Even the well known medications have a wide range of effectiveness. The effectiveness of non-traditional and alternative medicines is even less certain. So talk about your experiences, factual studies and medical trials. Offer your opinions with care, and never recommend. Third hand medical testimonials from a friend of your auto mechanic's wife aren't welcome, unless they are really funny.

Also keep in mind that Laws and Health Care options also vary widely both within countries and across the globe. So be sensitive to the personal situations and tribulations chatters face. Don't rub in how great things are for you.

Between the laughs, a serious note: We are a support chat. With that said, we can only help by listening; none of us are professionals. In our years of chatting with MSers online, one of the most common problems is depression. This is a very serious problem. We do feel sometimes just being a good friend, listening, and kidding around can help. And sometimes is just the right thing to turn the a bad mood around. But when things just don't appear to be getting any better in a reasonable amount of time, and chat is just a temporary fix, it is time to get professional help. Many times it's as simple as a medication change. Or something else.
I have not told many, but when my daughter was dx'd 12 years ago, I had to learn as much as I could. I wanted to know what is the worst case scenario, and what is the best with MS. What courses could it take? How likely one versus the other? I wanted no more surprises. Having my one and only daughter dx'd with MS was enough of a surprise. I went to Gaylord Rehab for a very long seminar on MS. It was the mental problems that really got most in a lot of troubles, because they were not ever taken seriously. I have seen this many times in my years online. If you see someone in chat that seems headed down this road, try to cheer them up, focus on the positive, and give them some suggestions. If they come back just as bad off, try again. If they keep coming back, let them know that they might be in need of some support beyond what any of us can provide in chat.
So, About Our Chat: We try to maintain a positive, upbeat attitude. We may have MS, but MS doesn't have us. It's not the focal point of our existence, it's just one part. So if there's a problem, no need to moan and groan - it just needs solving. Go over it, around it, blow it up, or joke about it. We won't ignore somebody's problem because it's gross, unseemly, or offends somebody else's sensibilities. We'll help figure out a solution. If somebody want's to wallow in their problem, we're not going to be too sympathetic.
Don't feel bad if you visit our chat and don't like things: The folks in it, what's talked about, the limited avatars and emoticons, the sounds, or anything else. We don't have room for every MSer in the universe, and don't claim to cater to every taste. If you want something different, we encourage you to search out another chat room. There are chats for those that want to wallow in pity, moan and groan. sing songs on a voice chats, fantasy-date, or do whatever comes after that on web cam chats. If you don't find what you need, or think you can do better, we encourage you to go buy your own web server, start your own website, and run your own chat to cater to that unmet need. Please let us know about your site and chat, so we can direct any like-minded folks your way.

If anyone has anything they think ought to be added to the weekly news letter, please email me at deb@durgin.net.

Want to receive our Newsletter ?

Send us a request; PWMS@PeopleWithMS.com

If you have trouble reading HTML formatted e-mail, you can always view it as a web page on-line:

PeopleWithMS.com Newsletter

Aileen

PWMS Welcomes!

Cooling Equipment Distribution

To Apply for This Program

Woman's night & Men's night!

Friday Night Singles !

Healthy Eating

CRAFTERS