Finding creative ways to combat the heat is key for many people with MS. For Kate Metcalf, 33, severe heat intolerance has been a struggle since her diagnosis in 2019. Switching from work that required night shifts to a daytime position as a respiratory therapist, Metcalf hoped to ease her MS symptoms. While her brain fog and exhaustion improved, heat intolerance remained an ongoing issue but Metcalf, an avid gardener, refused to stay inside during the summer months.“I knew I needed a way to fully cool my core down, while being able to still enjoy the outdoors,” she says. Her solution came at a low cost — and has captured the attention of her neighbors. “[I use an] inflatable kiddie pool on the back deck, looking ridiculous with my oversized straw hat and giant sunglasses.” The pool provides a cooling oasis while Metcalf is gardening and happens to be the perfect spot to catch up on reading or to enjoy a gin and tonic.While some strategies are meant for summer, others can help year-round, like Colleen Neilson Stevenson’s advice: “Keep your sense of humor. The punchline to a lot of family jokes is something to the effect of, ‘Mom’s incurable brain disease,’ whether it’s relevant or not.”Yvonne also recommends a positive mindset: “Enjoying what you can do, being honest with doctors and family, loving life and making the most of it, no matter what that means, because it will be different for each person,” she says.For others like Matt Strader, faith is the answer to easing life with MS. “Other than all the medications, physical therapy and assistance from my loved ones, I do find myself saying, ‘Help me, God’ a lot. He hasn’t failed me yet.” Writing music also helps him manage his symptoms. “Creating things helps me, too.”
