Multiple Sclerosis Newsletter
Winter 2023
Happy New Year from your PVA MS Committee!
The new year is upon us, and it seems that it was just January 2023. But here we are! We made a lot of progress in 2023 and are moving into 2024 expecting even more success in letting Veterans with MS know that PVA — the only Veterans service organization with an MS Committee — is there to help them, whether they want help accessing their benefits, joining advocacy initiatives, or learning about resources.
Do you know a Veteran living with MS who is not a PVA member? Invite them to join. The most effective way to communicate with people is still word of mouth! The membership application is easily accessed at https://pva.org/find-support/membership/. We know there are about 19,000 Veterans with MS who get their care at the VA and likely two or three times that number who get their care in the community. We have about 3,600 members with MS (24% of all PVA members). With your help, we could easily double that in 2024! Let’s do it!
If you would like copies of our PVA MS brochure to share, please contact Shyanne Hardy in Research and Education at shyanneh@pva.org and she will mail them to you!
Be part of the progress! We look forward to working with you in 2024 to make life better for Veterans with MS!
Do you know a Veteran living with MS who is not a PVA member? Invite them to join. The most effective way to communicate with people is still word of mouth! The membership application is easily accessed at https://pva.org/find-support/membership/. We know there are about 19,000 Veterans with MS who get their care at the VA and likely two or three times that number who get their care in the community. We have about 3,600 members with MS (24% of all PVA members). With your help, we could easily double that in 2024! Let’s do it!
If you would like copies of our PVA MS brochure to share, please contact Shyanne Hardy in Research and Education at shyanneh@pva.org and she will mail them to you!
Be part of the progress! We look forward to working with you in 2024 to make life better for Veterans with MS!
Continue To Send Us Your Origin Stories!
Everyone’s MS journey is different starting with your first symptoms and the steps you took to get your diagnosis. Please consider submitting your story for inclusion in a future newsletter. You have no idea how inspiring it can be for a newly diagnosed person to read a story that they can relate to. Consider what you wish someone had told you and be that person for someone else.
Thank you and continue to submit drafts to:
Ben Hofmeister
bahof18d@gmail.com
Thank you and continue to submit drafts to:
Ben Hofmeister
bahof18d@gmail.com
Pins and Needles – The Good Kind
Everyone’s MS journey is different starting with your first symptoms and the steps you took to get your diagnosis. Please consider submitting your story for inclusion in a future newsletter. You have no idea how inspiring it can be for a newly diagnosed person to read a story that they can relate to. Consider what you wish someone had told you and be that person for someone else.
Thank you and continue to submit drafts to:
Ben Hofmeister
bahof18d@gmail.com
Thank you and continue to submit drafts to:
Ben Hofmeister
bahof18d@gmail.com
Izzy Abbas, National Director, National MS Committee Co-Chair and Mountain States Chapter member, shares his experience with acupuncture to relieve symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis. This story is representative of Izzy's experience and does not constitute professional medical advice. If you are interested in acupuncture, speak with your medical provider.
I was first introduced to acupuncture almost 30 years ago when I was working Hong Kong and over the years, I’ve regularly but not frequently undergone treatment. That all changed recently. A friend of mine who worked for a transition program at Fort Carson heard that I have MS and wondered if I had ever been to a “master acupuncturist”? I replied that I had acupuncture before but had no idea about a Master. She encouraged me to contact one she knew of who had helped a number of Veterans, so I called Mimi and set up an initial intake appointment and I am really glad I did.
 |
Mimi is a third-generation acupuncturist, and she specializes in neurological and autoimmune issues as well as chronic pain. As she explained to me (aside from not liking the term “Master”), people can learn the points and stick needles in to help with different things. However, there are techniques involved in how the needles are placed to derive maximum effect. She differentiates what she does versus what she termed as “point-prescription acupuncture,” or as I see it, getting an MBA version versus graduating a 4th-grade version. Further, you need to gauge how different energies are flowing through your body – not just your pulse, but several systems. Prior to starting, we had an in-depth discussion about my MS, how it manifests in me and what I’d like to see from acupuncture.
Effective acupuncture requires more than just placing the needles in the correct acupuncture point; It is how the practitioner interacts with the needling to get the desired response. It is a nuanced skill and an art to properly stimulate and connect with the acupuncture point/needling to get the maximum desired result. Placing the needles in the correct point only gives you a percentage of the possible results. Most of the effectiveness comes from the practitioner's ability to work with the needling technique. It is the difference between getting 30% versus 100% of the maximum therapeutic effect.
She then took my pulse but then gauged several other systems which could be done much like taking a pulse but on different parts of my wrist. Very interesting to have someone say, “Well, this isn’t moving well, this is okay, etc.” She then proceeded with my treatment. While I have several areas of my mobility impacted by MS, I always find it amazing to have needles placed in other parts of my body which I would not associate with my issues. I had needles placed in my scalp, upper stomach area and left wrist – all from my layman’s eyes as having nothing to do with my right foot. My biggest issue is my right leg and being unable to easily bend my knee.
After my first session, I did see almost immediate improvement which lasted for about a day and a half. As Mimi explained, these sessions build on themselves and she actually cautioned me that it would only last for a couple of days but that after each session, I should start to see longer lasting effects.
For the first three weeks, I went to two sessions a week and then reduced it to once a week. I can see real improvement and, as I mentioned to Mimi, it became easier and easier to ambulate and bend my right knee. It was also amazing that at the end of a session, Mimi would remove all of the needles except for one in my left wrist. She would then twist it (lightly, with no pain) and have me lift my right leg. Amazing how much change she could get with a slight adjustment.
When you have symptoms or an illness, your body's functions are compromised and not working at their full capacity. Acupuncture helps to optimize your body's functions. As an analogy, your car engine will still function with a suboptimal level of engine oil, but without the proper amount of oil, your car's engine is compromised. Your car engine doesn't run as well as it should, and over time, it wears down and gets damaged. Symptoms and illnesses are the result of wear and damage to your body. Acupuncture supports your body in functioning more optimally which slows down or reverses symptoms and illnesses.
Now that I have been going for a couple of months, I can see the improvement and while I still have MS and mobility issues, I’ve started to see improvement and I can tell that I’m building on previous treatments. Of course, as I’m making this progress, I had to have shoulder surgery. The surgery and OxyContin set me back a bit (Oxy and MS do not mix), but prior to going in she did some treatments to prep my arm for speedier recovery following my surgery and tomorrow, I’m back for my first post-op treatment. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Effective acupuncture requires more than just placing the needles in the correct acupuncture point; It is how the practitioner interacts with the needling to get the desired response. It is a nuanced skill and an art to properly stimulate and connect with the acupuncture point/needling to get the maximum desired result. Placing the needles in the correct point only gives you a percentage of the possible results. Most of the effectiveness comes from the practitioner's ability to work with the needling technique. It is the difference between getting 30% versus 100% of the maximum therapeutic effect.
She then took my pulse but then gauged several other systems which could be done much like taking a pulse but on different parts of my wrist. Very interesting to have someone say, “Well, this isn’t moving well, this is okay, etc.” She then proceeded with my treatment. While I have several areas of my mobility impacted by MS, I always find it amazing to have needles placed in other parts of my body which I would not associate with my issues. I had needles placed in my scalp, upper stomach area and left wrist – all from my layman’s eyes as having nothing to do with my right foot. My biggest issue is my right leg and being unable to easily bend my knee.
After my first session, I did see almost immediate improvement which lasted for about a day and a half. As Mimi explained, these sessions build on themselves and she actually cautioned me that it would only last for a couple of days but that after each session, I should start to see longer lasting effects.
For the first three weeks, I went to two sessions a week and then reduced it to once a week. I can see real improvement and, as I mentioned to Mimi, it became easier and easier to ambulate and bend my right knee. It was also amazing that at the end of a session, Mimi would remove all of the needles except for one in my left wrist. She would then twist it (lightly, with no pain) and have me lift my right leg. Amazing how much change she could get with a slight adjustment.
When you have symptoms or an illness, your body's functions are compromised and not working at their full capacity. Acupuncture helps to optimize your body's functions. As an analogy, your car engine will still function with a suboptimal level of engine oil, but without the proper amount of oil, your car's engine is compromised. Your car engine doesn't run as well as it should, and over time, it wears down and gets damaged. Symptoms and illnesses are the result of wear and damage to your body. Acupuncture supports your body in functioning more optimally which slows down or reverses symptoms and illnesses.
Now that I have been going for a couple of months, I can see the improvement and while I still have MS and mobility issues, I’ve started to see improvement and I can tell that I’m building on previous treatments. Of course, as I’m making this progress, I had to have shoulder surgery. The surgery and OxyContin set me back a bit (Oxy and MS do not mix), but prior to going in she did some treatments to prep my arm for speedier recovery following my surgery and tomorrow, I’m back for my first post-op treatment. I’ll let you know how it goes.
UPCOMING
NEW VA Neurologists Group Forms
The Association of VA Neurology Services (AVANS) is a NEW 501(c)3 organization providing educational, professional development, and networking opportunities to professionals serving Veterans with neurological care. AVANS members include neurologists, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, administrators, and other clinicians dedicated to providing neurological services in the VA healthcare system and beyond.AVANS held their inaugural meeting on Saturday, February 10, in Phoenix, AZ. PVA and the MS Committee were invited to be a complimentary Bronze Sponsor and have a presence in the Exhibit Hall at this event. We look forward to working with AVANS to get the word out to all neurologists and other neurology providers at the VA about PVA membership and its benefits and educating AVANS members on the needs of Veterans living with MS.
For more information about AVANS, go to https://www.vaneurology.org/.
MS Month Webinar in March!
Each year PVA partners with the National MS Society and the VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence to present an “Ask an MS Expert” webinar during MS Month in March. This year’s presentation will be on balance and falls: causes and prevention, and feature Mark Mañago PT, DPT, PhD, NCS, a noted therapist and researcher in the field of MS. The presentation is scheduled for March 14, 2024 at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET. You will be receiving more information on how to access the webinar closer to the date.We’re published!
Check out a great article about the PVA MS Committee in the February edition of PN magazine. Every PVA member receives the magazine as part of their membership, so you should have it around the house somewhere! MS Co-Chair Izzy Abbass and Research and Education Director Cheryl Vines wrote the article that covers the establishment and work of the the Multiple Sclerosis Committee at PVA. Izzy and CoChair Ken Ness are leading a team of dedicated PVA members with MS working to assure that PVA members with MS get the services they need. Find the article in the magazine or at https://pnonline.com/.RESOURCES
National MS Society Webpage for Veterans
The National MS Society’s Veterans with Multiple Sclerosis webpage includes information and links to Veterans’ resources, including our Virtual Veterans-Self-Help-Group for Veterans, Military Members, Care Partners, and Ask an MS Expert Veterans Program. Find information and resources at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Find-Support/Veterans-with-Multiple-Sclerosis.MS & Vets Podcast
The VA’s MS & Vets podcast series, developed in collaboration with the VA Employee Education System, discusses important issues related to the health and quality of life for Veterans with MS. Monthly podcasts feature medical experts on topics from MS diagnoses to exercise, and adaptive driving. If you miss a podcast, they are archived. Check it out at https://www.va.gov/ms/.Print Brochures and Flyers
You can print or download brochures from:
- VA MS Centers of Excellence https://www.va.gov/MS/
- National MS Society Patient Brochures: MS Educational Flyers and Brochures
- National MS Society Clinician Publications
We Need Your Input… Join an MS Committee Team TODAY!
As we work on initiatives, we need more input and assistance from you. While we don’t need you to get involved with everything, we do need you to think about doing something! Check out more about our MS Committee Teams below.
Recreation Team
We know MS presents unique challenges when it comes to participating in traditional sports and recreational activities. Some of the events we’d love to coordinate or highlight include: a PVA MS Committee Retreat — similar to the annual PVA Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat — as well as Chapter-led events like local MS Walks. This team will work with PVA’s Sports & Recreation Department to explore and organize new opportunities for Veterans living with MS. If you are interested, contact the committee at MSCommittee@PVA.org.
We know MS presents unique challenges when it comes to participating in traditional sports and recreational activities. Some of the events we’d love to coordinate or highlight include: a PVA MS Committee Retreat — similar to the annual PVA Women Veterans Empowerment Retreat — as well as Chapter-led events like local MS Walks. This team will work with PVA’s Sports & Recreation Department to explore and organize new opportunities for Veterans living with MS. If you are interested, contact the committee at MSCommittee@PVA.org.
Newsletter Team
Ben Hofmeister from the Mid-South Chapter and Sarah LaBrada from the California Chapter head up our MS newsletter efforts. If you are interested in helping out, writing an article, or have questions about what you read, email us at MSCommittee@PVA.org.
Ben Hofmeister from the Mid-South Chapter and Sarah LaBrada from the California Chapter head up our MS newsletter efforts. If you are interested in helping out, writing an article, or have questions about what you read, email us at MSCommittee@PVA.org.
ABOUT PVA'S MS COMMITEE
National MS Committee Members
Izzy Abbass – Co-Chair
Ken Ness – Co-Chair
Joe Bludeau – External Organizations Coordination
Jerrod Harris – Chapter MS Lead Liaison
Mike Partridge – Committee Member
Ben Hofmeister – Committee Member/Newsletter Editor
Ken Ness – Co-Chair
Joe Bludeau – External Organizations Coordination
Jerrod Harris – Chapter MS Lead Liaison
Mike Partridge – Committee Member
Ben Hofmeister – Committee Member/Newsletter Editor
PVA Staff
Cheryl Vines – Director of Research and Education
Juliet Pierce – Associate Director of Medical Services
Juliet Pierce – Associate Director of Medical Services
PVA Chapter MS Leads (By Location and Name)
To contact your chapter MS lead, please call or email Jerrod Harris at 410-635-0145 or jharris@colonialpva.org or reach out to your local PVA Chapter office.
To contact your chapter MS lead, please call or email Jerrod Harris at 410-635-0145 or jharris@colonialpva.org or reach out to your local PVA Chapter office.
PVA is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization.
Donate | Privacy Policy | Financials | Careers
Paralyzed Veterans of America, 1875 Eye Street NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20006
In accordance with IRS regulations, we confirm that no goods or services were provided by Paralyzed Veterans of America in return for contribution.