My MS Story (Pt3) l Multiple Sclerosis l Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) l Pregnancy and MS Remission

March is MS awareness and education month. In support of this, I am going to be uploading a few videos this month continuing my MS story, and expanding on some of the MS symptoms/lingo etc. This video discusses some of the information I missed in my original video, how I talked to my kids about my diagnosis, and how my past pregnancies may have helped quiet my MS disease progression down. I will be giving you an update on my recent MRI in this month's videos, and discuss the drug therapy I am on.

[@traciprovins3221]

Your videos really spoke to me. I am in medical school-2nd year- and I looked up MS stories since we are learning about it so I could see how it affects real people. My interest right now is in neurology. I wanted to say that you explained everything so well! You could be a doctor explaining it and I wouldn’t have known the difference. The oligoclonal bands, L’hermitte’s sign, etc...that’s awesome that you’re such an informed patient! I actually went through a rough summer 8 years ago with some hypochondriasis (I don’t have it) about having MS because of symptoms related to whiplash and a car accident (it took awhile to connect the symptoms), so MS is close to my heart. Also I can totally relate to the crazy feeling you described that you may not always have your health. I always felt that way and had a gut feeling about my health. Turns out I had thyroid cancer. I had my thyroid removed and had radiation. It spread to the lymph nodes near my lungs but today I am doing okay. Scans and tumor markers were clear this summer, and like I said, I am living my dream of becoming a doctor. I deal with a lot of fatigue and dose issues with my synthroid and will probably never feel the way I did prior to the thyroidectomy, but I try to enjoy each day and not worry TOO much about recurrence. Thank you for putting this video out there. You have such humor and a warm personality, and I appreciated being able to learn about MS from a patient perspective. In addition, the yearly check ups are so important and thank you for advocating for them! I had been sleeping 18 hours a day, waking up and hoping it was bed time but chalked it up to multiple 12 hour shifts in the ER. I had a routine physical just for school and my doctor did thyroid bloodwork “just in case.” Turns out my TSH was 17 (normal high is 5ish) and I had probably gone undiagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism for years. Looking back I had many symptoms that seemed like nothing but now scream “hypothyroidism.” She then sent me for an ultrasound “just in case” that found the cancerous nodule. I even had trouble swallowing but thought I was eating too fast at work. Turns out it was the tumor. She saved my life. You don’t know fatigue until you have an autoimmune disorder! Wow sorry this is so long but I was really touched by your video. All the best from PA 💕

[@cassieski8005]

Traci Provins thank you so much for this heartfelt comment. I am humbled that my perspective is helpful and insightful for a med student! I SO appreciate you taking the time to write me. Your own personal medical history will help you be a compassionate and understanding physician. I am so pleased that neurology is something that interest you. We need more physicians. Again, thank you so much for your support.

[@jsmith317]

It does NOT sound looney. That's exactly how I describe it -- like my body has times of forgetting how to swallow. It's a new symptom for me, and it can be pretty scary midway down! So, thanks for talking about this! I'm sorry you're experiencing this, too. :(

[@cassieski8005]

Jennifer Smith it is very scary. I have to be very aware when I am eating.

[@jsmith317]

Same here. It makes me conscious about chewing a lot, at least. :)

[@starlaberge9792]

It feels like your throat is closed up when trying to swallow. Which puts me in a "panic mode". Definitely chewing my food basically into a mush to swallow without choking. I love your videos. They feel more personal and I can relate easier. How are you these days? I noticed your videos are a little out dated, but still enjoyable.

[@celticjen14]

Thank you for your transparency! I love your channel. 🖤

[@cassieski8005]

So kind of you, thank you!

[@amandathompson6269]

I found your channel at the right time in my life. I was clinically diagnosed with lyme in 2016 after years of trying to figure out my symptoms. 2019 became very rough and my drs are now exploring MS. You are a breath of fresh air, and like you I am now watching and searching for videos on what is going on. Thank you for making your videos even though our symptoms are not exactly alike they are similar. My legs stopped working in January and unlike a lyme flare up they have not come back. Please continue your videos you truly are helping people!

[@cassieski8005]

Amanda Thompson thank you so much for your comment. I am SO sorry you are going through this. It sounds like you have some good care providers, and that is key! I really appreciate your feedback. I am WAY overdue for a new video updating how I am doing, and I hope to do this soon. Thank you for following along with me and I am glad these videos help. When I was going through this process of diagnosis, I think I watched every single MS video possible 🤣. Keep me posted with how you are doing!

[@amandathompson6269]

Cassie Ski I have to ask, the heat thing that you experience so you just start to randomly over heat or do you have to be exposed to heat?

[@barbarawidler6376]

I totally love your video I am 74 yrs old and have had MS for 50 yrs. . your description of how ypur sudden inability to swallow is exactly what happened to me 50 yrs ago and I've been able to handle it until now. I just got dentures and it is almost impossible to swallow. I can't wear them to eat. I'm going back to a speech pathologist and with the dentist help we are going to solve this complication. Anyway it brought tears to my eyes to hear your story and to know how young you are but looking back I had a great life. I hear how strong and blessed you are and I believe there will be a cure in your lifetime. Thanks for sharing your story and God Bless you and your family

[@mekit.mariam3198]

How are you doing Barbara? Tell us how u handled MS for 50 years please.We can learn a lot

[@metaspencer]

Awesome attitude and what a story. Hang in! It's so crazy how MS effects us all in so many different ways.

[@cassieski8005]

metaspencer thank you. Each MS patient really does have such a varied experience of symptoms and progression. Hope you are well!

[@cassieski8005]

metaspencer! I just realized your MS video was one I watched while going through my diagnosis process. These types of story sharing really help the overwhelmed and mental consumed person going through that process; so thank you!

[@metaspencer]

Cassie Ski that’s great to know! We’re all helping each other it seems:)

[@nataliekhalilrealtor]

Your channel is great!

[@cassieski8005]

Thank you!

[@beatricesimpliciano7807]

You are such a brave and strong Woman.Much love,hugs and blessings from TX. ❤️

[@cassieski8005]

beatrice simpliciano, Thank you so much. ❤️

[@elizabethhayes1101]

Thanks for making these videos ❤️ I’m in process of being tested for ms and I feel like you and I are kindred spirits 😂 so many similar symptoms and I rabbit trail just as bad haha anyways, thanks for putting yourself out there!

[@cassieski8005]

Elizabeth Hayes I am sorry you are going through this process, and I hope you get some answers soon! These videos are for YOU. It is hard putting it all out there, but it does help people who are in the thick of it so to speak. I know I was watching any and all diagnosis videos I could my hands on. If you haven’t already, look up Dr. Boster’s videos. They are very informative.

[@cassieski8005]

Dr. Aaron Boster, MD-great videos!

[@elizabethhayes1101]

Cassie Ski yes I have been watching Dr Boster vids! He is actually local to me which is super cool! I had no idea until I heard him talking about Ohiohealth! He is great. Anyways, thanks again ❤️ seeing neurologist next week... I can’t stand waiting...

[@cassieski8005]

Elizabeth Hayes thinking about you. Hope you are well. Man, if I was anywhere near Dr Boster I would definitely choose him as my neurologist!

[@elizabethhayes1101]

Cassie Ski thank you ❤️❤️❤️ my MRIs are this Monday and Wednesday. I can’t schedule with Dr Boster until I have an official Dx. Hoping this week provides much anticipated answers !!! I appreciate you thinking of me!!

[@magicalpatterns]

Thank you dear. I have lupus but I was just diagnosed with dysphagia and I’m trying to find info on that with autoimmune

[@cassieski8005]

Lali Tea, I am so sorry you are experiencing this symptom. It can be scary and frustrating. If it gets really bad and more frequent you should talk to your care team about a swallow study. Mine seems to come and go, as with most symptoms of MS.

[@marof7760]

I started experiencing some symptoms for few weeks, I accidentally found your video, I hope you are doing well and able to walk on your own, I'm really scared that I might have it...

[@cassieski8005]

I am still walking! I work full time now, and have had no new relapses! How are you? The diagnosis process makes the unknown very scary.

[@missdoglover1644]

I’m freaking out, I’ve had MS for 8 years and tonight I couldn’t swallow my food. I tried 3 times with each mouthful and couldn’t get it down. Finally managed by combining with water. This is a new symptom for me and so scary.

[@cassieski8005]

Miss DogLover any new symptom is worth a visit to your neurology team. I hope you are well! This symptom is very scary.

[@erinbayani302]

Hi Cassi I have not been diagnosed with MS but early this week I had a serious bout of dysphagia where I had to call 911 as I thought I was having an anaphylaxis reaction, but had no change to breathing. This scared the life out of me. I would describe it the same as you, as forgetting how to swallow. This seems to be an on going issue or symptom over this week. I have to actually think about how to swallow. Was this a symptom that you had that led to diagnosis or did you have other symptoms?

[@cassieski8005]

I am sorry this happened to you! I see this was a while ago, and hope you are doing okay. Prior to that relapse that led to my diagnosis I had not experienced that before. It took a while, but I did see improvement. I have trouble with some meat from time to time and certain candies.

[@glenyskemp6052]

I have MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AS WELL I TURNED TO JEHOVAH BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE WAS USELESS. IM JUST WAITING PATIENTLY FOR A CURE.

[@nataliekhalilrealtor]

Hi Cassie! Oh I knew you were saying it might have caused your relapse,

[@1234Sevek]

Hello I was wondering how you doing now? I am having the same symptoms.

[@ninanina2428]

Thank you for sharing, if you don’t mind telling, how old are you? How long have you had MS? Thanks 🙏

[@cassieski8005]

I was 35 when I was diagnosed. (38 now) So, I have been diagnosed for 3 years.

[@maryoberlehubley5552]

Thanks for your input. I’ve been wondering if my raspy voice, experienced now for about five years, might be connected to my ms. My ability to sing, likewise has stopped. Any similarities?

[@Orthodox.777]

does ms dysphagia can be seen by an examination? i get piils and i can't easy swallow ... for a month i couldn't even chew well food ..my examination was clear ..idk i'm about t get insane! now i got over it with the food and i eat well but i have the same problem with the pills

[@cassieski8005]

Christy CoOl You can have a swallow study done.

[@biddy6890]

Is it possible to connect with you somehow, my story is very similar to yours but I'm way back at the start...

[@renealynnmn]

I have had the swallowing symptom happen many times. You just sit there saying I know what to do but I can't get the swallowing motion to work. It's very annoying and usually after 20 seconds or so I can force a swallow.

[@cassieski8005]

RJSn2 it can be scary!

[@glenyskemp6052]

THE HOSPITAL WASN'T MUCH HELP EATHER

[@DSTH323]

Apart from giving up meat you didn't explain how you cope with the swallowing of food. Advice: in a video talk about just one issue and thoroughly.