I recently commented on another post about disabled parking placards, and mentioned one of the only other "benefits" of MS, the National Parks Access Pass. I saw a few people hadn't heard about it, so I wanted to make a post to let people know.

The full name of the program is "America The Beautiful - The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Access Pass." This is a free pass to get into any national park or federal recreation land. While some parks offer free entry to all, many do not, and the regular annual pass for non-disabled people is $80 for one year.

This pass works for entry into lands controlled by:

• National Park Service
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• US Forest Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Bureau of Reclamation
• US Army of Corps of Engineers

In order to get one, you will need a valid ID, and one of the following:

• Signed letter from a licensed physician. Letter must state 3 points: 
  1. That the individual’s disability or impairment is permanent, 
  2. That it severely limits one or more aspects of daily life, and 
  3. The nature of those limitations.
• Document issued by a Federal agency such as the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Social Security Administration, that states an entitlement to receive disability benefits.
• Document issued by a State agency such as Vocational Rehabilitation that attests to eligibility to receive benefits as a result of a disability.

Mine was easy. I went to the big visitor's center at a national park near me (it was listed on their website), and showed my driver's license, and the letter that my neurologist had just written to excuse me permanently from jury duty, because it covered all 3 stipulations listed above. I walked out with my Access Pass.

Check out the details, find a location, or get one online here:

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/accessibility/interagency-access-pass.htm

The particular park I went to has a lovely wheelchair accessible trail, and because it is paved, it is much easier for me to walk than a traditional hiking trail, plus it has handicap-accessible bathrooms. As a person who has always loved to hike, but now struggles walking on un-even ground (and needs a lot of bathroom breaks), I am so happy it is available to me--and that I can use it for free! MS has taken a lot from me, but at least it has given me a parks pass. Hope you all get yours too!

I quit my job early this year around February when my MS symptoms were just unbearable and making it difficult for me to be proactive at work. I worked as an interior designer for a company that let’s just say wasn’t worth it. Anyways i think i had my first flare up on December 2025 and i didn’t know what was going on and i was completely confused and scared and despite going to the hospital many occasions only to be told it was something to do with my Neck so i only checked in with Orthopedics. I was surprised that the orthopedic didn’t find my MRI suspicious of Demyelination because it was quite obvious something was going on and he didn’t even bother to investigate further so i took it upon my own hands to see a neurologist who brushed it off as being stressed and prescribed me 200mg of L Theanine and sent me home.

Fast forward January 2026 i had almost an entire week where all i did was lay on the couch and get up only to eat and use the toilet. I was in shambles and a mess. I was then prescribed physiotherapy which helped very briefly but the symptoms came back again. I insisted to my partner that something is definitely wrong and by the time i went to the hospital again it was May 2026. After countless of tests by general doctors and a rheumatologist i was lastly prescribed to do an MRI with contrast and that’s when i found out i had MS. Countless of more testing i was officially diagnosed on mid August of 2026.

I have finally started treatment and i am still trying to understand fatigue and how to manage my energy expenditure for the day plus this whole heat intolerance also is another thing i deal with daily. I used to be someone who loves hot baths and the sun and now i avoid it especially during peak hours. I try to get my vitamin D from the sun but not for more than 10 mins before my eye starts getting affected.

Now and then i think about whether i should consider working but maybe not a high demanding job… i just feel worried about putting myself in a routine with fluctuating symptoms and also the stress that comes with work… any advice? Thanks for reading ❤️

(On mobile)
I had a 3rd nerve palsy in my right eye a couple of years ago and after a stint in the hospital where they ruled out a stroke, cancer, and MS, I was referred to a neuro ophthalmologist! This neuro said that since everything was ruled out it must have been high stress that caused it due to high blood pressure.

I kept up with my appointments with him every 6 months. A couple of months ago, I went suddenly blind in my right eye and called his office for an emergency appointment. They were able to see me same day which was awesome because I was obviously freaking out and I knew that he was probably going to be able to help me more than if I went straight to the ER like last time.

The neuro ophthalmologist tells me that it looks like MOGAD since I had optic neuritis and sent me to the hospital with all the testing they already did at his office for my eye (literally gave me a little folder with all the scans, vision assessments, the diagnosis of optic neuritis, and the recommendation for IV steroids and a MRI). If he didn’t do all of this, I don’t know how much longer it would have taken for me to get my MS diagnosis!

I truly think he saved so much of my vision I was able to regain because of his early intervention, taking me seriously, our previous appointments, and being knowledgeable about MS and MOGAD. My MS only presents in my eye and hands based on where my lesions are so it was able to be caught pretty early (2 years post first possible flare).

So yeah! Grateful for my neuro ophthalmologist! He is a real G!

My new Neurologist refuses to order MRIs because I also have moderate spinal stenosis, disc protrusion and cord flattening. I was diagnosed in 1991 with only two attacks all resolving with steroids immediately. The last MS attack was 2012. My gait worsened starting 2013 and have right drop foot . I have two diseases degenerative disease noted in my first cervical thoracic spine MRI in 2015. My neurologist never read any of my radiology reports. I only found when I got suspicious and requested copies of all my MRI radiology reports. She gaslighted me and refused a referral to a Spine Surgeon to cover up her negligence. She never copied my doctor. She also never informed me I had large thyroid masses as well. She had every physician in Canada deny me urgent surgery. Now every doctor dismisses me for other health issues. It is like they want me dead. The radiologist who wrote the findings advised me to leave Canada for surgery, I no longer trust doctors in Canada so will have to have thyroidectomy and after spine surgery. I will be moving there because Canada’s healthcare and incompetent lack of caring doctors. I think my new Neurologist used a lame excuse. If a MS patient has another spine disease but treated with surgery why should my MS no longer be monitored? What about brain lesions? Do SPMS stop having MRIs?

I’m not sure if anyone’s dealt with pancreatitis before, but that’s probably the worst pain I’ve experienced. What came on as an MS hug, quickly turned into unbearable pain!

So bad, I had to take my very first ambulance ride to the ER. When they finally figured out what was going on, they started asking the usual questions. No I don’t drink & CT scan didn’t find any gallstones. But I did have a UTI, which apparently is pretty common for me…

Dr wasn’t able to determine what exactly caused this, so I’m just wondering how many of you have had it?

I (23 F) was diagnosed with MS 4 years ago, and over time, my friends and boyfriend at the time slowly distanced themselves until they all completely left around the 2-year mark.

Since then, I’ve struggled to make new connections. Sometimes people seem put off when they see my cane or learn about my situation, and other times, when someone starts getting close to me, I pull away because I’m scared of getting hurt again. Dating has been especially difficult, and I haven’t even gotten to the point of talking to someone romantically.

Has anyone been through something similar? How did you learn to trust people again and feel comfortable letting others into your life? It’s hard to see other 23 year olds out living and I would like to get back to that!

Do you take anything before / after your Kesimpta? Painkillers / antihistamines / nothing?

I don’t really have any sided effects with my Kesimpta but I do feel a bit muggy headed the evening I inject. I usually take it just before bed so it’s never really been an issue.

This flare up put me on my ass back in August and has not let up. Ive had a few good days here and there but I'm losing my mind not being able to work. It's in my legs, arms, sometimes my face and apparently my kidneys. It moves around and I can't get in to a neurologist

Just curious does HSCT stop MS?

My last ocrevus infusion took place two weeks ago and went smoothly; the only reaction I experienced was some stiffness in my legs afterward, but they returned to normal the next day.

However, for the past three days, my legs have become very heavy again. I’ve gone from being able to walk outside to having to sit down to take a shower.

I looked online and found people describing something called "Ocrevus jelly legs", a sensation where the legs feel extremely heavy and weak a few days after an Ocrevus infusion.

This was my second Ocrevus infusion. The first one was six months ago, and I also experienced this same heavy legs symptoms after the infusion. At the time, I was still recovering from a recent flare-up, so I didn’t connect the two.

Now that it’s happening again, right after an Ocrevus infusion, I don’t think it’s just a coincidence. I also don’t believe I’m experiencing a relapse. My intuition and my body tell me that this might have something to do with how Ocrevus acts within the system.

Does anyone else here on Ocrevus experience a decline in mobility after an infusion? Or have you heard of this happening?

Hello people,
Is there anyone in this group from India who has been diagnosed with MS.
I have a few questions and need advice.
It would be great if you could connect with me.
TIA

I,ve recently been diagnosed with primary progressive ms. Nuerologist has recommended mavenclad medication. Ive read up on mavenclad and am afraid to take it based on side affect such as potential cancer and heart failure. What is everyines experience with mavenclad and does it work?

Has anybody ever heard of Mesenchymal Stem Cell? And do you or have you heard of any experience from MSC therapy? I have PPMS, I backed out of HSCT because of the lack of evidence it helps with PPMS and the fact that you need to undergo heavy dose chemotherapy. I think it’s risks far out weigh the benefits. But I just heard of MSC therapy. So any thoughts, comments, or experiences from you or somebody else would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance :-)

Hello, which type of vaccin anti flu have you done?

I did the Efluelda today, which is usually recommended for senior people (60 years old), not sure was a good choice 😭 I'm 35 and getting first infusion of Ocrevus in 2 weeks.

Hi everyone! I’m starting cladribine (Mavenclad) soon for my MS and would really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s currently taking it or has had it before.

How have you found it so far? Have you had any side effects, particularly fatigue, or skin issues caused by the drug (I have severe eczema so that’s a worry, currently taking Dupixent - another immunosuppressant) and how did you feel during the treatment weeks and afterwards? I’d also love to hear how your MS has been since starting it.

Is there anything you wish you’d known beforehand, or anything that helped you prepare and manage day to day?

I know everyone’s experience is different, but any advice, honest experiences or reassurance would be really appreciated. Thank you!

Tldr: how can I get disability pay after treatment side effects with Sedgwick insurance claim?

Hello there! Please be gentle with me (34F) this is my first Reddit post.
I got diagnosed in December 2025 and had two Rituximab infusions in March 2026. I have another this November 2026. In March I got sick for three weeks after each infusion with bad side effects to mid April. I also turned out to be allergic to the treatment which caused more side effects.
I had my last MRI in August 2025 due to a flare up and they found two more brain lesions. My doctor said this was mild progression with treatment. Is it? I’m not sure.

I’ve talked to my doctor (Kaiser) about changing treatment and they said they won’t. I have to take about three weeks off work each time I get treatment due to side effects and to cover work I have to submit a claim with Sedgwick. Last time Sedgwick gave me the time off as an accommodation and it was unpaid.

My doctor said they couldn’t write off an insurance approval beforehand because they didn’t know how much time I would need off. They did write a coverage letter after I returned to work and submitted it, but then Sedgwick said it was an accommodation and not disability.

This November I get a Rituximab fusion again and am expecting to take time off work for side effects. My question is: how can I not take such a financial dip when I miss a full pay period being sick from side effects? Shouldn’t I get disability pay if I have FMLA coverage? Does anyone have advice for claims with Sedgwick?

Sedgewick insurance is in charge of filing the disability claim if one is needed. I cannot apply with state disability (I tried and since I work with a company that uses Sedgewick- they have to file the claim if needed). Is being sick after treatment a disability?

Does anyone have advice on how to navigate this? I have heard of medical health advocates but Kaiser does not provide one. I am so sorry for the long post and all the questions but I’m new here and navigating this for the first time. (Thank you so much if you’ve read this far!)

Hi guys!

I have a specific question.

Has anyone taken Kesimpta for two or more years and then stopped? Did you get any relapses after or worsening of the symptoms?

I heard that some doctors in some countries think that B cells never come back after two years on Kesimpta...idk if thats a real study or just a try of saving money...

Hi all!

Hoping some fellow Albertan’s/Canadian’s can share any insights and experiences navigating initial approvals here. I imagine there must be a few of us Albertan’s on here since we have such a high rate of MS.

Backstory:

-1st confirmed clinical episode occurred April-May 2026. Symptoms that brought me in were sudden onset increasing falls, reduced coordination and proprioception on L side, and vertigo. Attended ER, had a clear CT scan, referred to urgent outpatient neurology. We ruled out anything acute.

-I was fairly lucky that the neurologist I saw at the urgent outpatient clinic happened to be an MS specialist. Referred for outpatient MRI.

-MRI of brain and cervical occurred mid July. Found all non-enhancing lesions in cerebellum, optic nerve, brain stem, and cervical spine. Also a surprise benign brain tumor for good measure.

-Neurologist booked me in for a follow up immediately. Told me I have RRMS, explained the MacDonald criteria, discussed DMT’s, told me to research and decide between Ocervus and Kesimpta. Of course, she really stressed the importance of early, high efficacy DMT’s. We also even discussed optimal timing of future family planning around DMT’s, as I am a 27 y/o gal who had hoped to be doing that soon. we had a long discussion about my concerns, potential side effects, etc. We did all the required bloodwork to rule out mimics and I was sent for all my pre-DMT vaccines. She officially transferred me to be a regular patient of hers at the MS Clinic for all future follow ups. *She felt confident diagnosing me with RRMS with this initial MRI alone. BUT, she wanted to do some additional tests, I imagine meet the MacDonald criteria even further and for DMT insurance. I was sent for OCT and VEP. We discussed that I may need to be referred for a lumbar puncture as well but she didn’t feel it was beneficial at that time. Follow up in 3 months following the tests and vaccines. So I left this appointment really expecting to complete my tests, vaccines, and get going on a DMT at the follow up.

-Follow up was a phone appointment that lasted 7 whole minutes. I felt that her approach did a full 360’. She was now of the opinion that we just need to wait for my next scheduled MRI in Jan 2026, where we will be following up on brain and checking thoracic for the first time. She does not plan to check cervical again at that time. She thinking sending me for the lumbar puncture at this point is invasive with no benefit.

Insurance Dilemma:

She said this is essentially because the Alberta Blue Cross non-group drug coverage requires 2 relapses, confirmed either clinically OR via MRI. She believes that my private, employer extended health benefits are the same. At present, I have one clinical episode confirmed and non-enhancing lesions meeting diagnostic criteria, but not the relevant insurance DMT approval criteria. While It is likely that the clinical episode and the lesions coincided, we have no way of proving them occurring either together or separately. She feels any further tests like the lumbar puncture, would be invasive with no further benefit, as it wouldn’t gain me access to DMT insurance coverage.

While I absolutely understand her reasoning, I am so discouraged. The abrupt change in urgency of treatment from appointment one to two was a little whiplashy. I did look up the AB Blue cross drug coverage forms for both ocervus and kesimpta, and confirmed the 2 relapses thing is correct. And I am 99% certain she is right that my private employer coverage is the same.

So now I just have to accept waiting for another episode of potentially permanent neurological damage before gaining any access to treatment? For someone with an initial MRI at age 27 that already meets the diagnostic criteria, that seems crazy. my first relapse causing falls, motor control issues, and two cervical cord lesions going untreated feels quite scary.

On top of the insurance questions, curious if anyone else finds it concerning that she doesn’t want to follow up on my cervical spine in this scenario?? I already have two lesions there. If our main objective is now to monitor for any further changes, enhancement, or new lesions to gain insurance coverage, why are we not rechecking there along with my brain and thoracic in Jan?? Missing something could further delay access to treatment.

Has anyone else in Alberta, or even Canada navigated being in this position before? The diagnosis and medical evidence say I need effective treatment now. Insurance paperwork says nope, wait for another episode.

Please and thank you for any insight you may have❤️

My insurance (Blue Cross) says I have to use reliance now. So far… 👎👎

Neuro sends prescription in but no one tells me where. 2 months go by and he has to resend the prescription and then tells me where it’s going and gives me a phone number. Still crickets so I call them. Hours on the phone over 3 days. Finally get the delivery scheduled and have a call with the “pharmacist” — clearly not a pharmacist. I asked him about side effects, he says “well, says here on the package….” so I said any advice on how to avoid those side effects and he said I’d have to ask my neurologist. I asked him about titration and he was clearly unfamiliar with how to take this med, he seemed surprised that there was a second prescription for the higher dose (also, sounds like I titrate up in one week, and he said, “well, if you don’t get a phone call in the next couple days to schedule the next delivery, give us a call.” Wondering now if I should wait to start this until I actually have the higher dose on hand too).

The whole situation left me scratching my head wondering if I should just go through one of those no-insurance pharmacies since the cost is low (dimethyl fumerate).

Anyone else dealt with this one? I’ve been on meds for a decade, never heard of this one before.

Has anyone else experienced chest pains, arm pain, leg pain, and cough lasting 5 days post first ever loading dose? I’ve felt very unwell since the first dose i took on Monday Oct 19, even after the flu like symptoms i got immediately 4 hours after.

Debating whether or not to take my second dose or continue with this drug at all…

Hallo an alle MS Patienten die Kesimpta als erstes DMT nach Diagnose bekommen haben:

Ich habe ein paar Fragen.

Habt ihr einen hochaktiven Verlauf gehabt? Wie lang hat es gedauert NEDA 3 zu erreichen?

Hattet ihr Schübe unter Kesimpta? War der Schub milder als zuvor?

Hat jemand Haarausfall davon bekommen? Und was habt ihr dagegen gemacht?

Was habt ihr eventuell als Alternative zu Kesimpta bekommen, wenn darunter Schübe aufgetreten sind?

Can people with MS get cosmetic Botox?

tl;dr got my test results 2 weeks ago, C6 injury caused the diagnosis. I’m not on a DMT yet but this week I felt hypersensitivity in the hand (initial symptom) and buckling knees, and this was new. Is this a relapse?

I had my first round of steroids about a month ago and got DIS and DIT proved some 2 weeks ago. First active lesion was in my spinal cord, C6. My appointment to start on medicine is November 4.

On Monday this week, I started feeling the same allodynia/hypersensitivity in the arm that got me diagnosed, just in a smaller region. I didn’t worry too much, but it’s been here for 5 days now.

THE REAL PROBLEM is that on Weds I did a leg workout for the first time since I got diagnosed and started feeling my legs stiff like planks + the pain in my quads, but yesterday (Thursday) my knees started buckling as I walked on both legs. It felt like someone was kicking my knees. I was traveling for an event and felt incredibly unbalanced, but couldn’t go to the doctor.

I called a telemedicine doctor and she told me to go to the ER, but in my hospital (public in europe) I don’t think they do mris unless emergency and they probably won’t be able to admit me to the MS ward.

I was supposed to wait another 10 days. I don’t have a DMT yet and now I might need to stop everything to be admitted again.

Is this a relapse or am I going crazy?