Your Progression Matters
Progression doesn’t look the same for everyone. MS can be active in subtle, gradual ways, which makes it easy to overlook or explain away small changes.
You might notice shifts in your body or daily life that feel easy to dismiss as aging, stress, or “just one of those days.” Or you may have quietly adapted to changes that once felt new or disruptive. But these moments matter.
“In my experience, it can be harder to measure progression. And that’s when we have to report every little thing that we think might be a symptom.”
– Ardra, My Krew member
When assessing your progression, neurologists and care teams consider your clinical history, including changes in walking, balance, strength, coordination, vision, cognition, and bladder function.
Paying attention early allows for more informed conversations about treatment and support. Subtle changes may include:
Your neurologist will also use MRI scans to monitor for new or enlarging lesions and changes in brain or spinal cord volume.
Recognizing and tracking even small differences can help you build a clearer picture of what’s happening over time. To make this easier:
Keep a simple symptom journal: note patterns, frequency, and duration rather than isolated bad days.
Track function, not just symptoms: record what you can do (distance walked, stairs climbed, tasks completed).
Ask people close to you for input — they may notice gradual shifts you don’t.
Fill in the questionnaire to detect subtle changes that may indicate progression. This can help you talk to your doctor about treatment and support!
Conversations about progression can feel difficult, but they’re important. Being open about what you’re noticing, even if it feels minor, helps your neurologist understand the full picture of how MS is affecting you.
Progression is a clinical assessment, but it’s also a lived experience. Your observations are valuable data, and they belong in the conversation.
Bring your findings and the results of the MyRules questionnaire to your next appointment!
Watch My Krew episodes about progression and learn more from Canadians living with MS.
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