Connect with others who understand.

Sign up Log in
Resources
About MyMSTeam
Powered By
See answer
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
NEWS

3 Reasons Why I’m a Willing Guinea Pig

Written by Francie MacDougall
Posted on March 18, 2022

I’ll admit it — I’m a willing guinea pig.

I just got home after participating in a study for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. I had to repeat numbers, identify pictures, do some calculating, and more that I frankly don’t remember. I dreaded it because I know I forget important things and sometimes struggle with a word I should know. But the study facilitators were kind and patient, never suggesting that I messed up a task.

The process took time out of my day, and it could be physically and psychologically draining if I thought I performed poorly. However, I felt like it was worth it in the long run, and I wanted to share a few reasons why I’m willing to be part of research trials and studies.

1. New Therapies Could Be Discovered

What if the researchers are able to come up with new therapies because of the studies I participate in, or new workarounds that will help me with mobility, cognition, or incontinence issues? Even if my volunteering doesn’t benefit me directly, it’s worth it. I assume other volunteers gave their time so we now have different medical treatments and physical and occupational therapies.

That said, I did receive the equivalent of a gift certificate that I can use for a lunch out or a manicure if the current COVID-19 situation allows.

2. I Learn New Strategies

Each study introduces me to new ways I can attack my MS. The first study I did examined the benefits of yoga versus chair dance aerobics versus an at-home exercise program. All participants were randomly assigned to groups, and I was assigned to what I considered the most awful — chair aerobics.

Fortunately, I ended up loving it. The instructors chose well, using very different kinds of music that I loved. We faced the instructors, not a mirror. Each of us let ourselves go, and it was great for increasing the heart rate. It forced my body to move in ways it hadn’t moved in a few years. It felt exhilarating to dance and not worry about how I looked.

I also participated in a study on the benefits of meditation, another one on balance and equilibrium, and another on endurance. Most were in person, but meditation was over Zoom.

3. The Positives Outweigh the Negatives

People drive from all over to participate in these research studies. Some drop out of them because life gets in the way. I have been turned down on occasion — because of a recent relapse or some physical limitation.

It can be a challenge to participate in studies if you work full-time or have a restricted schedule, but I see it as a beneficial opportunity. The positives far outweigh any inconveniences!

MyMSTeam columnists discuss multiple sclerosis from a specific point of view. Columnists’ articles don’t reflect the opinions of MyMSTeam staff, medical experts, partners, advertisers, or sponsors. MyMSTeam content isn’t intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Posted on March 18, 2022

A MyMSTeam Member

I get it

November 19, 2022
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

We'd love to hear from you! Please share your name and email to post and read comments.

You'll also get the latest articles directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
All updates must be accompanied by text or a picture.

Subscribe now to ask your question, get answers, and stay up to date on the latest articles.

Get updates directly to your inbox.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Francie MacDougall is a freelance writer who lives in Birmingham, Alabama. She was diagnosed with MS in 1990. Learn more about her here.

Related Articles

Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult....

Can MS Cause Hypersexuality?

Talking about how multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect sexual function and desire can be difficult....
Dani had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.“I had to advocate...

My Advocacy Tips: Taking Care of Future Me With MS

Dani had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.“I had to advocate...
In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...

Stress, Affording Treatment, and Quality of Life With MS: See Survey Results

In a recent survey, 81 percent of MyMSTeam members reported that multiple sclerosis (MS) negative...
YogaVista.tv and MyMSTeam have partnered to bring you these mini-lessons or "yoga snacks."

Easy Movement Videos for People With MS

YogaVista.tv and MyMSTeam have partnered to bring you these mini-lessons or "yoga snacks."
After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...

How I Got Over My Fear of Needles To Have My Best Shot With MS

After getting her official multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2022, Karina Llamas decided that inje...
In partnership with GoodRx

Recent Articles

Multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, but it does occur within families. Click to learn more!

Is MS Inherited From Your Mother or Father? 5 Factors That Matter (VIDEO)

Multiple sclerosis is not hereditary, but it does occur within families. Click to learn more!
Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), they believe that...

Genetic Factors in MS: HLA-DRB1 and More (VIDEO)

Although scientists don’t fully understand what causes multiple sclerosis (MS), they believe that...
Scientists have proposed different ideas about why autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis...

Multiple Sclerosis in Men vs. Women: 5 Symptom Differences and More

Scientists have proposed different ideas about why autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not affect everyone at equal rates. Some people are more likely than...

Who Gets MS? Prevalence, Epidemiology, and More

Multiple sclerosis (MS) does not affect everyone at equal rates. Some people are more likely than...
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects around 1 million peop...

How Many People Live With MS? (VIDEO)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder that affects around 1 million peop...
Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...

Schedules for MS Infusions: Monthly, Twice a Year, and Other Frequencies

Five disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ...
MS News

Thank you for subscribing!

Become a member to get even more: