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We are thrilled to introduce you to Marion Thomas MSN, NP-C, our newest MS Specialist in the Roanoke Valley! Marion has worked with our beloved Dr. Carlos Mora since 2023, and she is eager to continue the exceptional care he has provided to our MS community. Marion brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for working with patients living with multiple sclerosis. She has a strong background in neurology, having worked as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at UVA Medical Center and in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Her dedication to this field led her to specialize in neurology as a nurse practitioner, and her commitment to providing holistic care for individuals with chronic conditions makes her a perfect fit for our team. Marion believes in connecting with her patients, fostering open communication, and empowering them to actively participate in their care. She is particularly interested in the latest advancements in MS treatment, including disease-modifying therapies and the emerging role of the gut microbiome in MS development and management. She is a Roanoke native and deeply committed to serving the needs of our local MS community.

To help you get to know Marion better, we recently sat down with her for a Q&A session:

MSAV:  What inspired you to specialize in neurology, and specifically, what drew you to working with patients who have Multiple Sclerosis?

MARION:  Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at UVA Medical Center, and in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. So, my background and passion have always been neurologically focused. I knew when I became a Nurse Practitioner I wanted to continue with my passion in the field of neurology. When I was approached by our management team asking me to work alongside Dr. Mora to serve the MS community through Carilion, I wanted to do research into the disease prior to accepting the position, as I believe you have to love what you do in healthcare in order to make a positive impact. Once I started learning about multiple sclerosis, and how it does not limit itself by demographic, sex, or age, and the holistic approach to treatment, including all of the advances over the past 40 years, I knew this would be a subspecialty I would not only enjoy but feel as though I could make a positive impact by being a part of caring for these patients.

MSAV:  What is your philosophy of care when working with patients with chronic conditions like MS?

MARION:  I desire to connect with my patients, which opens an opportunity for vulnerability and the real ability to provide the holistic care that I aspire to provide. I think multiple sclerosis and many other chronic neurological conditions require an approach that looks at the person as a whole and therefore needs to be treated as such.

MSAV:  What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working with MS patients for you?

MARION:  Patients living with multiple sclerosis are some of the most self-aware patients that I serve. They have been forced to get to know their bodies in a way many of them likely thought they never could. They are often in tune with their needs as well as what works for managing their care and what does not. This inspires me to ensure that I am including them in all decisions that are made about their care. Having patients that are motivated about their health and quality of life is always rewarding.

MSAV:  What are some of the biggest challenges you see in providing care for MS patients, and how do you address them?

MARION:  The most obvious challenge is that I am not a physician, which means my scope of knowledge has its limitations. With that being said, I have established relationships with other individuals in the healthcare system and beyond who have an extensive knowledge of treating MS, and I am always willing to reach out to them in challenging situations. MS is also a very individualized disease, meaning that no patient presents the same, which can pose challenges in care, as what works for one patient may not work for the next. However, I find this to be an inspiring challenge as it forces me as a healthcare provider to develop a greater knowledge and expand my approach to managing symptoms that the disease may cause.

MSAV:  What are some of the most exciting advancements you’ve seen in MS treatment and research in recent years, and where do you see the future of MS treatments heading in the next 5-10 years?

MARION:  The most exciting advancement is the disease-modifying therapies that continue to be developed that target the disease in a better way, but also in a way that has potentially fewer side effects for patients and are easier to use, such as infusions and once-to-twice-yearly treatment instead of daily or weekly. I see the future of MS as broad, including more disease-modifying therapies and symptom management options.

MSAV:  Are there any particular areas of MS research or treatment that you are particularly interested in or involved with?

MARION:  I think MS research is constantly evolving in terms of therapies, which is exciting in terms of the future of MS. However, one area I am particularly interested in is the influence of the gut microbiome in the development and management of MS. We are starting to understand the significant role that the gut plays in predisposing patients to MS as well as influencing their disease progression. This is also an area that can be managed through lifestyle and diet changes, which means it is cost-effective and easier to obtain than many of the medications used to treat symptoms of MS.

MSAV:  What can patients expect when they come to see you for their MS care?

MARION:  I treat all of my patients with kindness, respect, and empathy. I always want to ensure that my patients know we are a team, and I will never make decisions without them, as this is their body and health journey. I want patients to always feel heard and comfortable with the care they receive from me. I tend to take a holistic approach with my care for MS patients as this is a condition that involves every part of their body; therefore, integrating things such as lifestyle changes, therapies, diet, and developing a support system is important to me in managing their symptoms and chronic condition.

MSAV:  Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you or your practice?

MARION:  Being a Roanoke native, I know that there is a major need in this community for passionate and accessible care for the MS population. I strive to advocate for our MS patients and make sure they feel supported through their healthcare and community.

We are confident that Marion Thomas will be a valuable asset to our community and a compassionate advocate for our MS patients. Please join us in making her feel welcome to our MS team.

Come meet Marion at our MS Alliance Awareness & Rejuvenation Weekend Saturday, March 8!

Toxic positivity is the excessive and inappropriate application of positive thinking. It involves minimizing or dismissing negative emotions, experiences, and situations, and replacing them with forced optimism and false reassurances. Toxic positivity can be harmful to anyone, but it can be especially detrimental to those living with multiple sclerosis (MS).

People with MS often experience a wide range of physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. They may face fatigue, pain, mobility issues, cognitive difficulties, and emotional changes. These challenges can lead to feelings of sadness, frustration, anger, and grief. When someone with MS is told to “just stay positive” or “focus on the good,” it can invalidate their feelings and make them feel like their struggles are not being acknowledged or understood.

Toxic positivity can also prevent people with MS from seeking support and help. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their negative emotions, believing that they should be able to overcome them on their own. This can lead to isolation and a lack of access to the resources and support that they need.

In addition, toxic positivity can create a sense of guilt and inadequacy. People with MS may feel like they are failing if they are not able to maintain a positive attitude all the time. This can lead to feelings of self-blame and a worsening of their mental health.

It is important to remember that it is okay to not be okay. People with MS need to be able to express their full range of emotions without judgment or pressure to be positive. Validating their feelings and providing them with support and understanding is essential for their well-being.

If you are living with MS, it is important to find a support system that allows you to be yourself and express your emotions freely. This could include family, friends, support groups, or mental health professionals. Remember that you are not alone in your journey and that there are people who care about you and want to help.

Here are some strategies to help deal with toxic positivity, both for yourself and when you encounter it from others:

For Yourself:

• Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings: The most important step is to allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling. Don’t try to suppress or dismiss negative emotions. Recognize that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, frustrated, or scared when dealing with a chronic illness. Saying to yourself, “It’s okay that I feel this way,” can be surprisingly powerful.
• Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. Instead of berating yourself for not being positive enough, try to offer yourself comfort and support. Think about what you would say to someone else in your situation.
• Challenge Unrealistic Thoughts: Toxic positivity often relies on unrealistic or distorted thinking. For example, you might think, “I should be able to overcome this illness if I’m just positive enough.” Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself, “Is this really true? What evidence is there to support this thought? What are some other possible explanations?”
• Focus on What You Can Control: When dealing with a chronic illness, there are many things you can’t control. Focusing on these things can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. Instead, try to focus on what you can control, such as your self-care routine, your treatment plan, or your emotional responses.
• Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out to others for support. Talk to your doctor, a therapist, a support group, or trusted friends and family members. Sharing your feelings with others can help you feel less alone and more understood.
• Limit Exposure to Toxic Positivity: If you find that certain people or social media accounts are constantly promoting toxic positivity, it may be helpful to limit your exposure to them. This doesn’t mean you have to cut them out of your life entirely, but you can choose to spend less time around them or unfollow them on social media.
• Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can make it easier to recognize and challenge toxic positivity when it arises. There are many mindfulness exercises you can try, such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

When Encountering Toxic Positivity from Others:

• Set Boundaries: It’s okay to set boundaries with people who are constantly pushing toxic positivity on you. You can politely let them know that you appreciate their intentions, but that you need to process your feelings in your own way. For example, you could say, “I understand you’re trying to be positive, but right now, I just need to acknowledge that I’m feeling [emotion].”
• Educate (If Appropriate): If you feel comfortable, you can try to educate the person about the harmful effects of toxic positivity. You can share articles or resources that explain the concept and how it can be invalidating. However, be prepared that they may not be receptive to this.
• Validate Their Intentions (Even if Misguided): Acknowledge that they’re likely trying to be helpful, even if their approach is misguided. This can help de-escalate the situation and make them more open to hearing your perspective.
• Focus on Your Needs: Ultimately, your priority is your own well-being. If someone is consistently pushing toxic positivity on you, it’s okay to distance yourself from them or limit your interactions.
• Seek Support for Yourself: Dealing with toxic positivity from others can be draining. Make sure you’re taking care of your own emotional needs and seeking support from people who understand.

Remember, healing from the effects of chronic illness, both physically and emotionally, is a journey. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to seek help when you need it.