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MS Madness
Yvonne deSousa's diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis came with an insightful declaration from a new doctor ("MS sucks") and a brother's helpful advice ("You could totally get one of those handicapped parking plates now"). What followed was a year of MS-adventures: "accidentally" kicking an officious male doctor in the crotch, becoming an undercover agent to pay for medication made from Chinese hamster ovary cells, discovering the amazing effects of legal speed, and battling her arch-nemesis, the dreaded food group: vegetables. Throughout her MS journey, Yvonne learned how to use humor to find acceptance in her diagnosis, and how to smile in the face of a debilitating chronic illness. MS Madness will make you laugh while learning the real story of what MS, a disease that affects 400,000 Americans daily, can do to a perfectly normal person. Life with multiple sclerosis can be daunting, but Yvonne shares her giggles at the bizarre world she has unwittingly entered and the new perspectives it has given her on life. MS Madness makes us realize that with a sense of humor, we can survive anything.
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2014
6 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
About the author
Yvonne deSousa
4 books182 followersYvonne deSousa has worked as a street sweeper, a shell seller, a babysitter, a candy peddler, and a guest house manager, all before the age of sixteen. Later on she worked as a waitress, sales clerk, library assistant, victim’s advocate, and at the front desk of a doctor’s
office.
Two years before Yvonne’s diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a relative volunteered her to write an article for a local newspaper. Little did she know it was the beginning of a writing career. When MS threatened to turn her into a lunatic, she started writing more frequently and quickly discovered that writing about the insanity that is MS was helping to keep her sane.
Her work has appeared on CapeWomenOnline.com, and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Finding My Faith and Something On Our Minds, Volumes 1 and 2. Yvonne also writes a weekly blog on www.yvonnedesousa.com the website that uses a giggle stick to beat up on MS. Since finishing MS Madness! A “Giggle More, Cry Less” Story of Multiple Sclerosis, she has started presenting programs designed to help others use humor to help cope with
chronic illness.
Her latest book, Shelter of the Monument: A Provincetown Love Story, published by Black Rose Writing in 2023 is a coming-of-age memoir that reflects first love, life in a small, seaside town, addiction, and finding one's inner voice.
office.
Two years before Yvonne’s diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, a relative volunteered her to write an article for a local newspaper. Little did she know it was the beginning of a writing career. When MS threatened to turn her into a lunatic, she started writing more frequently and quickly discovered that writing about the insanity that is MS was helping to keep her sane.
Her work has appeared on CapeWomenOnline.com, and in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Finding My Faith and Something On Our Minds, Volumes 1 and 2. Yvonne also writes a weekly blog on www.yvonnedesousa.com the website that uses a giggle stick to beat up on MS. Since finishing MS Madness! A “Giggle More, Cry Less” Story of Multiple Sclerosis, she has started presenting programs designed to help others use humor to help cope with
chronic illness.
Her latest book, Shelter of the Monument: A Provincetown Love Story, published by Black Rose Writing in 2023 is a coming-of-age memoir that reflects first love, life in a small, seaside town, addiction, and finding one's inner voice.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 1, 2015
First book finished in the New Year and it is a book on MS. Slays grab these when I see a new one published just to see if there are any new facts, or just to see how someone is handling this disease. Was not disappointed, found out my headaches, which come and go, could very well be part of this condition. Loved all the humor in this book, as the author says, yes it sucks but while one cannot control the disease, one can control how they handle it. Good advice. Think in the new year I might have to get funnier.
February 14, 2014
This story revolves around the writer's first year after her Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis. She faces challenges - good, bad, ugly and sometimes even funny. It is a honest story of one persons journey. Every persons journey with MS is different, but Ms. DeSousa helps understand some of the symptoms and struggles someone may face. As the spouse of someone with MS, I enjoyed reading her journey. The book is not all doom and gloom, there are many humorous stories. When my spouse was diagnosed there were not any stories like this to read. There were only medical books, it would have been nice to have a real account of someone's experiences.
May 6, 2015
Originally posted here: https://heatherreviews.wordpress.com/...
___________________________
A frank and honest story of how life can be turned upside down by a diagnosis. Yvonne tells her story of struggling and acceptance throughout her battle with MS.
I found this to be an eye-opening read as I knew very little about the disease itself - and most of the symptoms, it turns out. Yvonne's frank comments on how it made her feel, how it affected her working life, and even how it made people react around her when they found out her issues was hard to read at times. It's one of those books that makes you stop and think about the way you treat other people in your day to day life.
Even though she struggles, Yvonne tells her life through a series of little anecdotes that show the highs and lows of her new life with her disease.
A good book for people willing to learn about other people's issues.
___________________________
A frank and honest story of how life can be turned upside down by a diagnosis. Yvonne tells her story of struggling and acceptance throughout her battle with MS.
I found this to be an eye-opening read as I knew very little about the disease itself - and most of the symptoms, it turns out. Yvonne's frank comments on how it made her feel, how it affected her working life, and even how it made people react around her when they found out her issues was hard to read at times. It's one of those books that makes you stop and think about the way you treat other people in your day to day life.
Even though she struggles, Yvonne tells her life through a series of little anecdotes that show the highs and lows of her new life with her disease.
A good book for people willing to learn about other people's issues.
September 16, 2014
“A Giggle More, Cry Less” is exactly what this book brought to the table. In Yvonne deSousa’s account of her ups and downs dealing with multiple sclerosis, her outlook was one of humor through a difficult transition.
Although Yvonne holds nothing back, and she allows you to laugh along with her. While realizing what her undiagnosed symptoms finally meant after many years of struggling; she allows you to be a part of her life and her new experiences.
Yvonne was able to convey how some people view someone who is struggling through a debilitating illness. If she hid it people didn’t help. If she told them, they would tell her “don’t play the MS card”. Her struggles are real, not just in her mind. I was able to relate to her and felt like I was right with her dealing with all she had to go through. When an author makes you feel like you are in the story; you know they have written in a way that makes you want to help them in their fight.
Excessive sleeping, depression, and all of the other battles that come along with MS, Yvonne shows you how she dealt with it with her humor and drive. When most people would have given in; Yvonne triumphs and shows you that there is life with MS.
Whether you are dealing with a debilitating illness or going through a tough time in your life; Yvonne will help you remember that things could be worse. Even on her worst day; she moves ahead and shows you that not even MS will stop her, even if it takes her a few times to do so.
I enjoyed this book and am Thankful that Yvonne allowed us to take a peek into her life.
Although Yvonne holds nothing back, and she allows you to laugh along with her. While realizing what her undiagnosed symptoms finally meant after many years of struggling; she allows you to be a part of her life and her new experiences.
Yvonne was able to convey how some people view someone who is struggling through a debilitating illness. If she hid it people didn’t help. If she told them, they would tell her “don’t play the MS card”. Her struggles are real, not just in her mind. I was able to relate to her and felt like I was right with her dealing with all she had to go through. When an author makes you feel like you are in the story; you know they have written in a way that makes you want to help them in their fight.
Excessive sleeping, depression, and all of the other battles that come along with MS, Yvonne shows you how she dealt with it with her humor and drive. When most people would have given in; Yvonne triumphs and shows you that there is life with MS.
Whether you are dealing with a debilitating illness or going through a tough time in your life; Yvonne will help you remember that things could be worse. Even on her worst day; she moves ahead and shows you that not even MS will stop her, even if it takes her a few times to do so.
I enjoyed this book and am Thankful that Yvonne allowed us to take a peek into her life.
January 25, 2015
I loved this book. As a fellow MSer I related to this book so much it was like looking in the mirror when Yvonne was talking about things like how she hated K-Mart because of how the lighting bothered her and her meltdown at the cell phone store I could totally relate too. Been there done that. The book was also so refreshing with the humor that was in it. I am not sure if I will ever be able to look at those shots the same again without thinking about Chinese hamster ovaries but luckily for me I am on an oral medication and will not break out laughing every time I take my medication.
As an MS patient I can honestly say that we need books like this on the market so people can read about what someone else is going through and see how they are able to look at the positive side of MS and laugh in it's face. So many of us who are newly diagnosed are so scared we get too depressed too look at the other side of MS that it is not that bad unless you let it beat you and that is the message I got out of this book and that is a message I wish I would have had 10 years ago when I was first told I had MS. I think I would have avoided some bad years if I had book like this or a positive person like Yvonne telling me to try to laugh along with my tears. This is a great book for the MS community to give them hope and to remind them laughter is the best medicine. I thank you for this book.
As an MS patient I can honestly say that we need books like this on the market so people can read about what someone else is going through and see how they are able to look at the positive side of MS and laugh in it's face. So many of us who are newly diagnosed are so scared we get too depressed too look at the other side of MS that it is not that bad unless you let it beat you and that is the message I got out of this book and that is a message I wish I would have had 10 years ago when I was first told I had MS. I think I would have avoided some bad years if I had book like this or a positive person like Yvonne telling me to try to laugh along with my tears. This is a great book for the MS community to give them hope and to remind them laughter is the best medicine. I thank you for this book.
March 1, 2015
What a wonderful and heart-breaking tale! As I, too, suffered a mid-life crisis with a diagnosis of leukemia, I can certainly sympathize with Yvonne's situation, and I really enjoyed her humorous take on MS! I wish I'd had this book to read two years ago when I was stranded in a hospital for 8 months, 3 1/2 hours away from home and everyone I knew. Not only good reading for someone with MS, but anyone with any kind of illness, whether it be life-long or something that can actually be overcome, as in my case with the cancer. What a roller coaster she is on, and I was happy to share some of the ride with her!
June 13, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. I too belong to the MS sucks club and chuckled along as I could relate to Yvonne's journey. It was funny, realistic, and cleverly written. I will be looking forward to her next books.
July 15, 2014
I was fortunate enough to win this through a Goodreads Giveaway.
I don't have MS, but have known several friends who have, and reading this certainly woke me up a little bit. I realized I had no idea what they were going through. The long list about all the things people had recommended to her to help with her symptom management was amusing — all the misinformation and conflicts from well-meaning friends who were essentially clueless. Reading through this I could definitely get a feel for why the symptoms were exacerbated at times. Poor Yvonne (the author) describes herself basically running around in a non-stop circle of family engagements and stress-induced turmoil.
The end of the book, the final chapter, is really the meat of the book. I felt it was well-written and concise and relevant. Reading through the other 98% percent of the book I kept thinking of it as disjointed, not-quite relevant, and scattered. I would love to have heard more about her feelings about the disorder besides "it sucks." Possibly more in-depth feeling about battling depression — What did that feel like? The book felt humorous and yet all-over-the-map via episodes of chapters, but I felt it didn't speak to the emotional transition required due to the condition, life adjustments, and coping. In fact, coping skills are in short supply in this book.
I felt like I was racing through manic's day while reading, instead of getting the sensation and human condition of the trial being experienced. Still, I'd recommend this to an MS sufferer, that maybe they might find more relatability than I am qualified to understand.
I don't have MS, but have known several friends who have, and reading this certainly woke me up a little bit. I realized I had no idea what they were going through. The long list about all the things people had recommended to her to help with her symptom management was amusing — all the misinformation and conflicts from well-meaning friends who were essentially clueless. Reading through this I could definitely get a feel for why the symptoms were exacerbated at times. Poor Yvonne (the author) describes herself basically running around in a non-stop circle of family engagements and stress-induced turmoil.
The end of the book, the final chapter, is really the meat of the book. I felt it was well-written and concise and relevant. Reading through the other 98% percent of the book I kept thinking of it as disjointed, not-quite relevant, and scattered. I would love to have heard more about her feelings about the disorder besides "it sucks." Possibly more in-depth feeling about battling depression — What did that feel like? The book felt humorous and yet all-over-the-map via episodes of chapters, but I felt it didn't speak to the emotional transition required due to the condition, life adjustments, and coping. In fact, coping skills are in short supply in this book.
I felt like I was racing through manic's day while reading, instead of getting the sensation and human condition of the trial being experienced. Still, I'd recommend this to an MS sufferer, that maybe they might find more relatability than I am qualified to understand.
August 17, 2014
MS Madness is an amusing, informal, and yet frank discussion of Multiple Sclerosis. Yvonne deSousa tells the story of her diagnosis and the short-term aftermath as if she were talking to a friend. She explains her symptoms and treatments. She talks about how the disease affects the normal things we do every day. It is a poignant, understandable, and very informative tale useful to friends and family of sufferers, as well as those who just want to know more about MS.
I highly recommend this compelling and very personal story.
I highly recommend this compelling and very personal story.
September 15, 2014
When Yvonne deSousa hears that she is diagnosed with MS, she doesn't sit still and does nothing, you will go on the journey with her, on her first year. I so recognized myself in it (I have Fibro & Lupus "is a sister of MS") the best way to "fight" it is with humor, which you will find plenty of in this book. It isn't a easy road I will tell you but Yvonne deSousa fold you in a warm embrace and perfect way to introduce people in the world of MS
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June 15, 2014I have suffered a, "Subaracnoid,(sp), brain hemmorage, (sp), sorry for the misspellings, it's so not like me! The common denominaters are so similar! Thanks for the laughs & inspiration Yvonne! You are my rock!
November 4, 2022
If you have multiple sclerosis, MS Madness! by Yvonne deSousa, will resonate with you. If you don’t have MS, this book will give you a peek into the life of an MS warrior. Reading Yvonne’s memoir of her diagnosis and first year of becoming an MSer took me down memory lane. I had forgotten the cognitive testing, feeling alone, and the sudden surprise when I recognized ignored MS symptoms from my past. I dreaded shot day just like Yvonne and agonized over giving myself shots for years. I felt Yvonne’s pain and fears, just as I had experienced years ago during my first year.
Yvonne deSousa speaks to her readers as though they are her closest friends, sharing her deepest secrets, fears, joys, and dreams. Her faith in God, devotion to her church, and admitting her shortcomings are admirable. Yvonne’s self-pep talk at the end of the book brings her whole experience into perspective.
I found myself nodding, smiling, and sometimes laughing out loud. MS Madness! is similar to a coming-of-age book, only it’s a coming to an understanding of life as an MS warrior book. Whether you are a newbie wearing orange and marching for MS awareness for the first time or a veteran with war stories – mostly of self-administered shots, MRIs, and fun side effects of disease-modifying treatments – this book is for you!
“I wrote this book with my heart, my sense of humor, and my dreams; not with my aches, my pains, my miserable bladder, my brain fog, or my fatigue. With a smile on my face. Luckily, I had my $399 laptop that actually cost $1,200 to help me.”
– Yvonne deSousa
Yvonne deSousa speaks to her readers as though they are her closest friends, sharing her deepest secrets, fears, joys, and dreams. Her faith in God, devotion to her church, and admitting her shortcomings are admirable. Yvonne’s self-pep talk at the end of the book brings her whole experience into perspective.
I found myself nodding, smiling, and sometimes laughing out loud. MS Madness! is similar to a coming-of-age book, only it’s a coming to an understanding of life as an MS warrior book. Whether you are a newbie wearing orange and marching for MS awareness for the first time or a veteran with war stories – mostly of self-administered shots, MRIs, and fun side effects of disease-modifying treatments – this book is for you!
“I wrote this book with my heart, my sense of humor, and my dreams; not with my aches, my pains, my miserable bladder, my brain fog, or my fatigue. With a smile on my face. Luckily, I had my $399 laptop that actually cost $1,200 to help me.”
– Yvonne deSousa
July 26, 2022
Hilarious masterpiece!
Well, this book is laugh out loud funny. As in literal "strangers looking at you because you can't stop cracking up" funny. Even if she didn't have MS, she's just a tremendously gifted, touching writer. I could really relate to much of her awkward interactions and I don't have MS! Life is frustrating! I was so sad when the book ended because her writing is just so perfect. I recommended it to everyone I knew. Occasionally one just comes across a great writer and she is it. Outstanding. Since this was only her first year of MS, I hope she writes a second memoir of the following years. I always feel like once a writer has a theme that WORKS they move to something else. I just adore her memoir style discussion of MS, and I could read a book every few years of an updated MS memoir by her. I want to laugh some more! She is a positive person who will knock you over laughing about something as relatable as abandoned string cheese. Best book I've read in ages, and I'm a bookworm.
Well, this book is laugh out loud funny. As in literal "strangers looking at you because you can't stop cracking up" funny. Even if she didn't have MS, she's just a tremendously gifted, touching writer. I could really relate to much of her awkward interactions and I don't have MS! Life is frustrating! I was so sad when the book ended because her writing is just so perfect. I recommended it to everyone I knew. Occasionally one just comes across a great writer and she is it. Outstanding. Since this was only her first year of MS, I hope she writes a second memoir of the following years. I always feel like once a writer has a theme that WORKS they move to something else. I just adore her memoir style discussion of MS, and I could read a book every few years of an updated MS memoir by her. I want to laugh some more! She is a positive person who will knock you over laughing about something as relatable as abandoned string cheese. Best book I've read in ages, and I'm a bookworm.
June 29, 2020
I love memoirs. And I have multiple sclerosis.
I’ve had the disease (diagnosed, at least) for 2 years now and it’s so hard to find memoirs with MS as a focal point. This is my third one that I’ve managed to find and while it wasn’t my favorite, it was still a decent read.
I didn’t really share the author’s sense of humor, so the description didn’t really fit for me. I also found it difficult to relate to the author and her experiences because of our age difference and because of when her memoir took place — 2009-2010. You wouldn’t think ten years would make a huge difference, but it totally did! MS medicine, diagnostics, research...it has all made HUGE leaps in the past ten years!
I did appreciate her descriptions of her symptoms. She and I share a few symptoms and she was able to describe them in ways I haven’t, and I think explaining them to others will be a bit easier now.
If you have MS, read it. If not, sorry, but this won’t be interesting to you!!
I’ve had the disease (diagnosed, at least) for 2 years now and it’s so hard to find memoirs with MS as a focal point. This is my third one that I’ve managed to find and while it wasn’t my favorite, it was still a decent read.
I didn’t really share the author’s sense of humor, so the description didn’t really fit for me. I also found it difficult to relate to the author and her experiences because of our age difference and because of when her memoir took place — 2009-2010. You wouldn’t think ten years would make a huge difference, but it totally did! MS medicine, diagnostics, research...it has all made HUGE leaps in the past ten years!
I did appreciate her descriptions of her symptoms. She and I share a few symptoms and she was able to describe them in ways I haven’t, and I think explaining them to others will be a bit easier now.
If you have MS, read it. If not, sorry, but this won’t be interesting to you!!
October 17, 2018
Yvonne 's story mirrors mine. I laughed with her and cried for her and myself while reading it. I plan on giving this book to my loved ones to read. She explains things in a way that I can't find the words to express. I totally understand her not being able to explain what is going on with the ms symptoms without sounding like you are just complaining.
April 2, 2017
I highly recommend this book to everyone living with MS or dealing with a diagnosis from another type of serious health issue. Even for those who know nothing about MS, this is a great light-hearted story about life's journey having made other plans.
This book was filled with humour as Yvonne dealt with her diagnosis and all the craziness of unpredictable MS symptoms, medical expenses, staying in the workforce, and all the rest of life.
I chuckled throughout the story and laughed out loud more times than I can count. She overanalyzes everything but manages to keep a positive outlook on life as it is now and what it will look like in the future.
As a fellow MSer I could relate to all the 'madness' in her life. Even the symptoms or situations I haven't experienced were easy to identify with by the way she presented them in the story.
MS Madness is a fantastic read! I absolutely loved it and you will too.
This book was filled with humour as Yvonne dealt with her diagnosis and all the craziness of unpredictable MS symptoms, medical expenses, staying in the workforce, and all the rest of life.
I chuckled throughout the story and laughed out loud more times than I can count. She overanalyzes everything but manages to keep a positive outlook on life as it is now and what it will look like in the future.
As a fellow MSer I could relate to all the 'madness' in her life. Even the symptoms or situations I haven't experienced were easy to identify with by the way she presented them in the story.
MS Madness is a fantastic read! I absolutely loved it and you will too.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews