Living with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition with symptomsĀ such as fatigue, pain, bladder and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, movement and coordination difficulties, vision and cognition changes, and emotional/mental health problems.

Not every MS patientĀ is affected by the condition in the same way. For some, symptoms can worsen with time, and living with MS can affect many aspects of daily life, including health, wellness, relationships, and careers. A diagnosisĀ of MS means that peopleĀ may have to adapt to a new lifestyle.

Living life with MS to the fullest may mean making positive choices about your physical and mental health. Here are some tips.

Overall wellness

The National MSĀ Society defines wellness as a “dynamic state of physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being that can be achieved even in the presence of a chronic illness or disability.” Wellness is a lifelong journey in which people become aware of themselves and how they feel, which includes positive behavioral and lifestyle choices in order to feel their best. It is about treating both the body and mind. Strategies to promote health (diet, exercise, and MS treatments), investing in personal relationships to create a strong support groups, and mental and emotional strategies to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression are all part of a person’s overall wellness.

BeingĀ diagnosed with MS should not keep you from doing your job or participating in leisure activities that you enjoy. You can maintainĀ your personal and professional activitiesĀ and payĀ attention to your inner self, too.

Physical health

Staying healthy is very important for people with any chronic disorder, and MS is no exception. Your doctor or other healthcare professional can recommend a diet/nutrition plan that could have a positive impact on your symptoms.

Although there is no special diet for MS, what you eat will have some impact on your health and overall well-being (including your energy level, bladder and bowel functions, and other symptoms), so your diet is important. Some specialists recommend a low-fat, high-fiber diet for people with MS. However, with any dietary recommendation, it is important to consult with your doctor to ensure that important vitamins and nutrients are included.

Exercise is another great way to stay healthy and manage your symptoms. Exercise programs for those with MS should fit the individualā€™s needs and capabilities, and you should discuss fitness options with your doctor prior to starting a new exercise regime. There are simple physical activities that you can do at home: gardening, cooking, household tasks. Other recommended activities include yoga, adaptive tai chi, or swimming/water exercises. Yoga and tai chi can teach you relaxation techniques (such as meditation) that you can use when in stressful situations, such as having a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or other medical procedures.Ā Water exercises are great for improving flexibility and range of motion, and can help reduceĀ pain.

SmokingĀ and alcohol consumptionĀ are known causes of manyĀ health problems. A 2003 studyĀ showed a relationship betweenĀ smoking and the risk of developingĀ MS. According to the National MS Society,Ā smoking can also worsen MSĀ symptoms and disease progression. Programs and resources are available through theĀ National Institutes of Health (NIH) to help people quit smoking, and theĀ smokefree.govĀ websiteĀ offers support, tips, tools, and expert advice.

Alcohol consumption affects theĀ central nervous system. ItĀ can cause a loss of balance, slurred speech, and impaired judgment and thinking. More importantly, though, alcohol can also interact with MS medications likeĀ baclofen (brand name Lioresal), diazepam (brand name Valium), clonazepam (brand name Klonopin),Ā and some antidepressants. Consider talking toĀ your doctor about alcohol consumption and potential drug interactions.

Emotional health

MS may also affectĀ your emotional health. Symptoms can affect how you manage your daily activities, including personal and professional relationships. Physiologically, it can also affect parts of the brain that control a person’s mood or anxiety level.

MSĀ progression can bringĀ emotional changes, starting with the moment of Ā diagnosis. Common emotions that you might experience include grief and sadness, worry, fear, moodiness, and irritability. In more severe cases, or during progression, you may feel anxiety or depression.

Recognizing these emotions as being part of MS is important, as they will affect your lifestyle and may become a source of emotional pain. Talking with your doctor and seeking advice from a mental health professional can help you deal with these symptoms. You can also look for MS support groups, including online social groups, social media interaction, and community networks. Speaking with others who have MS can alleviate the feeling of being alone. If so inclined, taking the opportunity to interact and help others with MS can also provide an emotional lift.

Family and friends

DiscussingĀ your condition withĀ family, friends, and others in your personal and professionalĀ relationshipsĀ is a difficult and personal decision ā€” deciding who to tell and how much information to provide is not easy. Your family and friends may not always understand what you are feeling and how MS is affecting you. Telling your close family and friends first may be a good start, giving only the information you think is necessary. With time, you can decide whether or not you tell more people about your condition. Having strong family relationships and friendshipsĀ are important for everyone, not just those with MS; theĀ energy and effort to develop and maintain these positive connections is worth it.

IntimacyĀ with your spouse or partner is a way of connecting ā€” both verbally and nonverbally. MS can affect your sex life, and youĀ may have to discover new ways of beingĀ intimate. Also, if your symptoms interfere with dailyĀ home activities, it may help to shift householdĀ roles and responsibilities with your partner. In the same manner, you may need to reorganizeĀ your family resources (such as money, time, and emotional energy).

If you are a parentĀ with MS, you will likely have concerns about how it will affect yourĀ children. KnowingĀ how and when to talkĀ to your children about MS is important; the National MS Society website has helpfulĀ informationĀ on programs, services, and resources ā€” MS affects the whole family.

Social life

Social activitiesĀ can improve the quality of life of people with MS. Your symptoms might not allow you to participate in sports and other activities like you once did, so you may want to consider otherĀ ways to keep fit and stay socially active. Attending social events can be a challenge for some; you may want to check first if the venue isĀ comfortable, safe, and easily accessible.

WhenĀ making travel plans, include accessibility and mobility considerations. If you are a wheelchair user, tryĀ to confirm if your destination is wheelchair-accessible, andĀ make sureĀ the hotel rooms have the necessary facilities to meet your needs.

Education and career

Because MS is a highly variable disease, it may have an impact on your education and career. HoweverĀ mild or severe your symptoms may be, consider telling your employer or educational institution about your condition soĀ that your needs can be met in a confidential manner.

MS symptoms worsen over time, so if your job is physically demanding, look atĀ transitioning into a more suitable position, orĀ search for similar job opportunities.

As you get older

Life expectancy for people withĀ MSĀ keeps increasing as newĀ treatment options becomeĀ available; people with the condition now regularly reach the age of 65 and older. Planning for your future needs in terms of advanced careĀ or knowing more aboutĀ insurance and financial security is always good advice.


Note:Ā Multiple Sclerosis NewsĀ TodayĀ is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.