Desiree Lama, who lives in Texas, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in 2016. She shares advice for patients building a treatment plan with an MS team they don’t yet trust.

I would say to educate yourself as much as you can but in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you or cause you any, like, negative emotions — like panic, or anything — because it can definitely feel overwhelming when you’re trying to research about different treatment options.

And I would say to keep just an MS journal that you keep when you’re going to doctor’s offices when you have questions, comments, or concerns because just having a focal point where you document everything can make the process of talking to your provider a lot less difficult since you have everything written down already.

So, just being able to clearly communicate your goals and concerns with your healthcare provider could definitely help in the long run.