Melissa discusses the positive changes she has experienced with MS symptoms since adding Colostrum supplements to her daily diet.
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Article by David Cowley
Many people may know a little bit about multiple sclerosis (MS) but it’s surprising how even those who have the disease or know someone very close to them with it have a misunderstanding about what it is, what it is not, and how to deal with the symptoms of the condition. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is an organization dedicated to informing patients and family members about this disease and usually has some of the most up to date information available, much of which is very surprising even to its patients.
For one thing, multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system. This system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. This is different from muscular dystrophy, which is a group of diseases that actually attack the muscles themselves. In MS sufferers, their muscles are fine but the nerves cannot signal them to move and function properly. In muscular dystrophy, the nerves are fine but the muscles cannot function as they should. While the patients of both may have similar symptoms they are actually two very different diseases.
Many people assume that those with multiple sclerosis will die at a young age but this just isn’t true at all. Most patients with this condition have a normal life expectancy. It’s also thought that it is an inherent disease; while the gene responsible for the condition can be found in families it is not directly inherent. Most with MS will see it skip a generation or two, or will find that there are patients in their extended family (aunts and uncles, distant cousins, etc.) rather than having the gene passed on from parent to child.
It’s interesting also that most persons with multiple sclerosis do not become severely disabled. They may have certain problems or limitations that they will need to accommodate; many have issues with coordination and balance, or have trouble walking that means assistance with a cane, walker, or occasional wheelchair, but the vast majority of MS patients are able to have careers and families and function normally with only minor inconveniences. Typically just knowing that you have the disease or condition will help tremendously in being able to make accommodations around the house and place of employment; many patients with multiple sclerosis simply ask to be relocated to a desk or work station nearer the restroom so they have less distance to walk; they may request to be able to phone in to conferences and meetings rather than travel or even walk to the conference room, and of course they become quite adept at email and instant messaging so they don’t need to get to a coworker’s desk either! These minor accommodations are usually happily provided by an employer.
Those with MS usually experience quite a different set of symptoms than another patient or sufferer with MS. It’s important to be in contact with your doctor as well because there are always new medications and treatment options being developed for MS that may not be able to cure the disease outright but that can make the symptoms that much more bearable.
A New Treatment Theory
Dr. Paul Goldberg has advanced the theory that a plentiful year round supply of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which trigger the production of vitamin D in human skin, is the reason why multiple sclerosis is almost non-existent in tropical regions. He argues that in temperate climates the disease strikes those who inherit an unfulfilled need for the high levels of vitamin D that the sun bestows on tropical humans. If his theory proves correct then multiple sclerosis should be easy to prevent but unfortunately not cure. Multiple Sclerosis is primarily in adults between the ages of 20 and 40.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
About the Author
David Cowley has created numerous articles about the relationship between diseases and vitamins. Visit Health Related Articles
This book is for people who have skin cancer, as well as for their family members, friends, students, and others who want to find out more about this disease. It will also give you skin cancer signs and what to look for.
This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet has important information about skin cancer.* Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in this country. About one million Americans develop skin cancer each year.
You will read about causes and ways to prevent sk
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Article by Boba Jenkinss
There are lots of different symptoms of several sclerosis and many of them go unnoticed as they seem relatively inconsequential or indicative of numerous other problems. For many individuals in the early phases of MS, numb toes could be the extremely initial signs and symptoms that happen. Unfortunately numb toes aren’t sufficient to really ring any bells and are often blamed on things like tight footwear, investing too numerous hours on their feet or poor circulation.
Signs and symptoms, Regardless of How Small Should Not be Ignored
Occasional numbness of physique components such as the toes might not seem like something to worry about especially when it arrives and goes. What many individuals do not realize is that when it comes to MS, numb toes can be a symptom of a potentially devastating disease. Although having numb toes as soon as or twice might not appear like big deal, if the numbness keeps returning, you need to think about speaking to your doctor and asking him to look in to the problem further.
If you have been coping with numbness in your toes for a period of time, you might also want to spend much more attention and appear for any other feasible symptoms of several sclerosis that you have been ignoring such as situations where for no cause you seem to shed your stability or your eyes go blurry. Within the early phases of this disease, most of these signs and symptoms arrive and go extremely quickly. They may only final a couple of minutes or a couple of hrs, but both way you need to see a doctor about them.
What precisely is Several Sclerosis?
Understanding how you can acknowledge the symptoms of multiple sclerosis is all well and great, but what exactly is this disease and what causes it? No one as of but understands exactly what causes MS, but current research is beginning to stage at a serious deficiency of vitamin D may be in the root of what causes this debilitating disease.
There is a great deal greater than numb toes to MS, the disease leads to the gradual demyelination of the myelin sheath that protects the spinal cord. When this happens, the signals from your nerves towards the brain and this is what trigger the numbness that you simply had been so reluctant to see a doctor about. Now you comprehend why it is so essential not to disregard the smallest symptoms as they are often an indication of a significantly larger issue that needs correct treatment.
I have benefited significantly from a guide which has examined the hyperlink between what we consume and multiple sclerosis. In the event you would like to understand what meals are attacking your body, what supplements you must get and the way to make the power that you simply need, then this guide is really a should read. Reverse Multiple Sclerosis
About the Author
Learn more about numbness in toes and neuropathy in feet here…
The Diagnosis that Effects Everyone
Multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence, but when you don’t know the first thing about what it means or what can happen to you, a diagnosis can be very frightening. Once you get over the initial shock of having MS, you can eventually get on with the business of living. And it not only effects you, but everyone around you. The questions below are meant to give you some things to think about. It is by no means the only set of questions you will have, but it is a place to start.
First of all there are the possible symptoms associated with MS – fatigue, imbalance, weakness, bladder problems; etc. These are probably what led you to the doctor in the first place. Add to that the medications and doctors to treat your unique set of symptoms. Then throw in social, housing, and employment issues These are just a few of the many issues you will eventually deal with on a day to day basis, if you haven’t begun to already.
Family Issues
If you have a family and you are the parent with multiple sclerosis, many questions have probably crossed your mind. Depending on the ages of your children at the time you are diagnosed with MS, you will probably ask the following -
How do I tell my children that I have MS?
How much about MS do I tell them?
When should I tell them?
You know your children and of course you don’t want to frighten them. Talk it over with your spouse, partner or a family member. Together you can decide the best way to handle talking to your children. The best thing in the long run, is to tell them the truth. They know that something is wrong, especially if you are always tired or canceling outings and special events. They deserve to know if something is wrong and how and if it will effect them. Most likely they will be happy to help you in any way they can – well, most of the time.
Women with MS
As a woman with multiple sclerosis, you no doubt have many questions as well. You may ask yourself:
Can or should I even have children?
How many children can I have?
Will I be physically able to take care of my child?
Should I continue my medications while I’m pregnant?
How does pregnancy effect MS?
If you already have children, you wonder whether you will be able to care for them as they get older?
Again, having a spouse or partner to work through these questions is very helpful. If you don’t have children yet, your decision to have children will ultimately effect them anyway. You need to take into account your total situation. This includes your current health and abilities. Several women I know have had children after receiving their diagnosis, so it is possible to have and raise children even with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It helps if your spouse or partner is in complete agreement and support of your decision.
Recent studies have shown that during pregnancy symptoms are reduced. Many women feel better while they’re pregnant and have fewer exacerbations. After pregnancy the effects are the same as before you became pregnant, meaning your symptoms may return. For the most part, if you have a strong support group of family and friends to help after you have your child, things should work out fine.
Men with MS
As a man with MS your concerns may be similar. Although you won’t physically have children, the thought of raising a family as a man with multiple sclerosis may seem overwhelming to you.
Will I be able to continue working?
How can I work and raise a family if I can’t walk?
Will my family think less of me if I can’t work?
How long will I be able to satisfy my wife?
Will I eventually become a burden on my wife and family?
These questions are not at all unrealistic. And as difficult as they may be to answer right now, you will, at some point, need to come to terms with them. One of the best pieces of advice we received about living with MS was to expect the best, but do all you can to prepare for the worst.
Talk over the concerns you have with your spouse or partner. Working through many of these questions can help alleviate much of the uncertainties that go along with them. Continuing to dwell on them on your own will only lead to depression which is all too common in people with MS. You need to take control and plan and prepare for what can happen. And after that, you need to try to accept what actually does happen, which I know is easier said than done.
Children with MS
Believe it or not, there are children with MS. If your young child has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you, as a parent, face a unique set of problems. Emotionally, this will be a hard thing to deal with, especially in the beginning. In spite of your own feelings of why did this happen to my child, you will also need to help them deal with their feelings. They may seem to take it quite calmly on the outside, but inside they may be frightened and upset. A lot of how they deal with this depends on you and how you handle the situation.
The questions you have may be along these lines.
How much and when should I tell my child about their diagnosis?
Should we tell their teachers and friends?
Will my child eventually be able to care for themselves?
Or will I always be their caregiver?
And if your child is an adult and you are their caregiver; what will happen to my child if something happens to me?
This is such a difficult issue to even imagine, let alone having to deal with the problems your child will probably face from day to day. But as a parent, we are uniquely equipped to handle whatever our children bring into our lives. A child with MS is no exception. Love them, support them and let them know you will always be there no matter what happens. Also, make sure they know that they can come to you at any time. Whenever they have questions or feel like they are experiencing a symptom they’ve never had before, encourage them to always let you know.
Family is important. Whether you are a father, mother, sister, brother, or parent of someone who has multiple sclerosis, you can help your family members to understand what it’s like to have MS. Let them know what you need from them. Don’t always assume that they should know. You may not want to ask for help, but you shouldn’t be afraid, or unwilling to ask for help when you need it.
As a Caregiver
As the caregiver or family member of someone with MS, you have many questions about your family member and about yourself. You may ask questions like:
What will happen to my husband, (child, or family member)?
What if something happens to me, who will take care of them?
How can I take care of myself when I have no time?
What resources are available to them; to me?
Why do I feel guilty when I want time for myself?
As a caregiver, you may try to anticipate the needs of your spouse, family member, or child. This is a very difficult thing to do, especially in the beginning. It may take a while before you actually “get it right”. One way to do this is to try and put yourself in their shoes. Although you will never know what it really feels like to have multiple sclerosis, you can try to empathize.
They may feel vulnerable, and in many ways they are. If they have to depend on you or someone else to do things for them, they can feel like a burden. Depression may become a problem. You may need to be their eyes, ears, arms, and legs; which may be harder for them than it is for you. Patience is key.
As a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself so that you don’t burn out. You need to be healthy emotionally and physically so that you can deal with all of the issues coming at you. Take advantage of respite care and any other help you can get. Take time for you so you can take care of them. Never feel guilty. One of the best gifts you can give them, is a healthy you.
Akrista L’Bert has been married to her husband, who is also her best friend, for 26 years. He has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis since 1992. She is his caregiver. They both have a heart for helping others who live with MS. To read more about the challenges above and how to deal with them, visit their site Life in Spite of MS for a unique perspective on living with multiple sclerosis. For more about Living with MS and Family Issues, click here.
Article from articlesbase.com
Living with Multiple Sclerosis involves a myriad of issues that will affect your family. These include:
financial
social
emotional
physical
employment
housing
How you deal with them is unique to your situation, just as your MS is different from everyone else’s. You need to think about each issue and make decisions along with your loved ones as to what is best for you and your family.
Keywords: multiple sclerosis, ms, financial issues, social issues, emotional, physical issues, family,
Financial Issues
Raising a family as we all know, is hard enough nowadays as a healthy person. When you or a family member has MS, everyday can be a challenge. Family finances can be strained to the limit when health care costs come into the picture. And if you have always been the sole income earner or even the second income:
What do you do if you can no longer work?
Have you looked into working at home as an option?
Have you thought about another retraining for another career that is less stressful or physical?
Again, preparation is the key. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. Make sure your finances are in order. Begin now to make plans for the future. Even if you never become disabled, being prepared is still a good thing. It definitely can’t hurt.
Emotional and Physical Issues
Managing the stress of daily living as well as your symptoms can sometimes be difficult on your own. The emotional and physical issues associated with MS may eventually require the help of professionals. It’s not a sign of weakness to know when you may need a little help. Making the ultimate decision to turn to a professional is best made with the help of your family and your doctor.
To deal with physical issues, your doctor may suggest a physical or occupational therapist, or both depending on your needs. Emotional issues may range from cognitive problems to severe depression. Cognitive impairment may be helped by daily planning, learning memory tricks and organizing. The treatment for severe depression may be medication and or professional help. There is help available, so you don’t need to suffer needlessly.
Employment Issues
If you have gotten to the point where you feel you can no longer work, then what happens next?
Does your job know that you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
If so, have they made every reasonable accommodation to help you keep working if you want to? The Americans with Disabilities Act has put several laws in place to deal with these issues. Learn about your rights and what is available to you.
If you have health insurance, is there a disability clause?
Will it be enough to cover your health needs and expenses if and when you decide to stop working?
These types of questions should ideally be asked before you let your employer know and if possible even before you receive your MS diagnosis. That way if you need to make changes to your insurance you can do so before you become disabled and are no longer able to work.
If you have made the decision to stop working, and know that you won’t have insurance, the question of Social Security Disability Insurance is an inevitability. Applying for it and getting approved can be a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. Doing your homework before you leave work, will make working through this task a whole lot easier.
Find out everything, and I mean everything, that will be required and follow it to the letter. Answer every question on the application truthfully and thoroughly. Follow-up with your doctor to make sure they have submitted everything they need to submit. If you are not approved the first time, try again. And above all, don’t give up. You will succeed.
Social Issues
Depression and loneliness can become a big problem if you have limited mobility and no longer feel like going out. Many people with MS, have led active lives and while some can continue to do so, others just can’t. There are several ways to get around this issue.
First of all, are there support groups in your area?
Have you joined your local National MS Society?
For those of you who have stopped working, what do you do with your time?
They are a great source of information and support for events happening in your area. If you have a computer and internet service, get on-line. There are many support groups and several chat rooms where people with MS get together regularly.
If you are still mobile, (and about 75% of people with MS will never need a wheelchair), consider doing yoga or some other exercise to stay healthy. The MS clinic in our area offers a water exercise class, yoga, and a Tai Chi class as well. All of these are geared toward multiple sclerosis patients and people with limited mobility. So whether you can walk or even if you can’t, there are ways to be involved in these types of classes. You can learn something new and meet new people in the process.
Housing Issues
Accessible housing may be something that you may never need to worry about. But our little mantra comes into play in this area, too. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. It won’t do for you to have a dream house planned for your retirement that has multi-level living. If you become disabled to the point where you can no longer navigate the stairs, what will happen then?
Plan your dream home for this eventuality and include things like wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms with grab bars and kitchens with easy to reach counters and cabinets. Wide open spaces, hardwood floors, tiles, or Berber carpeting, are just a few of the other things you may want to consider when planning your home. Condominiums may also be a good choice so that yard work won’t be an issue.
As you can see, living with MS brings up a myriad of challenges that you as a person with multiple sclerosis will inevitably deal with from day to day. But living with MS is not impossible to do. Watching my husband live with this disease has taught me a lot of things. One thing stands out. It may not always be easy, but people with MS have the strength and determination to live fulfilling lives in spite of having multiple sclerosis.
Akrista L’Bert has been married to her husband, who is also her best friend, for 28 years. He has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis since 1992. She is his caregiver. They both have a heart for helping others who live with MS. To read more about the challenges above and how to deal with them, visit their site Life in Spite of MS for a unique perspective on living with multiple sclerosis. To read more about Living with MS, click here.
Article from articlesbase.com
Essential: All About Multiple Sclerosis !
A collection of selected reports -
What is Multiple Sclerosis
Who gets Multiple Sclerosis
Causes of Multiple Sclerosis
What are the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis
How is Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosed
Standard Allopathic treatments for Multiple Sclerosis
Telling family and friends
The Best Bet Diet
The chronic pain of multiple sclerosis
The importance of eliminating toxins
Tips to keep cool
When t
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This digital document is an article from Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, published by Thomson Gale on October 1, 2006. The length of the article is 4101 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Bridging the gap between health literacy and patient education for people with mult
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Introduction To Multiple Sclerosis – Tips To Help You Learn All About MS
Are You Experiencing Numbness or Tingling In Your Extremities?
Do You Frequently Have Blurred Vision?
Are You Having Trouble Keeping Your Balance?
Learn How to Spot the Symptoms and Understand Multiple Sclerosis!
If you suspect that you or a loved one may be on a track for experiencing multiple sclerosis you need answers to those burning questions and you need them now!
They experi
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Article by Akrista L’Bert
The Diagnosis that Effects Everyone
Multiple sclerosis is not a death sentence, but when you don’t know the first thing about what it means or what can happen to you, a diagnosis can be very frightening. Once you get over the initial shock of having MS, you can eventually get on with the business of living. And it not only effects you, but everyone around you. The questions below are meant to give you some things to think about. It is by no means the only set of questions you will have, but it is a place to start.
First of all there are the possible symptoms associated with MS – fatigue, imbalance, weakness, bladder problems; etc. These are probably what led you to the doctor in the first place. Add to that the medications and doctors to treat your unique set of symptoms. Then throw in social, housing, and employment issues These are just a few of the many issues you will eventually deal with on a day to day basis, if you haven’t begun to already.
Family Issues
If you have a family and you are the parent with multiple sclerosis, many questions have probably crossed your mind. Depending on the ages of your children at the time you are diagnosed with MS, you will probably ask the following -
How do I tell my children that I have MS? How much about MS do I tell them? When should I tell them?
You know your children and of course you don’t want to frighten them. Talk it over with your spouse, partner or a family member. Together you can decide the best way to handle talking to your children. The best thing in the long run, is to tell them the truth. They know that something is wrong, especially if you are always tired or canceling outings and special events. They deserve to know if something is wrong and how and if it will effect them. Most likely they will be happy to help you in any way they can – well, most of the time.
Women with MS
As a woman with multiple sclerosis, you no doubt have many questions as well. You may ask yourself:
Can or should I even have children? How many children can I have? Will I be physically able to take care of my child? Should I continue my medications while I’m pregnant? How does pregnancy effect MS? If you already have children, you wonder whether you will be able to care for them as they get older?
Again, having a spouse or partner to work through these questions is very helpful. If you don’t have children yet, your decision to have children will ultimately effect them anyway. You need to take into account your total situation. This includes your current health and abilities. Several women I know have had children after receiving their diagnosis, so it is possible to have and raise children even with a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. It helps if your spouse or partner is in complete agreement and support of your decision.
Recent studies have shown that during pregnancy symptoms are reduced. Many women feel better while they’re pregnant and have fewer exacerbations. After pregnancy the effects are the same as before you became pregnant, meaning your symptoms may return. For the most part, if you have a strong support group of family and friends to help after you have your child, things should work out fine.
Men with MS
As a man with MS your concerns may be similar. Although you won’t physically have children, the thought of raising a family as a man with multiple sclerosis may seem overwhelming to you.
Will I be able to continue working? How can I work and raise a family if I can’t walk? Will my family think less of me if I can’t work? How long will I be able to satisfy my wife? Will I eventually become a burden on my wife and family?
These questions are not at all unrealistic. And as difficult as they may be to answer right now, you will, at some point, need to come to terms with them. One of the best pieces of advice we received about living with MS was to expect the best, but do all you can to prepare for the worst.
Talk over the concerns you have with your spouse or partner. Working through many of these questions can help alleviate much of the uncertainties that go along with them. Continuing to dwell on them on your own will only lead to depression which is all too common in people with MS. You need to take control and plan and prepare for what can happen. And after that, you need to try to accept what actually does happen, which I know is easier said than done.
Children with MS
Believe it or not, there are children with MS. If your young child has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, you, as a parent, face a unique set of problems. Emotionally, this will be a hard thing to deal with, especially in the beginning. In spite of your own feelings of why did this happen to my child, you will also need to help them deal with their feelings. They may seem to take it quite calmly on the outside, but inside they may be frightened and upset. A lot of how they deal with this depends on you and how you handle the situation.
The questions you have may be along these lines.
How much and when should I tell my child about their diagnosis? Should we tell their teachers and friends? Will my child eventually be able to care for themselves?Or will I always be their caregiver? And if your child is an adult and you are their caregiver; what will happen to my child if something happens to me?
This is such a difficult issue to even imagine, let alone having to deal with the problems your child will probably face from day to day. But as a parent, we are uniquely equipped to handle whatever our children bring into our lives. A child with MS is no exception. Love them, support them and let them know you will always be there no matter what happens. Also, make sure they know that they can come to you at any time. Whenever they have questions or feel like they are experiencing a symptom they’ve never had before, encourage them to always let you know.
Family is important. Whether you are a father, mother, sister, brother, or parent of someone who has multiple sclerosis, you can help your family members to understand what it’s like to have MS. Let them know what you need from them. Don’t always assume that they should know. You may not want to ask for help, but you shouldn’t be afraid, or unwilling to ask for help when you need it.
As a Caregiver
As the caregiver or family member of someone with MS, you have many questions about your family member and about yourself. You may ask questions like:
What will happen to my husband, (child, or family member)?What if something happens to me, who will take care of them?How can I take care of myself when I have no time?What resources are available to them; to me?Why do I feel guilty when I want time for myself?
As a caregiver, you may try to anticipate the needs of your spouse, family member, or child. This is a very difficult thing to do, especially in the beginning. It may take a while before you actually “get it right”. One way to do this is to try and put yourself in their shoes. Although you will never know what it really feels like to have multiple sclerosis, you can try to empathize.
They may feel vulnerable, and in many ways they are. If they have to depend on you or someone else to do things for them, they can feel like a burden. Depression may become a problem. You may need to be their eyes, ears, arms, and legs; which may be harder for them than it is for you. Patience is key.
As a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself so that you don’t burn out. You need to be healthy emotionally and physically so that you can deal with all of the issues coming at you. Take advantage of respite care and any other help you can get. Take time for you so you can take care of them. Never feel guilty. One of the best gifts you can give them, is a healthy you.
About the Author
Akrista L’Bert has been married to her husband, who is also her best friend, for 29 years. He has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis since 1992. She is his caregiver. They both have a heart for helping others who live with MS. To read more about the challenges above and how to deal with them, visit their site Life in Spite of MS for a unique perspective on living with multiple sclerosis. For more about Living with MS and Family Issues, click here.
Article by Akrista L’Bert
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic disease that can eventually cause mobility problems in some and severe disability in others. It is very difficult to tell how the disease will take it’s course. And because of this, it’s difficult to plan your life when it can be so unpredictable. We’ve always been told to expect the best but plan for the worst. The financial, social, emotional, physical, employment, and housing issues bring special challenges when living with multiple sclerosis.
Living with Multiple Sclerosis involves a myriad of issues that will affect your family. These include:
financial
social
emotional
physical
employment
housing
How you deal with them is unique to your situation, just as your MS is different from everyone else’s. You need to think about each issue and make decisions along with your loved ones as to what is best for you and your family.
Keywords: multiple sclerosis, ms, financial issues, social issues, emotional, physical issues, family,
Financial Issues
Raising a family as we all know, is hard enough nowadays as a healthy person. When you or a family member has MS, everyday can be a challenge. Family finances can be strained to the limit when health care costs come into the picture. And if you have always been the sole income earner or even the second income:
What do you do if you can no longer work?
Have you looked into working at home as an option?
Have you thought about another retraining for another career that is less stressful or physical?
Again, preparation is the key. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. Make sure your finances are in order. Begin now to make plans for the future. Even if you never become disabled, being prepared is still a good thing. It definitely can’t hurt.
Emotional and Physical Issues
Managing the stress of daily living as well as your symptoms can sometimes be difficult on your own. The emotional and physical issues associated with MS may eventually require the help of professionals. It’s not a sign of weakness to know when you may need a little help. Making the ultimate decision to turn to a professional is best made with the help of your family and your doctor.
To deal with physical issues, your doctor may suggest a physical or occupational therapist, or both depending on your needs. Emotional issues may range from cognitive problems to severe depression. Cognitive impairment may be helped by daily planning, learning memory tricks and organizing. The treatment for severe depression may be medication and or professional help. There is help available, so you don’t need to suffer needlessly.
Employment Issues
If you have gotten to the point where you feel you can no longer work, then what happens next?
Does your job know that you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis?
If so, have they made every reasonable accommodation to help you keep working if you want to? The Americans with Disabilities Act has put several laws in place to deal with these issues. Learn about your rights and what is available to you.
If you have health insurance, is there a disability clause?
Will it be enough to cover your health needs and expenses if and when you decide to stop working?
These types of questions should ideally be asked before you let your employer know and if possible even before you receive your MS diagnosis. That way if you need to make changes to your insurance you can do so before you become disabled and are no longer able to work.
If you have made the decision to stop working, and know that you won’t have insurance, the question of Social Security Disability Insurance is an inevitability. Applying for it and getting approved can be a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. Doing your homework before you leave work, will make working through this task a whole lot easier.
Find out everything, and I mean everything, that will be required and follow it to the letter. Answer every question on the application truthfully and thoroughly. Follow-up with your doctor to make sure they have submitted everything they need to submit. If you are not approved the first time, try again. And above all, don’t give up. You will succeed.
Social Issues
Depression and loneliness can become a big problem if you have limited mobility and no longer feel like going out. Many people with MS, have led active lives and while some can continue to do so, others just can’t. There are several ways to get around this issue.
First of all, are there support groups in your area?Have you joined your local National MS Society? For those of you who have stopped working, what do you do with your time?
They are a great source of information and support for events happening in your area. If you have a computer and internet service, get on-line. There are many support groups and several chat rooms where people with MS get together regularly.
If you are still mobile, (and about 75% of people with MS will never need a wheelchair), consider doing yoga or some other exercise to stay healthy. The MS clinic in our area offers a water exercise class, yoga, and a Tai Chi class as well. All of these are geared toward multiple sclerosis patients and people with limited mobility. So whether you can walk or even if you can’t, there are ways to be involved in these types of classes. You can learn something new and meet new people in the process.
Housing Issues
Accessible housing may be something that you may never need to worry about. But our little mantra comes into play in this area, too. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. It won’t do for you to have a dream house planned for your retirement that has multi-level living. If you become disabled to the point where you can no longer navigate the stairs, what will happen then?
Plan your dream home for this eventuality and include things like wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms with grab bars and kitchens with easy to reach counters and cabinets. Wide open spaces, hardwood floors, tiles, or Berber carpeting, are just a few of the other things you may want to consider when planning your home. Condominiums may also be a good choice so that yard work won’t be an issue.
As you can see, living with MS brings up a myriad of challenges that you as a person with multiple sclerosis will inevitably deal with from day to day. But living with MS is not impossible to do. Watching my husband live with this disease has taught me a lot of things. One thing stands out. It may not always be easy, but people with MS have the strength and determination to live fulfilling lives in spite of having multiple sclerosis.
About the Author
Akrista L’Bert has been married to her husband, who is also her best friend, for 28 years. He has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis since 1992. She is his caregiver. They both have a heart for helping others who live with MS. To read more about the challenges above and how to deal with them, visit their site Life in Spite of MS for a unique perspective on living with multiple sclerosis. To read more about Living with MS, click here.