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The uncontrollable, unpredictable and chronic nature of Multiple Sclerosis can be a difficult fit in your hectic life. We like to be in control, to know what’s coming next and to react quickly. The fluctuation in symptoms may sometimes make it hard for someone affected by MS to plan long term.
Fortunately, human beings are remarkably resilient and quite able to adapt and adjust to life events. Many people who cope well with MS are those who are able to look for and to find support; they feel connected to others. A good sense of humour (even though there is nothing funny about having MS) and the willingness to talk openly about the disease with friends and family seem to help, too.
One way to maximize wellness is to be screened regularly to identify underlying conditions that may alter the symptoms of MS and the level of disability. Basic health-related behaviours recommended for a person with MS are:
- Do not smoke.
- Follow a well-balanced diet (like the one suggested by the Canadian Food Guide).
- Use alcohol with moderation.
- Get enough sleep at night.
- Institute a regular exercise program.
- Try to maintain an optimal body weight.
- Maintain work, hobbies and outside interests as much as possible.
- Keep a good mental attitude and reach for help if needed.
- Use rest periods or naps to restore your energy.
- Get regular medical and dental checkups.
Having MS means having to deal with physical and psychological challenges. The following challenges can be coped with if you have knowledge and resources in place to help you.
Dealing with MS at workThe main issue related to work is certainly disclosure. Legally speaking, a person suffering from MS or any other disability typically has no obligation to inform employers of his or her condition. It’s up to you whether you believe it is appropriate or necessary. Think over the matter carefully. You may want to talk with a lawyer. If you choose to disclose your diagnosis to an employer, be self-assured and non-defensive.
Dealing with fear, anger and depressionFear, anger and depression might be the result of the pathology of the disease and its effects on the brain. But, most of the time they are natural emotions which arise from the unfairness of losing what we may have previously envisioned as a “normal life”. While such feelings may be inevitable, their persistence can be detrimental.
Be as honest with yourself as you can. This means not denying reality or creating false expectations. Think about the positive elements of your situation and develop a positive attitude which emphasizes things that can be done instead of the things that cannot be undone. Be helpful with others, do volunteer work, help a friend or relative in time of need – all of these things can have a therapeutic effect.
Hope and acceptance come when you realize that MS is now another part of yourself and not the central core and that life is about today and less about yesterday or tomorrow.
Pregnancy and parentingWith new knowledge in this area, we now know that the question is no longer “Can I have a baby?” but “Should I have a baby?”.
Again, the choice is yours. Even if it is now believed that pregnancy doesn’t worsen the prognosis in terms of disability, we all know the significant amount of patience, time and energy that having a child requires. Your actual condition and the way that your MS has developed over recent months or years might give you some indication as to how you would be able to manage with a child. It should be a joint decision; you and your partner should discuss how much you’re ready to give up, and what kind of pressures you are willing to assume. It may be a good idea to talk to other MS parents to learn how they’ve handled the situation and to receive guidance on specific issues.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)From a medical perspective, therapies are considered as being effective only if they’ve shown, statistically significant results after randomized, double-blind and placebo controlled trials. Therapies that have never been tested in controlled clinical trials are not recommended by many health care professionals because of the lack of proof of efficacy. However, patients with chronic diseases such as MS may have a different opinion on the matter, and are often interested in the potential benefits of CAM therapies. Because of this duality, some people may undertake a therapy without having adequate information. Even though herbs can be easily purchased, they should be used with caution and should be discussed with your physician.
Did you know that:
- Herbs may contain many different chemicals that may be toxic or interact with other drugs.
- If herbs are used, they should generally be used only for a short time.
- Herbs should be avoided by pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with multiple medical problems and people who take multiple medications.
A concluding noteBecause knowledge is power, you will need accurate and relevant information to help you take care of yourself, make sense of your situation, solve problems and make informed decisions. To maintain some control over life is vital for people with long-term illnesses such as MS.
Some of the best sources of information are The Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Society, your MS Clinic and Shared Solutions®.
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