Living with MS – it is not the end of the world

blankThe list of curious and nasty diseases that seems to strike people out of the blue is seemingly endless. One of the diseases that we seem to be hearing about with an increased regularity these days is Multiple Sclerosis. What it is exactly is hard to define as its symptoms vary from one person to the next, but broadly speaking it is a condition of the nervous system that affects the spinal cord, the optic nerves, and the brain. It leads to issues with balance and muscle control, it can lead to fatigue and blindness. Of the more than two million people who suffer from it, just under twenty thousand die each year. But it isn’t a death sentence and living with it and coping with it is possible. Here are a few simple tips and ideas to help you cope with the condition.

Ask your doctor

MS is not an outrageously rare disease that only affects one in every billion people. It is a relatively common condition and one about which people are becoming increasingly aware on a daily basis. Early signs of multiple sclerosis include clumsiness and balance issues and these symptoms are often mistaken for other things – like just being clumsy! But if you have not always been clumsy and you are suddenly struggling with simple activities then consult a doctor. There is no harm in asking and, as with all diseases and conditions the sooner the problem is diagnosed the easier it is to treat and the better the prognosis for recovery or remission.

Take strength from others

There are plenty of people, many of them famous, who have openly spoken about their battles with Multiple Sclerosis. Cruel Intentions actress and model Selma Blair is one of the latest to chronicle her struggles with the condition on her social media accounts. She has made her battle very public which has been a boon for fellow sufferers. It is always great to know that what you are experiencing is shared by others and that they know what you are going through and can empathise with you.

Eat well

For many people diagnosed with MS, it comes as a wake-up call to clean up their act. That is not to say for a minute that they got MS from eating badly or living too hard. But getting a diagnosis of MS does cause people to reassess the way they do things and one of the recommended places to change is with regard to diet. It is recommended that sufferers cut down on processed foods and that they eat plenty of fibre and low-fat items.

Keep it as normal as possible

People who are diagnosed with MS are encouraged to try and keep on living as normally as possible. You can still work and exercise and live your life. You can still be a parent to your children and a contributor to society. Yes, you might have to make some adjustments, but it is not the end of the world. Don’t let your multiple sclerosis control you and dictate terms, fight back and do whatever you can to ensure that its impact is as limited as possible.