It's worth taking time to think about your specific needs and what you might need to achieve the best quality of life.įor example, if your balance and co-ordination are affected, you may want to think about equipment and home adaptations. Some people find it helpful to talk to other people who have MS, either at a local support group or in an internet chatroom. You may find it helpful to talk to a trained counsellor or psychologist, or to someone at a specialist helpline. If you have any questions, your MS nurse or GP may be able to reassure you or let you know about other support that's available. Inevitably, their spouse, partner or carer will feel anxious or frustrated as well.īe honest about how you feel, and let your family and friends know what they can do to help. It can be difficult to talk to people about your condition, even if they're close to you.ĭealing with the deterioration of symptoms, such as tremors and increasing difficulty with movement, can make people with MS very frustrated and depressed. Further informationĬoming to terms with a long-term condition like MS can put a strain on you, your family and your friends. These treatments can weaken your immune system, which means live vaccines may not work or could make you ill. If you have significant disability related to MS, you'll usually be encouraged to get a flu jab each autumn.īut vaccines that contain live organisms, such as the BCG (TB) vaccine and one form of the shingles vaccine, may not be suitable if you're having treatment with some (but not all) of the disease-modifying therapies. If you smoke, stopping may help to slow the progression of your MS.įind out more about stopping smoking Keeping well Smoking is associated with an increased risk of a wide range of health conditions, and may also increase the speed at which MS gets worse. Research has shown specific benefits of exercise for people with MS, including reduced fatigue and improved strength, mobility, and bowel and bladder function. Regular activity and exercise is important for both general health and fitness. It can also reduce your risk of other health problems, such as heart disease. There's no special diet that's been proven to slow the progression of MS, but a generally healthy, balanced diet can help you manage specific problems such as fatigue and constipation. The more the team knows, the more they can help you. Make sure you let your care team know about any symptoms or concerns you have. This is a good opportunity to discuss your current treatment, mention any new problems you're having, think about any further support you may need, and be kept informed about any new treatments that are available. Regular reviewsĪlthough you'll probably be in regular contact with your care team, you should also have a comprehensive review of your care at least once a year. They can live longer, have a better quality of life, and be more active and independent. People living with long-term conditions can benefit enormously from being supported to care for themselves. Self care includes the things you do each day to stay fit, maintain good physical and mental health, prevent illness or accidents, and effectively deal with minor ailments and long-term conditions. Self care is an integral part of daily life. It means you take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing, with support from people involved in your care. You may have to adapt your daily life if you're diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), but with the right care and support many people can lead long, active and healthy lives.
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