Being newly diagnosed with MS or Multiple Sclerosis can lead to many questions and fears, especially if you don’t have any experience with the condition. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the nerve fiber covering, or myelin, damaging the central nervous system and affecting mobility. Each case is different, and each person will respond differently, so it’s important to work with a neurologist who understands you.
10 tips for those new to MS to help ease the stress and confusion:
- Learn as much as possible
- Be sure your MS diagnosis is definitive
- Understand that MS symptoms are unpredictable
- Don’t delay MS treatment
- Track your MS symptoms
- Avoid MS episode triggers such as stress, fever, excess heat, smoking, hot baths and excess alcohol
- Find the right doctor for you by checking with your local chapter of the MS Society for for neurologists who specialize in MS
- Consider complementary and alternative medicine in collaboration with your neurologist
- Think first about who you tell about your MS and know your rights
- Don’t give up hope!