Turn the Shocking News of MS Into Hopeful News

Nobody likes to see a loved one stressed, fatigued, in pain or having mood swings on any ordinary day, but when a loved is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the very real physical deterioration, on top of very possible and extreme emotional issues will be a part of everyday and must be coped with by the people surrounding them.

In order for one to have patience and sensitivity to someone living with disease, it is important to be conscious of the emotional stages. A basic psychology class teaches that there are 7 stages of grief that a person goes through, first recognized in a publication by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. The evolution of emotions follow: shock or disbelief, denial, anger, bargaining, guilt, depression, acceptance and hope.

Hope is the destination for all involved in the lives of someone with MS, and there truly is hope. The best way to minimize anxiety is through education. One should learn as much as they can about MS and be able to discuss it openly and intelligently. That builds a trusting relationship. When possible attempt to go along to doctor and therapy visits, not just to be a pal, but to also ask questions and be an advocate for the best possible care.

There are many new breakthroughs in the treatments of MS. Of course, they are not on the front page of the newspaper, but MS is not a forgotten disease. In your home, keep researching and keep strong. The loved ones need your best, whether they are in anger or in depression. Show care and concern, not fears whenever you can. Equally important, never forget you are not alone there are family support groups and counseling to help.

By moving away from shock and denial and initiating real coping tactics, MS doesn't have to end relationships, but can strengthen the life.

Family support to a victim of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. Approximately 400,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with MS. A person may have severe mood swings, feelings of numbness, exaggerated emotions, fatigue, vision loss, loss of bladder control or loss of mobility.

After the diagnosis it is not uncommon for a person to feel anger, fear, depression, guilt and denial. These feelings can be managed with help from physicians, support groups, and learning about the disease. Emotional stress not only affects the person who is ill but also those close to that person. The spouse often becomes a care partner and many times there are role reversals. Children can help although it is important not to expect a child to be the primary caregiver. Young children and teens need to continue to develop their own lives. MS can be very expensive for both treatment and care. Investigate health insurance and available financial assistance. Employment and family revenue may be affected. Your financial adviser or attorney will be able to assist in developing a financial plan and understanding your health plans. MS can be unpredictable and planning will help to lessen the stress caused by the unexpected. Make changes in your home to accommodate physical handicaps. Alternate plans need to be made for travel. Ask and receive help from friends and relatives.

In many cases a family grows closer together by understanding and showing compassion to each other.
Using support groups, willing to be flexible, and open communication are keys to coping with MS.

Helping Patients and Family Members Cope With Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an awful, debilitating disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. The body's immune system that is supposed to attack abnormal cells begins to attack normal healthy nerve cells. This leads to problems with gait (steadiness), muscle strength, vision, and loss of sensation in the limbs. This abnormal attack is referred to as an autoimmune disease and unfortunately, there is no cure. There are some medications available to help slow the progression of the disease, but with that one positive aspect, the patient needs to keep in mind there are many side effects with some of the medications.

When someone is diagnosed with MS, it is very frightening. To diagnose someone with MS is hard, seeing as there are no specific tests that can be done. It usually is diagnosed by physical exam and MRI scan. It is extremely important that the patient and family and/or significant others get educated on the disease process and possible treatments.

The important thing that the newly diagnosed person should try to focus on is a positive outlook. If help is needed, there are several support groups to assist with the understanding of the disease process. Make every effort to take care of yourself by eating right and exercising. Encourage family and significant others to join support groups as well.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers many resources for both the patient and caregivers. They have a full listing of all the support groups in your area readily available.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Early warning signs of multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, include fatigue, sensitivity to heat, tingling, numbness, loss of balance, weakness in one or more limbs, blurred or double vision. This disease usually has it’s onset between ages 20 and 40. It has been found to be more prevalent in women than men. It is a disease that is believed to have genetic and environmental triggers. The statistics show that the disease’s occurrence becomes more prevalent the further away from the equator one lives. It also may be related to hormonal triggers in the body, pregnant women with MS experience a lessoning of symptoms.

Less common symptoms of multiple sclerosis are slurred speech, or sudden onset of paralysis, lack of coordination, cognitive difficulties, muscle spasms, as well as, changing in thinking or perception and sexual disturbances. There is evidence that people with food allergies are more susceptible to MS due to inflammation, and that women who use birth control pills may also be affected by MS because the pill stops the production of needed progesterone. The immune system in the body attacks myelin, which is the fatty material that serves as a protective coating on the bodies nerves.

Some medicines have been found to provide relief for muscle spasm symptoms. There is no known cure for MS. The latest trend toward cleansing may be a source for relief as there is some evidence that a toxic environment may lead to the immune systems attack on the nervous system in the body. Those who are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at this time can only expect minor relief from their symptoms. As in heart disease and other major illnesses, inflammation is once again a major factor. Food allergies can play a major role in setting up the inflammation in the body.

The More You Know

A story broadcast on “Today”, January 9, 2008, highlighted Richard M. Cohen, an author and suffer of MS, for 20 years. He brings stories of the struggles of many MS suffers, and the different diagnosis’ that are under the name of Multiple Sclerosis and how they cope daily.

The Mayo Clinic states the most important things for coping are, keeping your lifestyle as close to normal as possible, connecting openly with family and friends, continuing hobbies that you enjoy and have the ability to still perform.

Most all of the adverse effects on a family and MS suffer are due to fear of the unknown. Be sure to include any family in doctors’ visits, and learning everything they can about your particular type of MS.

Being open and honest in every way with your entire family, including children is important. Not having conversations can lead to confusion and anxious feelings, including but not limited to guilt, anger, embarrassment, resentment. Things to watch out for especially in your child and family’s behavior are depression, poor behavior all around, taking on an older family roll yet being a child, just to mention a few. This further digresses to lying about your condition to others, denial, high-anxiety, and nightmares. Reducing stress to the person affected by MS is a high priority, and with this open discussion within the family unit, adverse effects, are less likely.

A great start to information comes from your doctor, local Multiple sclerosis support groups, and online at the National MS Society website.

March 10-17, 2008 is MS Awareness Week; see how you can get involved to support your local support group or help a friend or neighbor be more aware of the multiple sclerosis treatments available.

Tips for Managing Symptoms

Every individual is solely responsible for their own health and well-being, this includes those with incurable diseases such as MS. While the symptoms, flare-ups and side effects of MS may be more than an inconvenience, there are some simple ways to help you manage your symptoms in your day-to-day life.

Vision Difficulties:

While there are medications that can help with these difficulties, there are also ways to help that have no side effects.

*Wear a patch over one eye or if you wear glasses, try covering one lens with opaque tape.

*Purchase a magnifying light for your desk or workspace. Be sure to use it during computer use especially.

*Check into the different "low-vision" enhancement products for computer monitors and television screens.

*Label your refrigerator shelves, pantry shelves and organized toiletries with large words for easier finding.

Muscle Weakness:

This is often one of the most frustrating and inconvenient of the symptoms. It can prevent you from walking and even from doing simple daily tasks like getting a drink. You should seek out a physical therapist if you don't have one already, they can give you strengthening exercises that will help. Also, don't feel that assistant equipment such as canes, scooters and wheelchairs are beneath you. This equipment can mean the difference to having a higher quality of life.

Numbness:

While numbness itself is not debilitating it can be bothersome and sometimes even painful if it lasts for a prolonged period of time. You should be extremely cautious around sources of heat such as fire and stoves. When experiencing numbness you may want to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist as well. The stimulation of the massage has proven effective in relieving symptoms for a short period of time.

Helping People and Families Cope with Multiple Sclerosis

What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. It is usually known to attack young adults and has a greater percentage of effecting women. The symptoms normally appear before the age of 40 striking approximately 300,000 Americans. Once a symptom is diagnosed it is very unpredictable as to the severity of the course it will take. While some can suffer a permanent disability, others can live their lives with only mild symptoms.

One of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis is chronic fatigue. Research has proven that multiple sclerosis can be hereditary and has a history of running in families, although it is not uncommon for it to affect an individual with no family history of multiple sclerosis. Other commonly known symptoms are numbness and tingling in the arms or legs. Many individuals can also experience muscle spasms, color blindness, loss of vision, equilibrium problems, irregular urination, sexual dysfunction, sensitivity to heat, and memory loss.

There are many ways to cope with multiple sclerosis. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis there are many options available to assist in dealing with the disease. Exercise may be one of the best remedies, despite previous beliefs. Although aerobic exercise is known to be very therapeutic, one might also consider yoga, light weight lifting, and swimming as well as attending physical therapy. Non-drug related forms of treatment are all very crucial components in dealing with multiple sclerosis.

Other ways to help assist when dealing with the disease is to make sure the individual gets plenty of rest. If they are a smoker it is highly recommended to make every effort to quit. A balanced diet is very important as well. Unfortunately there is no way to conquer MS. But an individual can reduce the way it affects their life by finding ways to control specific symptoms. It is important to keep a positive attitude and do not look at the disease as a “battle”. Instead, they should try and keep a positive attitude by surrounding themselves with a strong network of friends and family.