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.