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.