Day 1: Just Been Diagnosed with MS

You might not have known much about multiple sclerosis (MS) before your diagnosis but the good news is that it’s not hard to learn about the disease. Multiple sclerosis is a lifelong inflammatory illness that affects the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms can vary for each person but include numbness, balance issues, and fatigue. Once you’ve been diagnosed, though, you’ll be working with your doctor to determine the type of MS you have and how to treat it effectively. As you undergo treatment to live well with the disease, these are some of the changes you should expect.

1. It Can Take Time To Determine Your Type Of MS

Diagnosing multiple sclerosis can call for a battery of tests. Typically, you’ll go through an MRI, blood tests, a neurological examination, and a lumbar puncture. That’s just the beginning, though.

Your doctor will need to do more MRI scans and assess your symptoms to determine which of the three types of MS you’re dealing with. The options are relapsing-remitting MS, primary progressive MS, or secondary progressive MS.

2. You Might Need A Team Of Doctors

While multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition, that doesn’t mean you’ll only deal with a neurologist. It’s likely that you’ll need a physical therapist to help with your balance issues, a nutritionist, and a therapist.

You may also need other specialists such as speech pathologists, nurses, and a urologist.

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3. Your Symptoms Aren’t Set In Stone

Unlike other illnesses, MS symptoms will change over time because it’s generally a progressive disease. Additionally, people who are initially diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS can progress into the progressive form. It’s best to ask your doctor what to expect with your disease and how you’ll know if things are changing.

4. You’ll Need To Know The Signs Of A Relapse

Not all types of MS have relapses but if that’s the type you have then it helps to know what you should look out for. Some of the symptoms you may experience during a relapse are blurred vision, pain, trouble walking, and impaired balance. Mild symptoms can be handled with at-home remedies but make sure to ask your doctor what you should do in case of severe relapse.

5. You’ll Need To Track Your Symptoms

Since your symptoms can progress or change over time, it’s a great idea to keep track of what you’re experiencing. That makes it easier for

you and your doctor to see changes as they emerge. Your notes may lead to an early diagnosis of a new stage of your disease, which would affect your treatment program.

6. Your Exercise Options Will Be Different

Issues with movement, balance, and coordination are characteristic of multiple sclerosis.

However, doctors usually recommend that you keep physically active to work on improving your balance and muscle strength. Your doctor will be able to guide you on the best exercise options but working with a trainer who knows about MS will also help.

7. You Might Need More Rest

Chronic fatigue is a typical symptom of multiple sclerosis but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to sleep well. Doctors recommend practicing relaxing exercises and learning to manage your stress so it’s easier to sleep.

If you’re having trouble with this, talk to your doctor about the best way to address the issue.

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8. Adjusting Your Eating Habits Might Help

There’s no specific diet for multiple sclerosis but since inflammation is at the source of the illness’ symptoms, an anti-inflammatory diet may help. That means avoiding alcohol, high-fat foods, and highly processed foods. Studies show that eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is a much better bet at remaining healthy.

9. A Little Extra Support Can Go A Long Way

Regardless of the type of multiple sclerosis you have, there will be times when you’ll need help from others. This help can be in the form of a mental health counselor or friends who take on some of your regular responsibilities. As your illness progresses you may need to outsource some of the things you usually do like grocery shopping or walking your dog. Mobility aids will also come in handy if you’re having trouble moving around.

Recent studies show that MS might not be as rare in the Black community as previously thought. That means more Black people are getting correctly diagnosed with the disease. While the symptoms can be slightly different for you than other ethnicities, the general recommendations for living well with MS will remain the same.