If you’ve recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, then there are probably all sorts of questions and concerns racing through your mind, such as “Will I be able to walk again?” or “Will I have to stop doing all the activities I love?” With the proper treatment, MS is manageable, but perhaps one of the biggest weapons in fighting MS is having the right attitude. If you’re just learning that you have MS, here are four things you need to know right off the bat.
1. Your life is not over.
Rest assured, even with MS you can still do many of the things you love as long as you work closely with your doctor to manage your symptoms and put in some extra effort because what you don’t want is for your symptoms to worsen.
2. It varies for everyone.
One of the biggest myths surrounding MS is that all patients become wheelchair bound, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Yes, some MS patients are wheelchair bound, but that doesn’t mean it will happen to you. Everyone is different and therefore, MS symptoms and complications will vary from person to person.
3. Having a support system is everything.
Depression is quite common among MS patients and understandably so. In fact, half of all people with MS have experienced depression that was severe enough to require medical intervention, according to Cleveland Clinic. MS is a difficult disease to cope with to say the least and having a tight-knit group of people you can turn to when things get tough can do wonders for your mind, body and soul.
4. Be patient with yourself.
Aside from learning how to manage your symptoms, coming to terms with the fact that you have MS, which is a potentially debilitating disease, is a process itself. Definitely give yourself some time to adjust to all the changes your body will require of you.