Getting a multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be dreadful and devastating. You may feel very much alone after an MS diagnosis. However, here are a few tips for you if you have been newly diagnosed with MS to help manage it better:
Gather Information about MS
There are many misconceptions about MS. Failure to get the correct information about the disease can make it scarier to handle. Take necessary efforts to everything about it.
Nevertheless, reach out to the right health organizations to learn more about the disease. You can get information on concerns like does MS qualifies for disability benefits and whether you need a Medicaid attorney. Your doctor will also help you understand more about MS.
Ensure your MS Diagnosis is Definitive
Be sure that your MS diagnosis is definitive by ensuring that the physician takes the correct criteria. Getting MS diagnosis results may take time. The physician must first rule out other causes of neurological symptoms.
Understand the Unpredictability of MS
Try to understand that, throughout the disease, some MS symptoms will come and go, while others may stay for a long time. Your symptoms may change from time to time. Also, they will be different from another person’s.
Start MS Treatment As Soon As Possible
It is good to start treatment early enough. Permanent neurological damage can happen even in the early stages of MS. Getting all the disease-modifying therapies may slow down the chances of the disease being progressive, reduce the number of relapses, and restrict new disease activity.
The medications could be oral, injectable, and infused. Additionally, you will get treated for all the MS symptoms using other remedies.
Keep Track of your MS Symptoms
Keeping a record of your symptoms has some benefits. You will be able to update your doctor. Tracking your symptoms will help you claim disability benefits, if necessary. Also, you can stay on top of your symptoms.
Avoid all MS Symptoms Triggers
Some MS symptoms triggers can temporarily worsen the symptoms. Triggers like stress, lack of sleep, viruses, hot baths, or any sources of overheating can aggravate the symptoms. Also, avoid excessive consumption of alcohol to avoid compounding the existing symptoms.
Look for the Right Doctor for You
Find an MS specialist with whom you can work since MS is a lifelong disease. Reach out to the right MS care programs to help you find a neurologist in your area with the right expertise in treating MS. Also, attending support groups for people with MS will help you find good doctor referrals.
Consider Comprehensive and Alternative Treatments
You may want to consider complementary and alternative treatments even while taking medication to control your MS symptoms. CAM treatments include vitamin D, exercise, cooling strategies, and acupuncture. They will help relieve some of the MS symptoms like pain.
Choose the Right Person to Tell
Learn about your rights as a disability case before deciding on who to tell anyone about your diagnosis. You don’t have to tell everyone in your life. Pick people who will offer the most support and help as you learn to live with the disease.
Stay Hopeful
Do not give up hope. Talk to your doctor for a referral to a mental health professional if you experience depression symptoms. The professional should understand the challenges you face as an MS patient and one who can help.
Conclusion
A new MS diagnosis can take a toll on you physically and mentally. However, taking the steps outlined above after being diagnosed will help you cope with living with the disease.
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