Multiple Sclerosis For Dummies
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Some days you may feel pretty lousy when you have multiple sclerosis (MS). Other days you may feel okay or just so-so. If you’re oh-so-tired of feeling way below par, not to worry. You can improve the way you feel. These helpful tips can start you on your way to feeling healthy and well in spite of MS.

  • Talk with your neurologist — as early in the disease process as you can — about treatment with one of the approved disease-modifying therapies to slow disease activity and progression and reduce further nerve damage as much as possible.

  • Work with your MS team to manage your symptoms, avoid complications, and maintain your quality of life.

  • If you’re feeling sad or down more often than not, contact your medical doctor or neurologist to make sure your mood gets the attention it deserves.

  • Make time for rest, exercise, and healthy, balanced meals.

  • See your general medical doctor routinely for physical exams and screening tests.

  • Use the following effective cooling strategies:

    • Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and saunas.

    • Limit your time in the hot sun.

    • Exercise in a cool environment.

    • Drink iced fluids

    • Check out cooling vests and scarves.

  • Call a friend — there’s no need to go it alone.

  • Don’t wait for a crisis — tap the resources that are out there to help you.

  • Stay focused on your goals — you don’t need to make a career out of MS.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Rosalind Kalb, Ph.D., Barbara Giesser, MD, and Kathleen Costello, ANP-BC, have over 80 years' combined professional experience in working with people living with multiple sclerosis. For each of them, MS was, is, and will be their chosen career.

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