Given all the treatment strategies you’re likely to need over the course of your multiple sclerosis (MS), you’re probably wondering how to figure out what to do and when you should do it. Of course, your neurologist will likely be guiding you — but a treatment template would be useful to help you:
Think about the types of treatment you need
Identify the professionals who are most qualified to provide your treatment
Facilitate conversations with your doctor and other healthcare providers
The following steps can help you use the template most effectively:
Identify the problem(s) you’re trying to solve.
For example, deciding to start a disease-modifying therapy, learning to self-inject, identifying helpful job accommodations, choosing a mobility aid to help with balance problems, figuring out how to manage your fatigue, or considering how to talk to your kids about MS.
Determine which kinds of interventions you think you need.
For example, disease management, relapse management, symptom management, rehabilitation, or psychosocial support.
Identify the appropriate health professional.
For example, a neurologist, an MS nurse, a rehabilitation specialist, a mental health professional, a family doctor, or another specialist.
The figure provides a sample template, shows how a completed template might look. The treatment template can provide a kind of roadmap as you look for solutions to the challenges you encounter.
The National MS Society (800-FIGHT-MS) can refer you to local MS specialists. Your access to the treatment interventions depends on the availability of MS specialists in your area and the kind of health insurance coverage you have. Checking over your insurance policy carefully to see exactly what kinds of treatments and services are and aren’t covered is a good idea.