'You Have Multiple Sclerosis' Those are Fighting Words

“You have multiple sclerosis.”

Hearing those words may be the shock of a lifetime, or the confirmation of something you’ve long suspected. Either way, nobody wants to hear it. In my case, the official diagnosis came by email — but that’s another story.

Diagnosing MS is not a simple task — there is no specific test, but rather a series of diagnostic procedures, clinical history, and the painstaking elimination of other diseases. The actual diagnosis is often a major relief. But now that you know, what are you going to do about it?

Start with your doctor as your first source of information. Make sure that you understand exactly what MS is — and what it isn’t. Because MS varies so greatly from person to person, it is unlikely that your doctor will offer a firm prognosis.

There are several expensive, disease-modifying, injectable drugs available to treat relapsing/remitting MS. These drugs rely strongly on patient adherence. Take the time to understand them so that you can intelligently decide whether or not they are right for you.

Become an advocate — for yourself. Learn all you can about MS. There is no shortage of educational material on the subject. National MS advocacy groups, books, and reputable websites provide a wealth of information. On the flip side, there is an abundance of myth and misinformation about MS, so always check your sources. If you’re going to fight this thing, you must arm yourself with knowledge.

Make it a point to meet or communicate with other people who have MS. You’ll both benefit from mutual support and you’ll be amazed at how often you’ll say, “You too? I thought it was just me!”

Live a healthy lifestyle. If you aren’t paying attention to what you consume, there’s no time like the present to make a change. Learn how and where to get the essential nutrients your body needs. Eliminate empty calories and highly processed foods. Smoking and excessive use of alcohol should be avoided. By tending to your overall health and well-being, you can avoid additional medical risks.

Exercising with MS can be quite a challenge, but it’s not impossible. There are many exercise programs designed specifically for people with MS. Swimming and yoga are often recommended to MS patients.

Keep your loved ones in the loop. It’s tempting to want to be a hero and take on MS by yourself, but not very realistic. Your health will have a dramatic impact on your loved ones — emotionally, physically, and financially. Open, honest communication will prevent misunderstanding and hurt feelings.

“You have multiple sclerosis.” Those words might make you want to crawl into bed and hide under the blankets. I’ve considered it myself, but that’s no way to live. Much better to come out fighting.

“You have multiple sclerosis.” Those are fighting words!

How do you fight MS? Share your insights in the comment section below.

Writer Ann Pietrangelo embraces the concept of personal responsibility for health and wellness. As a multiple sclerosis patient, she combines a healthy lifestyle and education with modern medicine, and seeks to provide information and support to others. She is a regular contributor to Care2.com’s Reform Health Policy blog in Causes.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jon H.

6:08AM PDT on Mar 29, 2011

My heart goes out to those who suffer with MS.

send a green star

Christin B.

3:06PM PST on Mar 10, 2010

@ Carolyn N. - not sure if you've been able to answer you're question, but I hear that CCSVI is more of a treatment, but I hear that it is very successful. It is something that has positive affects on primary & secondary MS where there are no other treatments available. It is HOPE and with further research may be the key to a cure.

Fight for CCSVI - we have to try! The neurologists are throwing childish temper tantrums to prevent MSers from trying it.

johan l.

9:47PM PST on Mar 2, 2010

I must admit to my utter shame that I had no idea what ms really consists of.
I read through the articles posted by Ann Pietrangelo and now have a good idea what an awful sickness this really is.
My heartfelt sympathy with anyone having this illness and will pray for you all.

Carolyn N.

3:21AM PST on Jan 22, 2010

CCSVI is it a cure for ms? I have read a lot on this new procedure and dearly hope that there will be research carried out on this non-drug based treatment to give us choice.

7:14AM PST on Jan 19, 2010

Jesus himself took my deseases and infirmities. I will live: I will not die and I will tell the works of the Heavenly Father. God wants me to be in good health. The healing is God's will for it is part of his redemption plan. Health and healing are mine. Desease does not come from God. Desease and infirmity belong to the devil. So I don't accept nor desease or infirmity in my body. (from the book "Health Food" by Kenneth E. Hagin). Oh God if it's your will, please also lead this child to the Healing Room Ministry as you did for me. This is such a comfort on my healing path from MS desease as we all TRUST in YOUR LOVING POWER ! We have the power - FAITH sets off the POWER ! Thank you Heavenly Father the almighty - Glory to the Lord - in Jesus name I pray - Thank you Father - Thank you Jesus - Thank you Holy Spirit - AMEN and AMEN and AMEN

Madeline K.

3:24PM PDT on Sep 27, 2009

My daughter's neurologist wanted to put her on steroids. We'd researhed LDN and asked if he would use it instead. He asked that her MD prescribe it since he had more of her history. The MD had to research it and was willing to try it. It has to be filled at a compounding pharmacy. Even the pharmacist asked why she was taking LDN! If you have MS, please do Google LDN or LDNers. Another good site is Crystal's MS, TM & LDN.

Gillian M.

2:21AM PDT on Sep 23, 2009

I have had MS since I was 44 yrs old & am now 70 and in a wheelchair. I love to garden and have a grabber that I use to pick up leaves and fallen branches from our trees. Until recently I would visit my son in Australia but their house has steps EVERYWHERE so can't do that now. They visit here!

Alex R.

6:28AM PDT on Sep 17, 2009

Vitamin D via natural sunlight ~ mercola.com

Past Member .

3:22PM PDT on Sep 15, 2009

Thank you very much Lynette Mcgee and Madeline Keever for the heads up about LDN. I've never heard a thing about it before.I have PPMS, and you can be sure that I'll be calling my doc about it just as soon as I can! As there's nothing that they can give one for PPMS, I'm looking forward to being able to try this one out. Thanks again ...
Going back to Ms. Pietrangelo's article, I can say that I was one of those people who were actually happy when they finally diagnosed me with MS. Not that I wanted it mind you, as it has pretty much ruined my life ... that's another long story though ... I was very happy to finally have a 'label' to put on what was wrong with me, and indeed it took years for them to finally diagnose. One thing that I would highly recommend to anyone who feels that they may have it, but their doctor keep says that they don't ... Go to another doctor! I've seen a bunch of them over the years, and believe me, not all neurologists are created equal! There are some who actually know things about MS, so look for one who's specialty is MS and you should have an easier time of things. That period of not knowing, or even worse having doctors look at you like you're just a neurotic housewife, can make a person crazy. The first doctor I saw told me, "Well, it's not like you have MS or anything!" How I wish he'd been right, as now I can't even walk anymore.

Lynette M.

11:30AM PDT on Sep 15, 2009

LDN...Google it. or LDNers
Unlike the expensive drugs this one is a generic already, having been developed for something else, so it is affordable.
It works and really is a break through for those of us who have heard those words: "you have multiple sclerosis."