Managing
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a continuous process, so it is important for you to learn about your disease as soon as possible. Knowing some basic facts would help you to manage it more efficiently along with your doctors and health professionals. This is essential for maintaining your health and quality of life.rn1) How MS is treated :rnIt is important to manage MS effectively. This involves strategies to treat acute relapses, slow disease activity, manage individual symptoms, and provide for ongoing emotional support. Working on these strategies will make up comprehensive MS care.rna) Finding the right care : Comprehensive MS care involves ongoing collaboration between you and the health professionals who can guide you in addressing your needs. Physicians, nurses, specialists and health professionals are some of the experts that you may work with,rnb) Making the most of your doctor visits: There is hardly enough time to discuss all the problems during a single visit to the doctor.rnKeeping yourself healthy :rnMaintaining and protecting health keeps you in the best shape possible for dealing with symptoms and problems MS may cause.rnTeam of MS professionals :rnPeople with MS have different needs and concerns including:rna) Management of neurological symptoms of the disease such as weakness, tremor, loss of vision, cognitive changes etc.rnb) Support for emotional and psychological issuesrnc) Rehabilitation interventions to enhance mobility, independence and quality of life.rnd) Employment issues such as job accommodation and disability insurancerne) Education about the disease for people with MS and their familiesrnf) Reproductive issue and parentingrng) Life planning and long term care optionsrnThe health care professionals who are likely to be involved in MS patient’s care over the course of the disease are:rnNeurologist: A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the nervous system.rnPhysiotherapist– A physician who specializes in the rehabilitation of physical impairments.rnPhysical therapist— A physician who can help in improving your body movement functions, stretching, limb sensitivity, body balance, etc.rnNutritionist/Dietician– A person with expertise in food and nutrition who provides education and consultation about diet management.rnUrologist : A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary problems.rnIt is important to understand that not all the medical problems are necessarily related to MS. Like the general population, they may also discuss some of their medical problems with their family physician. In addition, more general preventive health measures are just as important for people with MS as they are for everyone else.