Most people often think of the physical ones, like pain, fatigue, and mobility issues.
you could learn to weather all of these to the best of your ability.
The key is not tackling everything all at once.
Verywell / Brooke Pelczynski
You are allowed to have these feelings.
The key is to not get stuck in them.
Trying to force yourself to be happy can lead to frustration or evendespair.
Rather than giving into negative thoughts, overcome them by reminding yourself that these bad feelings are temporary.
You may not believe it at first, but keep saying it to yourself.
Spend some time thinking about the best parts of your life.
You may also find it helpful to start a gratitude journal.
Think about them and you’ll realize your life isn’t so bad."
Of course, that’s often not helpful at all.
Do your best to avoid going down the comparison path.
Remember that someone else’s pain doesn’t invalidate your own.
If you believe you need help improving your resiliency, consider seeking the assistance of a psychologist.
Whether you’re struggling with anger or other emotions, it’s imperative that youfind healthy ways to cope.
Some MS medications can have dangerous interactions with alcohol as well.
Pay careful attention to how much alcohol you consume, how often, and how it affects you.
It is important that you keep working with your healthcare provider to findtreatmentsthateffectivelymanage your physical symptoms.
The invisible symptoms of MS are often the hardest to deal with.
For many people, the major ones are pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction.
Pain that’s related to nerve damage is called neuropathy or neuropathic pain.
MS also involves something calledparoxysmal painoften intensely painful sensations that come on suddenly and go away quickly.
Thespasticityand gait problems of MS can lead to joint andmusclepain.
A complex set of pain symptoms requires a complex approach.
Your practitioner can help you find medications that lessen your pain.
You may also benefit from massage, physical therapy, or home treatments like heat or topical pain relievers.
MS: Painless?
Fortunately, that’s no longer the case.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy may help you manage stress, as well.
Additionally, you might try daily naps, meditation, yoga, or other gentle exercise.
Depression, poor sleep, and some medications may only make these issues worse.
These symptoms can be frustrating and even embarrassing.
Social
This aspect of dealing with MS is one that takes many people by surprise.
Relationships can be affected in a host of ways that are important to be aware of.
In some cases, it can be a real benefit to have a conversation early.
Love and support can go a long way.
Experts believe it’s best to be open with your child from the start.
Research suggests that children who have an age-appropriate understanding of MS can deal with it better.
Children can have different reactions to your illness, both at first and even years after your diagnosis.
If they react with anger or frustration, remember that they’re young and grappling with something difficult.
Try not to take it personally, even if the way they express it feels personal.
Talk to your pediatrician as well as your own healthcare team for guidance.
Having a parent with a chronic illness can even have an upside.
It may also help strengthen their ability to cope.
Couples' counseling can help you both articulate your feelings and find ways to restore intimacy.
These can be difficult conversations to have.
Teach them what does and doesn’t cause you pain so they can be more confident and comfortable.
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It can also be very helpful to expand your idea of what sex is.
Just because you dont have the energy for intercourse doesnt mean you might’t have a satisfying intimate experience.
Medications prescribed for MS may cause sexual dysfunction as well.
In most cases, this can be improved by adjusting the timing of the dose.
In other cases, a similar drug may have a lower risk of this side effect.
Pay attention to the signals that you’re overtaxing yourself.
Learn what can trigger relapses and what helps you achieve and sustain being in remission.
Something that’s especially important is learning to say “no.”
This can be difficult and might take some time on your part.
And as you adjust, those around you must too.
Say “no” and be firm about it, with yourself and others.
And put your energy into commitments when you have it to give.
Travel
Travel can be stressful and physically challenging when you have MS. Counseling and alternative therapies such as massage and meditation may also help relieve and manage pain.
It shouldnt impact your ability to conceive, and pregnancy wont worsen your MS.
Discuss a plan with your healthcare provider in case a cesarean delivery is needed.
Health Qual Life Outcomes.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Cognitive health.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Multiple sclerosis and pregnancy.
Health Qual Life Outcomes.
2017 Jan;39(1):14-22. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2016.1138556
