Living With MS

Receiving the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis does not mean that the everyday activities that make up your life will all of a sudden change. Spouses and kids will still be a part of what matters to you. Participating in everyday activities with your family will still be a natural part of what you do. The unpredictability that seems to be so much a part of the disease and the fact that you will go from being in remission to having a recurrence of symptoms will make it seem that life is more of an effort but there are ways to cope. You can find good coping mechanisms by connecting with your support group, seeking medical advice, and taking good care of yourself.

Sometimes being diagnosed with a chronic disease that is progressive means getting really good at planning, delegating and asking for help.

Housework

Housework can be one of those activities in which the individual with MS needs to be able to determine what are the priorities for the day and get those things done early in the day when energy levels are at their highest. Don't be afraid to ask family members to pitch in and help with chores. Finding new ways of accomplishing tasks such as using the Internet to do your banking and shopping can save your energy reserves and also save time and gasoline.

Driving

The ability to drive will depend on the severity of your symptoms. The Driving License Bureau will need to know about your multiple sclerosis (MS) when you apply for a driver’s license or when you go to renew it. You will need to fill out a questionnaire regarding your specific medical issues. You may be able to make specific adaptations to your vehicle.

Relationships

Individuals with MS have special emotional and physical issues that they need to deal with and doing so while being in a personal relationship means there may be some adjustments or perhaps some growing to do regarding being open, trusting, and willing to commit to the long-haul no matter what the obstacles are.

Communication can be more challenging with MS, because of the changes in ability to concentrate and the days when you will have clouded thinking which can influence your ability to communicate with your partner. This can put a strain on the relationship and you will have to work hard to compromise, enlighten your partner about the special needs of someone with MS and be willing to be patient yourself as your partner comes to terms with how your MS effects the relationship.

Children

Once the diagnosis of MS has been made, you may need to inform children about the disease and how things may change as symptoms increase. What you say depends on the age of the children and their ability to understand and cope with your disease. It is always good to be truthful, while at the same time putting the news into age-appropriate words.

Don't worry about your ability to parent when you have MS. You are not the disease, rather the disease is something that is in you and a part of you. You are defined not by the disease, but by how well you can rise to the occasion and grow from every situation you face. Parenting despite having a progressive disease is challenging, but it can be done. Lean on your support system.

Find fun things you can do with your kids that are compatible with your physical abilities. When your symptoms are at peak times, there are always support groups (family, friends, community programs) that you can rely on to fill in for you so that your children can still experience the normal activities that are a part of childhood.