Things You Can Do to Help Adjust to Multiple Sclerosis
Some people who are newly diagnosed may experience confusion or even a sense of anger toward medical professionals and others, who may be providing too much information too quickly… or conversely, too little information. You will need time to adjust to the new diagnosis, so take things at your own pace.
You may want to learn about the disease a little at a time, which is understandable and may be easier to absorb all of the information; or, you may want to learn all you can right away. Regardless of how quickly you want to learn about MS, consulting reliable resources who can provide you with accurate information is vital. The important things are that you have confidence in the members of the healthcare team you have selected and that you follow their treatment recommendations. You may even decide to interview the healthcare professionals before you make a definite selection.
When you visit your neurologist or other healthcare professional, prepare for your appointment by writing down a list of your questions and concerns in advance. In addition, you should be keeping your own personal health journal, as you are the one who can best report your symptoms to your healthcare professionals.
Questions that may be helpful when seeing members of your healthcare team include:
- What happens if I have new symptoms, or if questions arise between visits?
- What treatment will you prescribe if I experience a relapse (symptom flare-up), and where can I be treated?
- Is a disease-modifying therapy for the treatment of my MS appropriate for me, and if so, how do I choose from among the different options?
- Do I need to make any changes to my exercise routine and diet?
- What types of rehabilitation services do you provide and/or recommend, should the need arise?
- Where can I go for help such as support groups, family counseling, employment, and insurance?
Don’t be surprised if you do not understand what is initially happening to your body, or if the unpredictability of symptoms causes you to feel anxiety. Such responses are not unusual for someone who is newly diagnosed. But as you learn more about MS and find a treatment plan that works for you, these feelings will eventually subside. You may find that speaking with a professional is beneficial, and finding someone who specializes in helping individuals with long-term conditions such as MS is a good idea.
Participating in a support group for newly diagnosed individuals can also be therapeutic. However, please keep in mind that some groups of people may work better for you than others. Finding a group that is a good fit for you is very important. Additionally, personal feelings may not always be appropriate for group settings, and sometimes these need to be processed alone, or with a member of your healthcare team, versus discussing them with a group of individuals you are still getting to know.