Guide To Live A Normal Life with Multiple Sclerosis

If you have a sickness like bronchitis or flu, you know that you’ll be fine and back to normal within a week or two. The stable disease of Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) is different. It can affect your life in many ways.

It is the most common neurological disease in young people, usually between 20 and 40. Approximate 400,000 people in the United States and 2.3 million people globally have M.S. — and there is a new U.S. diagnosis of M.S. every hour, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).

What is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) is a condition that affects both the brain and the spinal cord. The damage in the nerves’ protection, called myelin, causes various symptoms. These symptoms include weakness, discomfort, numbness and tingling, vision issues, bladder problems, etc. 

Some Facts About Multiple Sclerosis ( M.S.)

• M.S. usually occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 50. But it can also occur in young children, teenagers, and older adults.
• M.S. is more common in women. Furthermore, it happens more commonly in Caucasians than in Hispanics or African Americans. But it is comparatively rare in Asians and some other ethnic groups.
• Women are at least two or three times more likely to experience M.S. than men.
• In severe M.S., patients have permanent symptoms such as partial or total paralysis. It can also cause problems with vision, memory, speech, bowel, and bladder function.
• Major symptoms often disappear entirely, and the person recovers from lost function.

Symptoms

Myelin and nerve damage can occur in many areas of the brain and spinal cord. It is the reason why M.S. can infect any part of the body.

Typical Symptoms Of M.S. Include:

• Loss of control of the bladder and bowel system
• Tiredness
• Changes in mood
• The difficulty with thinking clearly.
• Muscle weakness and spasm
• Distorted or double vision

Luckily, most patients with M.S. should not feel any of these symptoms. The actual symptoms that occur are dependent on the extent and location of nerve injury. If the number of nerve damage increases, the symptoms will get worse.

So, you may be thinking about how anyone can live a normal life with Multiple Sclerosis? Let’s explore the answers:

Top 13 Ways To Live A Normal Life With Multiple Sclerosis

1. Maintain good health: It is essential to take care of your primary health needs and M.S. care to minimize the risk of developing other health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer. Maintain a healthy weight and a good nutritional diet.
2. Regular reviews: Even if you are in regular contact with your doctor, you should have a review at least once a year. It is a valuable opportunity to discuss your ongoing treatment. Furthermore, you can note any potential issues you may have. You can also learn of any more help you may require. At last, it will keep you aware of any newly available treatments.
3. Eat for optimal health: Having a healthy diet is very beneficial for M.S. patients.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society notes that there is no particular diet for M.S. But eating a diet low in fat and high in vitamins and fiber will make you feel better. It will also optimize your energy and maintain healthy bladder and bowel function.

4. Keep active: Regular exercise is essential to maintain muscle strength and develop stamina. Exercise will also improve mood and prevent fatigue. Not having enough exercise will increase the chances of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease where the bones can become thin and weak. 

So, start easy with low-impact exercises, such as walking, cycling, or swimming. And gradually increase the hardness level of your exercise.

5. Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of Multiple Sclerosis. Smoking can also decrease some M.S. treatments’ efficacy. Smocking can pose a fire hazard because the smoker has fatigue, coordination problems, and cognitive disorders. Doctors recommend avoiding smoking.

6. Sleep issues: Multiple Sclerosis can cause sleep disorders. These include insomnia, frequent nighttime urination, narcolepsy. It can also cause leg spasms. More than half of M.S. patients have restless leg syndrome.

It’s hard to tell what comes first because people with M.S. are disturbed with their sleep habits. Early morning wake-up due to depression and nighttime wake-up due to overactive bladder. 

You should be proactive and ask the doctor for support. Chronic disease can be stressful, and both M.S. patients and their families deserve as much quality sleep as they can.

7. Reduce alcohol and substance use: Alcohol and other substances are harmful to M.S. patients. Cannabis can help relieve some M.S. symptoms, such as pain and anxiety. But smoking cannabis poses some same health risks as smoking cigarettes. Be careful if you use cannabis in other ways. It can affect balance, coordination, and intellect. 

8. Make yourself as comfortable as possible on bad days: If you’ve had a rough day (or days), do whatever it takes to make yourself happy. Be conscious that you have choices and that you are the owner of your body. No one should or should tell you what’s best for you.

9. Family: Having a family with understanding makes it easy to live with M.S. Not everyone’s family, unfortunately, is compassionate. Use your voice to respond to your needs. If they don’t understand, educate them. Give them pamphlets, guide them to websites. Have a frank but gentle talk with them, or arrange a time with a family counselor. It is essential to have family members who understand your path. You deserve it.

10. Keep calm: Many people with M.S. feel that they are vulnerable to sensitivity to the sun. Your symptoms can get worse as your body temperature increases. Work to keep yourself cool by avoiding hot showers and hot pools. Using the air conditioning in your house and, if possible, keep out of the sun. It would help if you also tried wearing a cooling jacket or a collared wrap.
11.  Remove Toxicity: It is essential to remove toxic behavior to live and succeed in life. Toxic relationships don’t have the best interests of the heart. When anyone puts emotional pressure on you, it’s time to let go of it. It’s not always that easy, but it’s worth it.
12. Research: Learn as much trustworthy knowledge about M.S. as you can. Keep up with the new study, treatments, clinical trials, etc. Be diligent and being mindful of it.
13. Stay positive: Although there is no cure for M.S. right now, newer treatments can slow down the disease. Don’t give up your hope. The study is being conducted to improve treatment and minimize disease progression. If you have a hard time keeping a positive outlook on life, try consulting with a psychologist.

Final Thoughts

Also, Multiple Sclerosis impacts the quality of life more than longevity. While rare forms of Multiple Sclerosis may affect life expectancy, they are an exception rather than a rule. People with M.S. have to deal with specific unpleasant symptoms that affect their lifestyle. But they should be assured that their life expectancy is the same as that of people who do not have M.S.