Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the neurological cognitive function of the brain and, more specifically, the efficiency and speed in which messages are sent from the brain to the central nervous system.
Having been diagnosed with having MS, an important part of accepting your situation and, indeed, learning to live a fulfilling and positive life while dealing with MS, is to learn all you can about the disease.
To help you do just that, continue reading for help with moving forward after your multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Learn All You Can About MS
Even though your knee-jerk reaction to finding out you will have to adjust your lifestyle and even your daily schedule due to a positive confirmation of multiple sclerosis is to bury your head in the sand, as much as this may feel like the best way of coping, you will ultimately find yourself with reduced emotional wellbeing.
Instead, take it upon yourself to learn everything you can about the illness by speaking to your GP, talking to a therapist who has extensive experience in helping people through their MS diagnosis, as well as buying books on the subject, which will all help you to adjust.
Dedicate Your Time to Finding the Right Combination of Treatments
Even though the fundamental facts regarding epilepsy are similar from person to person, in order for you to feel comfortable and confident in your agreed treatment plan, you should also, while trusting your GP’s experience, look into other therapies to help.
A prime example of this would be to contact one of the best cannabis clinics to book a no-obligation consultation to discuss your personal journey with multiple sclerosis thus far and how the signs and symptoms of the illness affect you.
In addition, you should also bear in mind that, for the majority of people, taking one or more of the following medications could serve to lower your seizure threshold:
- Tramadol
- Metronidazole
- Fluoxetine
- Antipsychotic medicine
Make Small Yet Effective Lifestyle Changes
You will already be fully aware of the various side effects, signs, and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, but you may not be currently au-fait with small changes you can easily make to your daily life, which could serve to reduce at least one or more symptoms.
Believe it or not, striving to avoid becoming too hot, sweaty, and covered in too many layers of clothing could well serve to reduce the frequency and severity of your illness’ side effects. Copious research projects conducted both here in the UK and farther afield have proven that many people living with epilepsy tend to experience more seizures when their core body temperature is higher than average.
Exercise is another important component of a healthy and productive life post-epilepsy diagnosis, and especially for those individuals who are currently working with moderate or even mild MS, regular exercise could well help to prevent
Strive to Reduce Your Stress Levels
Many individuals who have been living with MS for several years or more often state that, during periods of high stress, such as when they are snowed under at work for example, their multiple sclerosis symptoms usually exacerbate.
Luckily, there are numerous, proven-to-be-effective ways of reducing your stress levels, including the following to act as a guide:
- Encouraging a strong and diverse support network around you
- Make sure you make time for self-care and alone time regularly
- Striving to retain perspective by helping people in worse situations than yourself
- Promising yourself to work smarter not harder
- Staying away from alcohol, cigarettes, and recreational drugs
- Setting yourself ambitious yet achievable targets and goals with associated rewards
Never Delay Multiple Sclerosis Treatment Due to Nerves or Worry
Finally, but perhaps one of the most important takeaways of them all, you must set aside your nerves and trepidation should you be someone who has always claimed to hate hospitals and never even dream of ‘bothering’ the doctor by making an appointment.
Medical professionals’ sole job is diagnosing, treating, and coaching their patients to adjust to their new living situation as quickly and stress-free as possible. Should you begin to experience dark periods of low mood, see your doctor immediately.
Although multiple sclerosis affects the brain in a physical way, it is still vitally important for you to remember to regularly check in with your mental health and not to let your worries stand in the way of a successful readjustment and a long, happy, and healthy life.