Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease that attacks your nerves and nerve impulses. Some of the recognizable symptoms of MS include muscle spasms, fatigue, pain, vision problems, bowel issues, weakness, depression and coordination problems. While your MS symptoms may be manageable, they can often be unpredictable, hitting you with a sudden rush of symptoms that you may not be expecting. By working with your doctor to find solutions and therapies for your symptoms, you can manage your MS and live an otherwise healthy and fulfilling life.
Step 1
Record all of your symptoms in a journal. By keeping track of when you feel tired, depressed or experience pain, you can find patterns in your symptoms. Write down the symptom you experienced, when you experienced it and what you were doing at the time. This can help both you and your doctor recognize activities that aggravate your symptoms and work to avoid them in the future.
Step 2
Stay active when you feel up to it. Exercise helps to release endorphins in the brain that can work to help keep depression at bay. Exercise can also help you manage your weight, especially if the symptoms of MS have caused you to gain weight.
Step 3
Rest when you need to. While staying active and daily exercise can help you stay fit and feel better, pushing yourself too hard could exacerbate certain symptoms like fatigue. While you can live a full and happy life with MS, remember that you do have a disease which will require extra care on your part. Schedule time each day to have naps or rest while reading a book in order to recharge without feeling stressed or guilty.
Step 4
Engage in activities which help you relieve stress. Certain stressors can aggravate your MS symptoms, so it's important that you find activities and stress management techniques that work to help you release tension and keep symptoms at bay. Whether you take up crocheting, learn proper breathing techniques or go to a weekly yoga class, stress reduction tactics can help minimize your MS symptoms.
Step 5
Maintain open lines of communication with your health care provider and talk about ways to manage your MS symptoms. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, support groups, certain medications and assistive devices to help you live your life in conjunction with your MS symptoms. By following your doctor's advice and talking to him often about your symptoms, you can work together to find a treatment plan that works for you as an individual.
